Ronald Toppazzini, the founder of Topper’s Pizza who built a single Sudbury pizza shop into a provincewide franchise known as Topper’s Pizza, passed away on Aug. 15 at the age of 88, according to his obituary published by Sudbury.com. Toppazzini, widely recognized in the community as “The Pizza Man,” laid the foundation for a business that eventually grew to encompass more than 40 locations across Ontario and employed over 500 people.
Early Beginnings and the Family Bakery Roots in Copper Cliff
Born and raised in Copper Cliff, Ronald Toppazzini grew up immersed in the food industry through his family’s long-standing baking traditions. According to his obituary, he spent his youth working at his family’s bakery in Little Italy, an environment that instilled the work ethic and entrepreneurial drive which guided his career. This family lineage in baking stretched back to 1904 in Copper Cliff, with the historical Italian bread recipe from those early days ultimately serving as the direct inspiration and basis for the signature crust used by Topper’s Pizza.
Expansion of the Topper’s Pizza Franchise Across Ontario
Toppazzini opened the inaugural Mr. Topper’s Pizza location on Notre Dame Avenue in 1982. Over the following decades, what started as a single storefront evolved into a citywide operation and later a broad provincial franchise. According to company background reported by Sudbury.com, franchising officially began in 1992, allowing the brand to stretch across Ontario from Timmins in the north, Ottawa to the east, and Newmarket to the south, with newer shops opening in Midland, Orillia, and Peterborough. While the corporate office and call centre remained anchored in Sudbury, the franchise office was established in Barrie.
Did you know? In 2014, Topper’s Pizza announced an ambitious growth strategy aiming to scale up to 140 restaurants nationwide by 2018. While that specific national rollout target was not reached, the company maintained steady growth within its core Ontario footprint.
Leadership Succession and Family Legacy
Management of the family enterprise transitioned to the next generation. Toppazzini’s sons currently lead the company operations, with Keith Toppazzini serving as president and chief operating officer, and Kelly Toppazzini holding the roles of chairman and CEO. Ronald Toppazzini is survived by his wife, Jeannine Toppazzini, along with their four children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A funeral mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Aug. 25 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Sudbury, with family requesting that memorial donations be directed to Maison McCulloch Hospice or the church itself.
Legal Context and Resolution
According to reporting by Village Media and Sudbury.com, he was charged in 2022 with sexual assault and sexual exploitation in connection with alleged incidents dating back to 1989 involving a person under the age of 16. However, those charges were stayed in February 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first Topper’s Pizza opened?
The first location, originally named Mr. Topper’s Pizza, opened on Notre Dame Avenue in 1982, according to his obituary.
Who currently runs Topper’s Pizza?
The company is led by Ronald Toppazzini’s sons: Keith Toppazzini serves as president and chief operating officer, and Kelly Toppazzini is the chairman and CEO.
Where are the Topper’s Pizza corporate offices located?
The corporate office and call centre are located in Sudbury, while the franchise office is situated in Barrie.
How many locations does Topper’s Pizza operate?
Topper’s Pizza operates more than 40 locations across Ontario, employing over 500 people.
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