1851

Corporate culture can mean many things to a lot of people. It could boil down to the workplace atmosphere&mdash;be it a spacious open office plan, cramped cubicles with fluorescent lights or private offices with great cityscape views. It could also be something as simple as the camaraderie of birthday celebrations, the novelty of free snacks or the freedom of lax office hours.

However you choose to define it, corporate culture matters.&nbsp;According to a study done by Harvard Business Review, nearly 92 percent of employees firmly believe that defining their business culture would improve the overall value of the company. Another 50 percent said taking the time to establish and nurture a company culture could also influence productivity, creativity, profitability and growth rates.

But what makes a winning corporate culture? First, every successful company has a unique identity&mdash;a distinct set of characteristics that sets it apart from other organizations. This personality can give employees a sense of meaning, and it makes them feel like they are truly part of a family&mdash;not just a faceless business.

<a href="https://toppersfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-toppers-pizza-uses-culture-as-a-true-point-of-differentiation-within-crowded-pizza-segment-11335#intro" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toppers Pizza</a>&nbsp;is one brand that does this particularly well. As the brand expanded steadily from its headquarters in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to its current 74 locations, it quickly became known for its irreverent brand voice built upon humorous slogans, fun delivery drivers and marketing programs tailored to its college student audience. Even more than that, <a href="http://topperspizza.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-toppers-pizza-uses-culture-as-a-true-point-of-differentiation-within-crowded-pizza-segment-11335" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toppers</a> was a company that people were proud to be a part of. Talk to any one of its managers, owners, driver or cooks, and they&rsquo;ll all agree: Toppers is a brand fueled by uncompromising values. They respect each other. They&rsquo;re powered by passion. They have an obsessive compulsion to give customers exactly what they want. They&rsquo;re fulfilled by what they build. And, most importantly, they get that anything in life worth doing has to be fun, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

And the larger and more sophisticated&nbsp;Toppers&nbsp;gets&mdash;which increasingly attracts multi-unit franchise investors looking to expand&mdash;the more important it is to Scott Gittrich, Toppers&rsquo; founder and CEO, that the brand never lose sight of its unique culture.

&ldquo;When I left Domino&rsquo;s to start Toppers, I saw a place and a need for a great, made-from-scratch pizza with a more complex menu, but what we really dared to hope to achieve&mdash;and what&rsquo;s come true&mdash;is that it would also be a special place for the people who worked there,&rdquo; Gittrich said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always wanted it to be more than a fast-food job and more than just a place where you dragged yourself to clock in.&rdquo;

After first investing in the brand more than 20 years ago, Caro and Andy Johnson can personally attest to the brand&rsquo;s dynamic culture. In fact, to say that Caro is a fan of her job would be a huge understatement&mdash;she has the Toppers logo tattooed on her back.

Caro and Andy opened the first Toppers franchise in Eau Claire, Wisconsin back in 1997. Andy attended the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater with Gittrich, and he ended up driving for the young company before Gittrich could even afford to pay his drivers. At one point, Gittrich talked to Andy about opening a Toppers of his own. With that, Andy and Caro borrowed $10,000 from their grandparents, bought old equipment from Gittrich and funded the rest of the store on credit cards.

Years later, the two have become an integral part in making Toppers what it is today, helping to craft the mission statement and standards set in each location currently in operation. And it&rsquo;s that same culture that drives Toppers today that continues to fuel the Johnsons and everything they do.

&ldquo;Toppers has always been about culture. It creates this connectedness among the people that run the company and it creates a shared vision&mdash;something we all work for every day. For us, it&rsquo;s the excitement of being forward looking. It&rsquo;s a feeling we all share&mdash;whether you&rsquo;re a driver in Omaha, a franchisee in Charlotte or a pizza maker in Minneapolis,&rdquo; Caro said. &ldquo;The Toppers culture creates a foundation that allows us to put a bunch of things in sight and make them happen. When you have that group of people who feel so strongly about a brand, it feels like anything is possible. But more than that, it makes our jobs funs.&rdquo;

Father and son business partners Jon S. and Jon P. Crowe were drawn to Toppers for the same reason. The two have been with the brand for six years, and they own three locations and manage about 75 Team Members throughout Nebraska.

&ldquo;My dad came to me with this crazy idea to go out to Whitewater to check out a place he found on the Internet,&rdquo; said Jon P., speaking of their first encounter with Toppers. &ldquo;At the time, I couldn&rsquo;t really imagine myself running a pizza shop, but I thought I&rsquo;d go with him to keep him a little grounded. But, now, here we are.&rdquo;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Jon P. believes that much of their ongoing success can be attributed to the core values that fuel the entire Toppers franchise system.

&ldquo;Every day we&rsquo;re impressed by the people and the attitudes driving this brand. I love that our No. 1 core value is integrity. Everybody here has integrity, and no amount of money, marketing or branding can buy that,&rdquo; Jon P. said.

In the years ahead, Gittrich believes that it&rsquo;s Toppers&rsquo; culture that will continue to be one of its true differentiation points as it eyes continued growth throughout the country. Backed by this unwavering passion, Toppers is hoping to introduce 10 new franchisees to its growing family in 2017 alone. So far, the brand is already well on its way to achieving that goal&mdash;after a successful 2016 filled with climbing sales and the signing of three multi-unit deals, representing 41 new store commitments, Toppers is on pace to add 14 new units in 2017.

&ldquo;The people who thrive with Toppers want something they can connect to. They want to do something that&rsquo;s special. They want to have that real place to go to work and do something that matters. They want a great pizza place that their kids can be proud of,&rdquo; Gittrich said. &ldquo;Work should be something you&rsquo;re passionate about&mdash;something you pop out of bed for because you&rsquo;re that excited to start a new day. Toppers people have that feeling every single day.&rdquo;

How Toppers Pizza Uses Culture As a True Point of Differentiation Within Crowded Pizza Segment 

1851 Franchise

Backed by unwavering passion system-wide, Toppers is hoping to introduce 10 new franchisees to its growing family in 2017 alone.


This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

how-toppers-pizza-uses-culture-as-a-true-point-of-differentiation-within-crowded-pizza-segment

Image Studios

Photo of "Coming Soon" IMAGE Studios location

Evanston RoundTable: IMAGE Studios Coming to Downtown Evanston, Illinois, in Albion Retail Space

salon-suites-evanston-albion

The Melt

Fast Casual: Greg Vojnovic Joins the Melt as Head of Franchising

the-melt-greg-vojnovic-head-of-franchising

Right at Home

Why Buying a Right at Home Resale Can Be a Smart Entry Into Owning a Senior In-Home Care Franchise

right-at-home-franchise-resale-benefits

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Pigtails & Crewcuts Takes a Bold Step Forward with a New Children's Book and Training Platform

pigtails-crewcuts-book-training-platform

BIGGBY COFFEE

image of biggby red bull spring energy boos partnership

BIGGBY® COFFEE Launches Limited-Time Cherry Sakura Red Bull® Lineup for Spring Energy Boost

biggby-coffee-cherry-sakura-red-bull

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

The Top 10 Low-Cost Franchises With High ROI 

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal

nothing-bundt-cakes-kkr-acquisition

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards - 1851 Franchise

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

franchise-disclosure-violations-xponential-fitness-lawsuit-ftc

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units - 1851 Franchise

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units

applebees-franchisee-bankruptcy-neighborhood-restaurant-partners

Why Skilled Trades Are Emerging as the Economy’s Most AI-Resilient Careers

ai-skilled-trades-authority-brands

The Penny Shortage Is Creating a New Risk for QSR Franchise Systems - 1851 Franchise

The Penny Shortage Is Creating a New Risk for QSR Franchise Systems

penny-shortage-restaurants-franchise-compliance

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Newk’s Eatery Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

newks-eatery-franchise-costs-fees-profit

BrightStar Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: BrightStar Care is a home health care franchise that provides both medical and non-medical services.

franchise-deep-dive-brightstar-cares-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Sparkle Dog Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Sparkle Dog Care is a membership-based pet grooming franchise that blends wellness-focused hygiene services with small-box retail and community engagement.

sparkle-dog-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Caring Senior Service logo, franchise deep dive

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Caring Senior Service is a home care agency that provides non-medical in-home assistance to seniors.

Caring Senior Service Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

caring-senior-service-franchise-costs-fees-profit-data

How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

how-much-can-franchisees-make-a-guide-expert-tips

Understanding&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-money-do-i-need-to-buy-a-franchise-a-guide-2730910">the total investment</a> required for a franchise is one of the first questions prospective franchise owners ask. While the answer can vary widely depending on brand, industry and market, knowing what goes into it can help entrepreneurs evaluate opportunities realistically (and avoid costly surprises).So, what&nbsp;is the total investment required for a franchise? The total investment reflects everything needed to open and operate the business and adequately navigate its early stages, from buildout to working capital.<h2>Why The Total Investment Matters</h2>Transparency is important. Investment details should be front and center early in the discovery process. It should also be a significant element of the franchise development website for any business opportunity.“The most visited page is the initial investment/start-up cost,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://thejointfranchise.com/">The Joint Chiropractic</a> Senior Vice President, Development&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmsherwood/">Craig Sherwood</a>. “This is not a surprise. This question is almost always the first a candidate will ask during the initial phone call. It’s critical for a brand to be transparent with not just the initial investment information but the royalties and fees associated with becoming a franchisee.”Developing an accurate understanding of the full financial picture required allows potential zees to assess affordability, tolerance for risk and long-term expectations (before moving ahead or signing a franchise agreement).<h2>What Goes Into The Total Investment?</h2>While every franchise system is different, the total investment required typically includes several core components. “The investment range includes three months of operating costs, the franchise fee and related expenses,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplycabinetryfranchising.com/">Simply Cabinetry</a> owner and CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianasimmons-simplycabinetry/">Diana Simmons</a>. So, what is the total investment required for a franchise?&nbsp;Here are five components:<ul><li>Franchise Fee – The upfront fee paid to join the franchisor system and access the brand, training and support available. &nbsp;</li><li>Buildout and Equipment – Costs tied to general construction, leasehold improvements, signage, fixtures and equipment. &nbsp;</li><li>Inventory and Opening Supplies – The initial product, materials or inventory required to open. &nbsp;</li><li>Working Capital – The funds needed to cover payroll, marketing and operating expenses during the first few months of operation. &nbsp;</li><li>Ongoing Fees – Royalties, marketing contributions, technology expenditures and other recurring fees outlined in the franchise disclosure document (FDD).</li></ul><h2>Making An Informed Investment Decision</h2>So, what is the total investment required for a franchise?&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-capital-is-needed-to-buy-a-franchise-2716989">The amount required</a> to launch a franchise opportunity can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, or more, depending on the industry, concept and recognition of the brand. That’s why a thorough review of FDD Item 7 (estimated initial investment) and consultation of experienced franchise counsel is crucial.A clear understanding of the total investment required to start a franchise can help candidates navigate the process more effectively. By asking questions early and thoroughly evaluating costs, franchisees can determine whether a brand aligns with their financial goals, laying the foundation for long-term success.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

What is the total investment required for a franchise?

What is the total investment required for a franchise? In this guide with expert tips, learn the costs of starting a franchise, including the fees, buildout, capital and ongoing expenses required.

What is the Total Investment Required for a Franchise? A Guide For Prospective Franchisees

what-is-the-total-investment-required-for-a-franchise-a-guide

Building&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-do-you-build-a-franchise-business-plan-2717037">a business plan</a> is a crucial operational step for any entrepreneur. But how do I build a business plan for a franchise that complements the franchisor’s system while addressing the unique needs of a given location? In this guide with expert tips, you’ll learn how to craft a thoughtful, actionable franchise business plan.<h2>Start With The Franchisor’s System In Mind</h2>So, how do I build a business plan for a franchise? Well, avoiding repetition is a good start.“You specifically don’t want to duplicate what your franchisor is doing,” said long-time multi-unit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a> franchise owner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haynes-chidsey-6a36a06/">Haynes Chidsey</a>. “There’s a reason why you join a franchise system and why you pay the fees and costs associated with it.”A strong franchise business plan should take advantage of the resources, marketing and operational systems that the franchisor provides (while utilizing daily experiences at the local level to help fine-tune what matters locally).<h2>Focus On Local Priorities</h2>A franchise business plan should be&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-to-build-a-strong-franchise-brand-presence-in-your-local-community-2729771">locally focused</a>. It should reflect the unique characteristics and needs of each local market. It’s essential to identify opportunities to attract local customers, build relationships within the community at the local level and tailor services to the regional preferences required by each market.“Be complementary to what your system provides,” said Chidsey. “Stay locally focused. That’s what I would say is key. Avoid mistakes by focusing on the magic.”<h2>Practical Steps For Building Your Plan</h2><ol><li>Assess Both Market And Competition – Build a thorough understanding of local demand, competitors and potential customer base. This will lead to more informed projections. &nbsp;</li><li>Define Financial Goals – Include startup costs, ongoing fees and revenue expectations in the business plan. Staffing, rent, marketing and working capital should all be factored in. &nbsp;</li><li>Leverage Franchisor Resources – Incorporate the systems, training and support offered by the franchisor (instead of reinventing processes). &nbsp;</li><li>Set Operational Priorities – Decide which areas require hands-on local management (as opposed to areas guided by the franchisor). Focus energy where it’s most impactful. &nbsp;</li><li>Review And Adjust – A business plan shouldn’t be static. So, track performance, adjust strategies and refine priorities as the franchised business scales.</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-3-developing-a-franchise-business-plan-2722586">Creating a franchise business plan</a> is about balance. With a clear plan that integrates franchisor resources and local insight, franchisees can confidently move forward, knowing their businesses are structured to thrive. Leveraging a proven franchisor system to make smart, locally relevant decisions is key. By slowing down to go fast, and catering to the local trends or demands unique to each market, zees can more effectively build a roadmap and franchise business plan capable of delivering long-term success.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How do I build a business plan for a franchise?

How do I build a business plan for a franchise? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to build a plan that leverages franchisor resources, focuses on local priorities and brings long-term success.

How Toppers Pizza Uses Culture As a True Point of Differentiation Within Crowded Pizza Segment

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS