‘The Pizza Man’ opened the first Mr. Topper’s Pizza in 1982 and grew the business into a provincewide franchise
Topper’s Pizza founder Ronald Toppazzini died Aug. 15 at the age of 88.
“Born and raised in Copper Cliff [outside Sudbury], Ronald grew up with a strong sense of family, tradition, and hard work,” said his obituary.
“From a young age, he worked at his family’s bakery in Little Italy, an experience that helped shape the work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and love of baking that would follow him throughout his life.”
Toppazzini opened the first Mr. Topper’s Pizza on Notre Dame Avenue in 1982, a franchise which has spread across Ontario.
His obituary said he created “a business that became an important part of his family’s story and a lasting legacy in the community. Over the years, Ronald came to be known as ‘The Pizza Man.’”
“From his early days working in the family bakery in Copper Cliff to becoming Sudbury’s beloved ‘Pizza Man,’ Ronald lived a life built on hard work, determination, family, and community,” said his obituary.
From the single pizza shop in 1982, Toppazzini grew the business into a city-wide franchise and then a provincewide one. Topper’s Pizza has more than 40 locations across Ontario, employing more than 500 people.
The restaurant was the continuation of a long family history in the food industry, dating back to 1904 with Toppazzini’s bakery in Copper Cliff. The family recipe for Italian bread became the basis for the Topper’s Pizza crust.
The company started franchising in 1992, and has since expanded across Ontario, ranging from Timmins in the North, Ottawa to the east and Newmarket to the south. In 2026, Topper’s opened several new locations, including shops in Midland, Orillia and Peterborough.
In 2014, the company unveiled an ambitious plan to go national and open 140 restaurants by 2018. That goal wasn’t met, but the company continues to grow its Ontario footprint.
Topper’s franchise office is in Barrie, while the corporate office and call centre is located in Sudbury.
Toppazzini’s sons, Keith and Kelly Toppazzini, head the company. Keith is Topper’s president and chief operating officer, while Kelly is the chairman and CEO.
