--- title: "Based on Four Consecutive Quarters of Double-Digit Sales Growth, Toppers Pizza Targets Twin Cities for Future Franchise Development" url: https://burnaze.com/article/30287dc9-8d91-4538-970f-02fd02d4f667 source: "1851 Franchise" original_url: https://1851franchise.com/based-on-four-consecutive-quarters-of-double-digit-sales-growth-toppers-pizza-targets-twin-cities-for-future-franchise-development-2715718 category: "Pizza" industry: "Restaurants" segment: "Pizza" topics: ["Development & multi-unit"] published: 2021-05-12T16:11:00.000Z modified: 2026-11-01T02:25:28.524Z image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/d2264e285c592eb41626d2b1aaaff8b55522.jpg --- # Based on Four Consecutive Quarters of Double-Digit Sales Growth, Toppers Pizza Targets Twin Cities for Future Franchise Development **TL;DR:** Toppers Pizza targets the Twin Cities for future franchise development, capitalizing on the pizza delivery industry's growth with nearly 70 corporate- and franchise-owned locations in 12 states. The brand has room for 20-plus additional stores in the Twin Cities metro and saw a 21% increase in year-over-year sales in Minnesota in 2020. *originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2021-05-12. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/based-on-four-consecutive-quarters-of-double-digit-sales-growth-toppers-pizza-targets-twin-cities-for-future-franchise-development-2715718).* ## Key facts - Toppers Pizza targets Twin Cities for 20+ new stores - 21% year-over-year sales increase in Minnesota - Investment range: $314,075 to $530,000 ## Story Toppers Pizza, the fast-growing, tech-driven pizza delivery franchise with nearly 70 corporate- and franchise-owned locations in 12 states, has its sights set on several new franchise growth markets in the Midwest, including the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Right now, the pizza delivery industry is booming, and as the COVID-19 pandemic has created an increased demand for convenient off-premise service, there has never been a better time to invest in a Toppers Pizza franchise. In 2020, Toppers’ commitment to providing convenience to customers through advanced technology allowed the brand to thrive and continue opening locations while other restaurants shuttered stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, Toppers is keeping that momentum strong, wrapping up Q1 as the fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit sales increases. Now, Toppers is looking to build on its already successful presence in Minnesota. In 2020, Toppers’ Minnesota locations saw a 21% increase in year-over-year sales. ## Midwest expansion plans Overall, the brand has room for 20-plus additional stores in the Twin Cities metro, with further room for growth in the midwest. There are four territories available in Grand Rapids, two to three in Lansing, two in Ann Arbor and one each in Saginaw, Muskegon, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. "I believe that Minnesota has the prime customers for Toppers Pizza,” said Caro Johnson, a long-time franchisee who owns four Toppers locations in Wisconsin. “Pizza is a comfort food, and we're in the Midwest — it's an accepted food that can be eaten weekly without tiring, and we are in the perfect position to provide quality food to excited, engaged customers.” Since first opening its doors for business, Toppers has continued to set the standard for high-quality, conveniently delivered pizza. Not only is the pizza made with real Wisconsin cheese, made-from-scratch dough and a wide array of fresh toppings, but the Toppers team also pioneered a customized POS and online ordering platform that makes ordering easier for customers. Johnson notes this approach creates a “hometown mentality” that separates Toppers from the competition and allows franchise owners to dominate their local market and bring in impressive revenue. “Our competitors have a very corporate approach,” she said. “The small town, hometown feeling and ownership that Toppers is cultivating translates to every market. Toppers is actively looking for ways each local market can stand out and shine. They're working hard to incorporate local flavors, local styles and to really position us to be unique among the many." ## Menu innovation strategy To do this, Toppers has always prioritized staying ahead of customers’ expectations through menu innovation. The brand has continued to roll out chef-driven menu items recently, including vegan options such as vegan Topperstix, and the recent addition of prime rib and Nashville Hot chicken as a topping option. Currently, Toppers operates 13 locations in Minnesota. Prospective franchisees in the Midwest area will benefit from a vast family of established franchisees and Toppers’ robust corporate team, which is much larger than most brands its size. The team offers a high level of support in which franchisees’ voices are heard and decisions are made based on feedback from the field. “The rigor of owning your own business is a roller coaster, but the best part of franchising with Toppers is that even on your worst day, you have a support system,” said Johnson. “Whether it's a fellow franchisee, a business coach or our founder and president Scott Gittrich himself, there is always somebody available to answer your phone call.” Now, Toppers is looking for qualified entrepreneurs like Johnson to help expand the brand in the Midwest and beyond. “From experienced pizza people to business leaders who desire something more, Toppers is growing through a pack of passionate franchisees who live and breathe the brand’s core values,” said Beth Larson, director of store development. “We are excited to continue growing the Toppers franchise in the Midwest with qualified franchisees who are eager to join a well-positioned brand.” *The* *investment range* *for a Toppers Pizza franchise is $314,075 to $530,000, with the initial fees coming in at $10,000 to $30,000. The AUV for fiscal year 2020 was $1,030,000+ for stores open five years or more.** ## Entities - 1851 Franchise (publication) - Restaurants (sector) - franchise development (topic) - menu innovation (topic) - unit growth (topic) - Toppers Pizza (company) - Minnesota (location) - midwest expansion (topic) - Twin Cities (location) - pizza delivery industry (topic) --- Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/based-on-four-consecutive-quarters-of-double-digit-sales-growth-toppers-pizza-targets-twin-cities-for-future-franchise-development-2715718). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/30287dc9-8d91-4538-970f-02fd02d4f667).