Toppers Pizza continued its vigorous expansion plans with the opening of its 50th franchise last week.
The Whitewater-based restaurant chain’s newest location is in Ann Arbor, Mich. – its first in the state.
“We are very proud of this milestone and cannot wait for the people of Michigan to taste our pizza for the first time,” said Scott Gittrich, CEO of the emerging chain and former Domino’s Pizza delivery driver. “We would not be here if it wasn’t for our extremely loyal fans and customers. “
Since its founding 21 years ago, Toppers has grown progressively throughout the state and is in the process of expanding beyond Wisconsin’s borders, now with 50 stores in eight states.
Along with its ability to tap into the 18-to 34-year-old demographic, Toppers has made a name for itself as an innovator of eclectic and unique menu items like the Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Hangover Helper and Gyro Topper pizzas.
The Ann Arbor store will be owned and operated by lifelong Toppers fans, Mahmoud Baydoun, who is a former operator of Subway, and his partner Waseem Younis.
“The team effort and support system that comes with Toppers is very alluring to me; there is no need to feel alone or vulnerable in opening up something new,” explained Baydoun. “My goal first and foremost is to get started and open up an effective and popular location. In the future I’d like to expand to multiple locations.”
The new location is part of a larger growth strategy for Toppers, including an expansion to Chicago last summer.
Corporate forecasts a larger presence throughout Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Texas and the first location in Arkansas set for this year.
The company has already contracted 15 new locations to be built by the end of 2013, with the ultimate goal of opening a total of 30 stores. Additionally, the brand plans to reach 150 locations by the end of 2015 and 500 by 2020.
“As we grow, like a balloon, from Wisconsin into the rest of the nation, we want to maintain our core culture, our brand evolution, and our methodical growth pattern,” said Scott Iversen, Toppers Pizza Director of Marketing.
With the pizza industry pushing the $40 billion dollar plus mark, Toppers plans on grabbing a piece of the pie, he said.
“The reason for our success is simple, meaning that we are not one of the Walmarts of the industry. The big chains have lost their identity and brand connection,” Gittrich said. “Our customers are fanatical about our brand. Our quirkiness and edginess has given our brand character and enabled us to reach this remarkable milestone.”
To celebrate its 50th unit, Toppers will offer 50 percent off all house pizzas and Topperstix at every location across the country on Feb. 5.
“With this celebration, we want to reward them [customers] for their support and dedication to our brand,” said Gittrich.
In addition to its line of 18 pizzas, Toppers offers other food items, including quesadillas, boneless chicken wings, buffalo wings and signature items – including cheese bread under the branding Topperstix and pizza sandwiches known as Grinders.
Toppers is headquartered in Whitewater at 333 W. Center St.
