Topper's Pizza Announces Winner of its Pizza Making Genius 2013 Contest

Orangeville Resident Chris Fryer Wins Over Judges With His Greek-Inspired Chicken Pizza. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) May 23, 2013 - BARRIE, Ont. - Topper's Pizza is pleased to announce the winner of its popular Pizza Making Genius contest. The 2013 winner, Orangeville-resident Chris Fryer, edged out his competition with his Greek-style chicken pizza. Fryer will receive free pizza for one year and his specialty pizza will be listed as part of the Topper's Pizza regular menu across Ontario and be featured throughout the summer during Topper's advertising campaign.

Ultimately the judges were won over by Fryer's combination of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like feta cheese, boneless chicken marinated in Topper's Famous House Dip, Kalamata olives, sweet red onions, diced tomatoes and a creative crust recipe that included a creamy garlic and tomato sauce and secret cheese blend.

"I love to cook and experiment with different flavors at home and on a whim I decided to enter this contest," said Fryer. "After seeing the list of semi-finalists, I realize now just how close my competition was."

Keith Toppazzini, president of Topper's Franchise Company Inc. said he was very impressed with the level of kitchen creativity that was shown by the entrants. "Chris's pizza is not only tasty, but also represents the best of what Topper's Pizza is famous for - using fresh and ample ingredients to create a meal. Quite simply, this recipe is delicious and I can't wait for all of our customers to try it."

"We're absolutely thrilled that one of our local customers has won this contest," said Topper's Pizza Orangeville store owner Christine Meyer. Store manager John Stackhouse went on to say, "We can't wait to start serving this winning pizza recipe to the rest of the Orangeville community who are undoubtedly many of Chris's friends and family."

Pizzas were judged on four criteria: appearance, aroma, taste and the likelihood to be recommended. Judging this year's entries were local radio jocks Rock 95's Morning Crew - Tim, Ozz and Ami, Stephanie Britton from Gordon Food Services and Wendy Dempsey from SickKids Foundation (Topper's Pizza charity of choice). Videos of the judges in action tasting all the pizzas and then selecting the winning entry are available on the Topper's Pizza Youtube channel.

Semi-finalists were presented each with vouchers for two large deluxe pizzas and a bottle of Topper's 350ml dip. They include:

· Hot Ranch Pizza submitted by Dimitrios S. from Burlington

· Spicy Bacon Ranch Chicken Pizza submitted by Rick L. from Collingwood

· Honey Garlic Pizza submitted by: Cristina Y. from Nepean

· Pepperoni Avalanche Pizza submitted by John S. from Orangeville

· Mediterranean Chicken Pizza submitted by Chris F. from Orangeville

· Philly Cheese Steak Pizza submitted by Irvin A. from Sudbury

· Zesty Supreme Pizza submitted by Lyne P. from Sudbury

· BBQ Meats Pizza submitted by Kris T. from Sudbury

Runners up in the Pizza Making Genius contest are Irvin A. from Sudbury for his Philly Cheese Steak Pizza recipe and Christina Y. from Ottawa for her Honey Garlic Pizza recipe. Both entrants were awarded free pizza for one year.

About Topper's Pizza
In 1904, the Toppazzini bakery was a successful local business in Sudbury. Today, the Toppazzinis have earned their place as 'the first family of pizza' with a growing pizza franchise and a province-wide chain of stores that is aiming to reach 250 in the next seven years. To learn more about Topper's Pizza franchise opportunities, visit www.toppersfranchise.ca or contact Topper's Franchise Company at 877-558-5581.

"Our brand is all about returning to our roots," said Toppazzini. "My great grandfather started the tradition of serving 'amazingly delicious' baked goods more than 100 years ago and we're proud to continue his legacy."

Media Contact: Mark Wessel, Bullpen PR, 705-445-2733, mwessel ( @ ) bullpenpr dot com

Ingrid Culbert, Bullpen PR, 949-713-6903, ingrid ( @ ) bullpenpr dot com

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