Toppers Pizza to open first Virginia franchise at Beacon Center

Toppers will move into the space formerly occupied by Zinga Frozen Yogurt.

Ever wonder what tater tots would taste like on a pizza? In a few months you’ll be able to find out when Toppers Pizza opens at the Beacon Center.

Toppers, a Wisconsin-based pizza franchise, will take over the space formerly occupied by Zinga Frozen Yogurt at 6676 Richmond Highway. Zinga closed its doors earlier this year after being open for a little more than three years. 

With more than 30 toppings including Wisconsin mozzarella cheese, tater tots, and dill pickles, Toppers is looking to win crowds over with their unique offerings. Franchise owner Mike McLaughlin told Covering The Corridor that Toppers makes all of their dough in house and will focus primarily on delivery and take out. 

McLaughlin owns nine Five Guys in Maryland, but he’s no stranger to the pizza business. He worked in various roles for Domino’s and Papa John’s for 15 years in the Northern Virginia area.

The Beacon Center location will be Toppers’ first store in Virginia. McLaughlin said he chose Alexandria because he believes it’s a strong market for pizza delivery. He hopes to open 4-5 locations in the Alexandria area, including one on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray.

Ultimately, Toppers is looking to develop 22 more stores in Northern Virginia, McLaughlin said. 

McLaughlin said the Beacon Center lease has just been finalized and he hopes the store will open by October 1. Until then, carb lovers will have to keep dreaming about that first bite of a pizza smothered with cheese and tater tots.