Franchising

Toppers Pizza partners with Charlotte family for North Carolina locations

Photo: Toppers Pizza

May 22, 2024

Toppers Pizza has inked a deal with the Castillo family to open its first location in Charlotte, North Carolina. This collaboration marks the initial step in Toppers' plan to expand across the state with nine new restaurants, according to a press release.

The Charlotte store will be operated by Carlos Sr., his wife Lillian, daughter Leslie, and son Carlos Jr. and his wife Debbie. Carlos Sr., a seasoned construction business owner for 22 years, sought a new venture alongside his family and discovered an opportunity in franchising with Toppers Pizza.

"We're not only excited to be first-time franchisees, but also thrilled to be part of a company that we are personally fans of and while bringing our family closer together," Carlos Castillo Sr. said in the release. "For us, it's not just about serving good food, but cultivating the perfect guest experience that my family and I cherished as customers ourselves. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels that same satisfaction."

Carlos Jr. brings a wealth of hospitality experience, having worked in various roles from hotel bartender to management positions at pizza chains like Papa Johns and Hungry Howie's Pizza. Debbie, Carlos Jr.'s wife, complements their team expertise with both food service experience and a degree in baking.

This partnership signifies significant growth for Toppers Pizza in North Carolina. Within the past six months, the company has secured agreements with three new franchise groups to open nine locations across major cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Greenville, and Durham.

Toppers Pizza has more than 70 locations. The brand is located in Whitewater, Wisconsin.