
Why I Came Back To Pizza: The Nostalgic Pull of Toppers
Former pizza industry executives return to Toppers Pizza, citing nostalgia as a reason for rejoining the franchise.
Papa Johns is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 696 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. * Papa John's CEO Todd Penegor and former CFO Ravi Thanawala are named in a securities class action lawsuit alleging the company misled investors about its strategic transformation progress [[2026-10-29 Papa John’s CEO, former CFO named in securities class action (ad4e68)]]. * Papa Johns is offering a limited-time Jack-o'-Lantern Pizza for Halloween, available from October 19 to November 1, 2026, at participating restaurants in Canada [[2026-10-19 Papa Johns Summons a Halloween Favourite The Jack-o’-Lantern Pizza Returns (aa2b68)]]. * The QSR pizza category has gained share from the at-home pizza market, with QSR pizza now accounting for 45% of total pizza spending, a 3.1% increase compared to 2019 [[2026-10-22 QSR pizza is stealing share from the freezer aisle (7cac02)]]. * Papa Johns is promoting its The Works pizza, a Handcrafted Specialty Pizza loaded with seven premium toppings, available for a limited time starting at $10.99 for a medium and $13.99 for a large [[2026-09-23 Papa Johns The Works Pizza Seven Premium Toppings in One Perfect Bite (a16818)]]. * Papa Johns has partnered with Walmart to offer delivery of its pizzas, sides, and desserts using Walmart Express Delivery [[2026-09-11 Papa Johns to offer delivery from Walmart (d4855d)]]. * Papa Johns is investing in new technology to improve operations and sales, including a rebuilt digital platform and a new point-of-sale system from PAR Technology [[2026-09-15 How technology is powering Papa Johns’ turnaround (8b6c8a)]]. * Papa Johns has refranchised 28 corporate-owned restaurants in the Orlando market to longtime franchisee Wade Oney, bringing his total portfolio to 120 units [[2026-09-01 Papa Johns Refranchises 28 Restaurants in Orlando Area (6a262f)]]. * Domino's has a quiet strength in having few closures, with only 95 locations closed over the past nine years, and its new unit openings are actual expansion rather than replacements [[2026-09-15 One quiet Domino's strength few closures (61455b)]] Filed under Restaurants / Pizza.
Also known as Papa John's International, Papa John's USA, Papa Johns USA, Inc.

Former pizza industry executives return to Toppers Pizza, citing nostalgia as a reason for rejoining the franchise.

Todd Geatches has 32 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including working as a three-unit franchisee of Oliver’s pizza and a District Manager for Papa John’s.

Toppers Pizza founder Scott Gittrich challenges corporate pizza chains to a 'Presidential Pizza Debate' on Election Day.

Papa John's is rolling out a pan pizza nationally after two years of development, a move the company hopes will be its biggest new product in 10 years.

Papa Murphy's targets Albuquerque for growth, aiming to expand its presence in the market over the next three years.

Toppers Pizza uses 100% real Wisconsin mozzarella cheese, aged to perfection, in their pizzas, differentiating them from competitors like Pizza Hut and Domino's.

Papa John's strategic partnerships boost sales and national brand awareness through deals with sports organizations.

The restaurant industry is evolving with AI, loyalty programs, and a focus on sustainable unit economics, according to the QSR 50 report.

Checkers & Rally's plans to open 60 locations in Michigan as part of its expansion strategy in the state.

Restaurant chains capitalize on football season with promotions and theme days.

GYMGUYZ continues to grow with its franchise model, offering a unique fitness experience to customers.

Mobile ordering has become a critical piece in restaurants' plans to increase sales, with customers spending more and returning more frequently.
QSR Magazine's 2026 report highlights industry trends and growth, with brands emphasizing sustainable unit economics and AI deployment.

Toppers Pizza has signed a 22-unit development deal with a seasoned franchise group to expand in Virginia and Maryland.

Toppers Pizza's multi-unit development fueled its strong second quarter, with sales increasing 5.2% and the brand adding new locations.

Multi-unit operators set Toppers Pizza up for record expansion from east to west with major development deals.

A Buffalo Wings & Rings franchisee has launched an anti-bullying campaign, highlighting the brand's commitment to community involvement.

Showhomes is eyeing expansion in Baltimore as the city's housing market soars, with a focus on providing home staging and renovation services.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchisees discuss the importance of a 'team-first' mentality in the franchise industry.

For Papa Murphy’s, the Vancouver-based take-and-bake pizza chain, being purposefully simple has always been a way of life.

Republicans propose plan to ease business regulations, but article does not mention franchising or multi-unit operators.

QSR Magazine recently released its 2026 QSR 50 report, painting a picture of an industry that remains impressively resilient despite cautious consumer spending and intense competition.

Toppers Pizza targeted the Millennial crowd with late night hours, fast delivery, and better pizza, leading to profitable growth and expansion in the Midwest.

Sandwich franchisees find success transitioning to Toppers Pizza due to similarities between the two industries.