Topper’s Pizza offers franchising incentives to military veterans

July 16, 2015, Barrie, Ont. – Topper’s Pizza recently became a part of the Canadian Franchise Association’s Military Veterans Program and is now using the initiative to reach out to new franchisees in Ontario.

The program, developed with the Department of National Defence, is designed to help honourably discharged Canadian Forces personnel who want to transition to work outside the Forces through opportunities in franchising.

Military franchise owners are eligible for a substantial reduction of up to 50 per cent in licensing and franchise fees.

In recognition of their brave service to Canada, Topper’s Pizza through the program is offering Canadian military veterans substantially reduced franchise and licensing fees to become franchisees in the Canadian chain.

“Success in the military is often achieved through the same qualities that translate to success in franchising – discipline, leadership, commitment, and an ability to work with a standard operating procedure. Franchising can provide meaningful career opportunities for veterans and enable veterans to go into business for themselves but not by themselves,” the CFA website says.

Topper’s also will provide a marketing allowance to each location and put together a campaign targeting local customers. A big part of that marketing effort is putting out a profile of the franchisee that introduces them to their community and highlights their charitable efforts for and involvement in that community.

The chain is focusing recruiting efforts in Angus, Ont., which has a high population of current and former military members and is adjacent to CFB Borden near Barrie and Wasaga Beach.

“People in the military make ideal candidates because they tend to be process- and results-driven and thrive in a structured environment,” said Keith Toppazzini, president and chief operations officer at Topper’s Pizza.

“At the end of the day, a customer’s choice of restaurant will ultimately be decided on taste and preference, but people want to be doing business with people in their communities,” Toppazzini said.

Those interested in participating in the program may find more information at the CFA website or by contacting Topper’s Pizza through www.toppers.ca.