CHICAGO — Fast-expanding Wisconsin-based pizza franchise Toppers has shuttered all four of its Chicago locations and a spot in DeKalb.
The company's website removed all Illinois outposts from its map.
"We are closed, like, forever," a sign read at the Wrigleyville Toppers, 3404 N. Sheffield Ave. The pizzeria was closed as of Thursday.
On Tuesday, a Toppers in Bucktown at 1658 N. Milwaukee Ave. was closed, with an empty menu board and signs of construction. The outpost opened in February 2015.
A worker at a tanning salon next to the Bucktown Toppers said it closed about a week ago.
In late February, South Loop blog Sloopin reported on a shuttered Toppers that had opened in 2012.
The fast-casual chain, which started in Wisconsin in 1991, had more than 60 locations in 11 states and focuses on fresh ingredients, with each store making dough from scratch daily.
Scott Gittrich, founder and president of Topper's, headquartered in Whitewater, Wis. said on Tuesday that the closures, which were effective Feb. 23, only took place in Illinois.
"We recently made the tough decision to close the four corporate-owned Toppers Pizza stores in the state of Illinois including locations in the South Loop, West Loop, Wrigleyville and DeKalb."
The Bucktown location, which was a partner-owned franchise, has also closed.
"Toppers Pizza will be back in Illinois under the right circumstances and with the right franchisee partners in the future, but we are restructuring in order to focus our growth efforts in other states," Gittrich said.
"It has been an honor to serve our Toppers fanatics in Illinois and we are proud of the quality pizza experience we've been able to share. Until next time, 'Never Settle' for crappy pizza, Illinois."
Beloved for its late-night hours, Topperstix breadsticks and pizzas loaded with toppings like tater tots and macaroni and cheese, Toppers was a popular option for college students and can often be found near campuses.
Most had limited seating, with the majority of business coming from take-out or delivery orders.
The chain expanded its Chicago footprint in 2015, opening in Wrigleyville, Bucktown and Lincoln Park. At the time, the company said it hoped to open 10 locations in the Chicago area, with the potential for more if additional franchisees signed on.
Meanwhile, Michigan-based pizza chain Jet's has opened five restaurants across the city, and has two more locations in the works.
