Rhode Island has been so good to us,” says Top This! Pizza Crust Owner Roger Dwyer explaining why he is so committed to have his business help others in the community.
In 2008, after retiring from a career as a culinary arts instructor at Johnson & Wales University, Roger decided
to launch his own company selling ready-made grilled pizza crusts and Top This! was born.
“The idea was to make it easier for busy families to make pizza for dinner,” as Roger describes his plan. “Pick up a crust and toppings and you’re all set.”
Top This! started selling crusts in markets and stores in Rhode Island and, from there, the business took off, now selling 12,000 crusts per week from a small facility in Providence.
“We’re doing well now and we want to give back to the community that supported us.”
Top This! donates thousands of pizza crusts to the Food Bank each year. The crusts are used at afterschool meal sites where the kids love them and they are also distributed through the Food Bank’s network of 160 member agencies.
“I couldn’t afford to give the dollar amount of these contributions, but I can donate my company’s most valuable asset—food.”
Roger also visits the Food Bank to speak with Community Kitchen students about the food industry and even provides pizza-making demonstrations as part of the curriculum.
Recently, Roger donated TV segments that he purchased on two local shows, both produced by Joe Zito, TV Maitre ‘d and Fresh & Local. The clips increased visibility for the Food Bank and raised awareness of the unique partnerships between the organization and local businesses like Top This! Pizza Crust.
Roger and his wife both make financial contributions to the Food Bank as well. He shares: “I’m very lucky in life so I can think about what I can do for other people.”
“Very few charities say ‘Rhode Island’ like the Food Bank. And even fewer have the impact that this organization has. It’s a perfect fit for Top This! and we’re glad to help.”
