Toppers News

Toppers Pizza Rewards Kenosha with Reprieve from the Big Chain

2010-03-11T06:00:00Z

On Heels of New Opening, Emerging Brand to Maintain Tasty Relationship with ‘Fanatics’; Sustain Bond WHITEWATER, WI – The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. However, Toppers Pizza, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t follow those characteristics. In fact, the new Toppers, located at 6500 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142, will celebrate the reprieve with a grand opening celebration unmatched by the big guns. At 10:00 a.m. on March 20, Toppers Pizza will unleash its newest location to hundreds of “fanatics” by giving the first 50 guests in line free food for a year, and rewarding fans thereafter with prizes and giveaway rewards. “When we open a location, it truly is a celebration. No fake grand openings with boring ribbon cuttings. We go for the grand slam with the way we open, the way we connect with our customers, and the tastes we offer on our menu,” said Scott Gittrich, CEO of the emerging chain, and former Dominos Pizza delivery driver. “Trust me, I quickly learned what not to do with our customer bonds. This is their party, not ours.” Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, 18-34 year olds, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus. Leading Toppers entrance into the Kenosha market is entrepreneur and pizza lover Justin Marten, who was first attracted to the brand as a customer. “I connected with the brand, the food and the people. I know when I opened my doors, Kenosha fanatics would have the same experience,” said Marten, owner of the new Toppers Pizza in Kenosha, and owner of Toppers Pizza in Racine. Marten impressed Gittrich and company, quickly portraying passion for the brand the culture, and, of course, supporting the boycott of the big chain. “Justin Marten fits the profile of a typical Toppers franchisee in that he has the drive to go over and beyond the lackadaisical efforts of the other guys,” Gittrich said. The new Toppers is just one part of the ongoing growth strategy implemented by the marketing brains of the brand, Scott Iversen, who serves as Toppers’ Director of Marketing and Franchise Development. “As we grow, like a balloon, out of Wisconsin and into surrounding states and then nationwide, we want to maintain a stronghold on top-tier franchisees. By doing so, we can maintain our core culture, our brand evolution, and our methodical growth pattern,” he said, noting that the new Kenosha Toppers features the brand’s newest blueprint, an updated, vibrant, “chill”-friendly atmosphere. In 2008, the face of the pizza industry frowned, as sales were sluggish and growth was stunted. Toppers Pizza, though, dodged a slowdown with increased average unit volumes and system-wide sales, five new units, and the sale of five more locations, all under construction. When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40 billion-plus pizza industry. Why? “The reason for our success is simple: We are not one of the ‘Wal-Marts’ of the industry. The big chains have lost identity and brand connection,” Gittrich said. “Our customers are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess has given our brand character, thus we have been able to continue our growth and bonding with an untapped national demographic – the 18-34-year olds.” ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers, visit www.toppers.com. ###

Toppers Pizza Signs Contract with Verizon Wireless Civic Center

2010-03-04T06:00:00Z

Expanding Presence: Toppers Pizza Signs Contract with Verizon Wireless Civic Center Toppers Pizza of Mankato Named Official Pizza Provider of Verizon Wireless Civic Center MANKATO, MN – In the short two years that Toppers Pizza has been a pizza favorite for Mankato residents, it has done much more than just make great pizza, it has built deep connections with the Mankato community. Now, Toppers is being rewarded, as the Toppers Pizza of Mankato has become the official pizza provider of the Verizon Wireless Civic Center, knocking out Domino’s who had been working with the Verizon Wireless Civic Center since it’s opening over a decade ago. Paul and Sue Wilke, the husband and wife franchisee team of Toppers Pizza in Mankato, are honored that Toppers was selected to be the sole pizza provider of the Verizon Wireless Civic Center. “This agreement will increase brand presence for the Toppers Pizza brand not only in our local area of Mankato, but also to visitors throughout southern Minnesota and the northern Iowa trade area,” said Paul Wilke, noting that the Verizon Wireless Civic Center draws from a large geographical area that spans over 22 counties and over 8,500 square miles. “We hope to develop a larger fan base through daily event visitors to the Verizon Wireless Civic Center.” Toppers Pizza has signed a five year contract with the Verizon Wireless Civic Center. According to Executive Director of the Verizon Wireless Civic Center, Burt Lyman, Toppers Pizza will be sold at all event concessions including concerts, sporting events, and shows. Through the agreement, Toppers will have signage throughout the Verizon Wireless Civic Center, use of two electronic reader boards on Riverfront Drive and Madison Avenue in Mankato, plus closed caption video commercials throughout the Verizon Wireless Civic Center. “We’re very excited to work with Toppers and build a strong working relationship,” said Lyman. “The Wilke’s are community-focused and have a strong sense of what resonates with our customers. We know that they will be very successful at the Verizon Wireless Civic Center. It’s a win-win.” This partnership comes only six months after signing a contract with the Minnesota State University athletics department to become the exclusive pizza provider for them. “Our new partnership with the Verizon Wireless Civic Center really compliments our agreement on campus at Minnesota State University,” said Wilke. “It signifies our commitment to becoming a staple in the Mankato community.” Toppers of Mankato opened its doors two years ago and immediately began connecting with the Mankato community through various sponsorships, partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community outreach initiatives. Upon entering the market, Toppers held a huge grand opening event in which the first 50 people in line the day of their grand opening received free Toppers for a year. Ever since then, Mankato residents have been hooked on Toppers. “We have established an emotional connection with Mankato residents and we continue to work on initiatives that further intensify those bonds,” said Wilke. ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers, visit www.toppers.com. ###

Who Said There Was No Such Thing as a Free Lunch?

2010-01-28T06:00:00Z

Who Said There Was No Such Thing as a Free Lunch?; Toppers Pizza’s ‘New Decade Celebration’ Will Reward Fanatics with a Free Lunch for A Year Emerging Brand to Maintain Tasty Relationship with ‘Fanatics’; Sustain Bond WHITEWATER, WI – The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. Toppers Pizza, though, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t follow those characteristics. In fact, the Toppers, located at 2042 East Main St., Suite 103, Green Bay, WI 54302, will celebrate the reprieve with a “New Decade Celebration” unmatched by the big guns. At 10:30am on January 30, 2010, Toppers Pizza will ring in the new decade with hundreds of Toppers Pizza “fanatics” by giving the first 50 guests in line free food for a year, and dispelling the myth that there is no such thing as a free lunch, and rewarding fans thereafter with prizes and giveaways. “Bringing in a new decade is truly a celebration, and we go for the grand slam,” said Scott Gittrich, CEO of the emerging chain, and former Dominos Pizza delivery driver. “Trust me, I quickly learned what not to do with our customer bonds. This is their party, not ours.” Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, 18-34 year olds, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus. Leading Toppers brand throughout the Green Bay market are local entrepreneurs and pizza lovers, Aaron Johnson and Joe Kirschling, who were first attracted to the brand as customers. “We have connected with the brand, the food and the people. We know with this new decade celebration, consumers will become emotionally attached with Toppers Pizza, falling in love with the food and becoming fanatics for life,” said Joe Kirschling, co-owner of the Green Bay Toppers Pizza. Johnson and Kirschling impressed Gittrich and company, quickly portraying passion for the brand and the culture through successful operation of their first location in Appleton that it only made sense for them to expand to Green Bay. “Aaron Johnson and Joe Kirschling fit the profile of typical Toppers franchisees in that they have the drive to go over and beyond the lackadaisical efforts of the other guys,” Gittrich said. The Toppers of Green Bay is just one part of the ongoing growth strategy implemented by the marketing brains of the brand, Scott Iversen, who serves as Toppers’ Director of Advertising and Franchise Development. “As we grow, like a balloon, out of Wisconsin and into surrounding states and then nationwide, we want to maintain a stronghold on top-tier franchisees. By doing so, we can maintain our core culture, our brand evolution, and our methodical growth pattern,” he said, noting that the Green Bay Toppers features the brand’s newest blueprint, an updated, vibrant, “chill”-friendly atmosphere. In 2008, the face of the pizza industry frowned, as sales were sluggish and growth was stunted. Toppers Pizza, though, dodged a slowdown with increased average unit volumes and system-wide sales; five new units; and the sale of five more locations, all under construction. When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40-plus-billlion pizza industry. Why? “The reason for our success is simple: We are not one of the ‘Wal-Marts’ of the industry. The big chains have lost identity and brand connection,” Gittrich said. “Our customers are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess has given our brand character, thus we have been able to continue our growth and bonding with an untapped national demographic – the 18-34-year olds.” ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers, visit www.toppers.com. ###

Eclectic Pizza Franchise Expands to Kenosha

2010-01-28T06:00:00Z

We Come Fast, No Apologies: Eclectic Pizza Franchise Expands to Kenosha Toppers Pizza Continues Successful Emergence; Focuses on Maintaining Consistent Fanatical Brand Support Location-to-Location WHITEWATER, WI – The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. Toppers Pizza, though, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t fit that mold. And now Toppers Pizza is going to bring the first pizza concept with personality to the Kenosha area – set to open in Kenosha in March of 2010 under the leadership of locally-based entrepreneur, Justin Marten. From the get-go Marten was impressed by how Toppers Pizza takes a typical pizza concept and shakes it up through their irreverent personality that’s edgy and unfiltered, characteristics created and maintained through the leadership of CEO and Founder of Toppers Pizza, Scott Gittrich. While Papa John’s, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut are stuck in a stiff battle for the family demographic, Toppers remained hooked on being a hip, cool brand, connected to the nationally untapped 18-34 demographic. This strategy, Gittrich said, has helped Toppers sustain its growth, even in a down economy, in that there are more young, energetic consumers craving a real brand connection. “It didn’t take much convincing for me to open my second location in Kenosha and I am very excited to bring Toppers to the Kenosha community for the very first time,” said Marten. “I have had tremendous success with loyal customers at my Toppers location in Racine, and I am confident that the Kenosha community will become emotionally attached from the moment they walk in the door.” Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, 18-34 year olds, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus. “Justin Marten fits the profile of typical Toppers franchisee in that they have the drive to go over and beyond the lackadaisical efforts of the other guys,” Gittrich said noting that Toppers is expecting to grow further throughout Wisconsin in the next few years. Marten will also carry on a Toppers tradition when it opens its doors to the public later this spring by giving away free food for a year to the first 50 customers. This marketing method creates a fanatical madness, and rush, with Toppers’ customers waiting as long as 48 hours prior to the opening of the doors. “Once Kenosha residents taste our pizza and experience our brand, they won’t go back to the competition,” said Marten, noting the freshness, uniqueness and quality of Toppers ingredients. “I’m confident Toppers Pizza will become a household name in Kenosha.” ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers, visit www.toppers.com. #

Toppers Pizza Rewards Waukesha with Reprieve from the Big Chain

2009-12-11T06:00:00Z

On Heels of New Opening, Emerging Brand to Maintain Tasty Relationship with ‘Fanatics’; Sustain Bond WHITEWATER, WI – The big pizza chains serve their purpose: Mediocre food, mediocre promises, mediocre connections. Toppers Pizza, though, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, doesn’t follow those characteristics. In fact, the new Toppers, located at 2450 N. Grandview Blvd. will celebrate the reprieve with a grand opening celebration unmatched by the big guns. At 10:30 a.m. December 19 at the new Toppers (2450 N. Grandview Blvd.) in Waukesha, Toppers Pizza with unleash its newest location to hundreds of “fanatics” by giving the first 50 guests in line free food for a year, and rewarding fans thereafter with prizes and giveaway rewards. “When we open a location, it truly is a celebration. No fake grand openings with boring ribbon cuttings. We go for the grand slam with the way we open, the way we connect with our customers, and the tastes we offer on our menu,” said Scott Gittrich, CEO of the emerging chain, and former Dominos Pizza delivery driver. “Trust me, I quickly learned what not to do with our customer bonds. This is their party, not ours.” Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, 18-34 year olds, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus. Leading Toppers entrance into the Waukesha market is entrepreneur and pizza lover John Kubisiak, who was first attracted to the brand as a customer. From Kubisiak’s college days of eating at Toppers Pizza every single day, he knew this pizza concept was different from any of the competition out there. It was his love of Toppers Pizza that drove him to work at Toppers in college as a delivery driver and then at Toppers corporate headquarters in Whitewater, WI as a finance intern while working toward his bachelor’s degree in finance. “I literally ate, slept and breathed Toppers Pizza. I used to order Topperstix every night at 2-3 a.m.,” Kubisiak said. “It was the pizza hotspot that all college students fell in love with.” Seeing how fanatical people were about Toppers Pizza and then working in the corporate office and understanding how the proven franchise model worked, Kubisiak did not think twice about wanting to open one of his own. Right after graduation, at 22 years young, he opened his first location. Now with three very successful locations under his belt, he will open his fourth in Waukesha on December 19. Kubisiak impressed Gittrich and company, quickly portraying passion for the brand and the culture. And, of course, supporting the boycott of the big chain. “John fits the profile of a typical Toppers franchisee in that he has the drive to go over and beyond the lackadaisical efforts of the other guys,” Gittrich said. The new Toppers is just one part of the ongoing growth strategy implemented by the marketing brains of the brand, Scott Iversen, who serves as Toppers’ Director of Advertising and Franchise Development. “As we grow, like a balloon, out of Wisconsin and into surrounding states and then nationwide, we want to maintain a stronghold on top-tier franchisees. By doing so, we can maintain our core culture, our brand evolution, and our methodical growth pattern,” he said, noting that the new Waukesha Toppers features the brand’s newest blueprint, an updated, vibrant, “chill”-friendly atmosphere. In 2008, the face of the pizza industry frowned, as sales were sluggish and growth was stunted. Toppers Pizza, though, dodged a slowdown with increased average unit volumes and system-wide sales; five new units; and the sale of five more locations, all under construction. When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40-plus-billlion pizza industry. Why? “The reason for our success is simple: We are not one of the ‘Wal-Marts’ of the industry. The big chains have lost identity and brand connection,” Gittrich said. “Our customers are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess has given our brand character, thus we have been able to continue our growth and bonding with an untapped national demographic – the 18-34-year olds.” ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers, visit www.toppers.com. ###

Big Chains Think One-Size Feeds All:

2009-11-18T06:00:00Z

While Continuously Capturing 18-34-Year Old Demographic, Toppers Research Supports MyZa Launch WHITEWATER, WI – In an ongoing battle to create an alternative to the uneducated big pizza chain’s bland menus, Toppers Pizza, a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, has added a new item, sure to be copied: The MyZa, a pizza designed to fill the needs of just one customer. “The big boys give customers little option for individual taste dining. We have come up with the solution,” said Scott Gittrich, founder and CEO of the growing Whitewater, WI-based franchise brand. “Cold pizza is great, but what if you just want to meet the craving of just a one-time pizza experience? And we don’t force a group of pizza eaters to only choose side one and two – now you can each have your own pizza, with difference toppings, without breaking the bank.” Prior to launching the first product of its kind system wide beginning in November, the off-the-wall pizza chain tested the product to rave reviews in its hometown of Whitewater, Wis. Different from the “pizza-by-the-slice” concepts, the MyZa is still made from scratch and still showcases innovation from the kitchen, as each MyZa still can feature house favorite concoctions. Toppers’ MyZa goal is two-fold: Offer an alternative to ordering a big pizza, while allowing the eaters to have more than two options on the pizza, and meet the price point some of the coveted 18-34 demographic desires. The MyZa competes with any chain offering a “fast food” option and any chain offering low price point menu items. “The best thing about our MyZa is that it isn’t limited to just a few famous Toppers pizzas,” Gittrich said. “You want Mac ‘N Cheese, you got it. Cool C-B-R, we can do that too.” The launch of the MyZa also celebrates a big year for Toppers – including the doubling of its store count, booming from 13 in three states in 2007 to 26 in six states today, and experiencing a 30 percent in company wide sales in 2009. In addition to its sustained growth, Toppers 1,600 square foot prototype is also breaking the mold of the delivery/takeout pizza chain, as average unit volumes are $945,000. Along with its ability to tap into the most influential demographic, Toppers has made a name for itself as the innovators of unique menu items. Toppers was the first delivery brand to capture the cheesy bread marketplace with its famous Topperstix. Toppers has never shied away from innovation with its Mac ‘N Cheese; Potato Topper; Cool C-B-R (Chicken-Bacon-Ranch); The Hangover Helper; Buffalo Wings, Quesadillas, Grinders, and dozens of other menu items. Different from the competition, 70 percent of Toppers’ sales come from items not traditionally found on competitor’s menus. In 2008, the face of the pizza industry frowned, as sales were sluggish and growth was stunted. Toppers Pizza, though, dodged a slowdown with increased average unit volumes and system-wide sales; five new units; and the sale of five more locations, all under construction. When the big chains are down, Toppers has remained up, taking names and gripping its share of the $40-plus-billlion pizza industry. Why? “The reason for our success is simple: We are not one of the ‘Wal-Marts’ of the industry. The big chains have lost identity and brand connection,” Gittrich said. “Our customers are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess has given our brand character, thus we have been able to continue our growth and bonding with an untapped national demographic – the 18-34-year olds.” The new MyZa is just a tasting of what Toppers will serve-up in the next year, Gittrich warned. “Just wait until you see what’s next,” he laughed. ABOUT TOPPERS As a 26-unit eclectic pizza delivery franchise brand, Toppers Pizza, headquartered in Whitewater, WI, takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment by appealing to 18-34 year olds in an irreverent way that totally separates them from the competition. Toppers’ menu includes 17 house pizzas; the franchise’s signature product line Topperstix; Oven-Toasted Grinders; Buffalo Wings; Quesadillas; and cold drinks. The brand has strongly established itself in Wisconsin, and is now in the midst of Midwest and then national growth. By focusing on Toppers’ demographic friendly markets, Toppers is able to continue its building of a fanatical relationship with its customer base. For more information on Toppers or Toppers Area Development Franchise Opportunities, visit www.toppers.com .