Turn Your Pizza Warmer into a Sales Machine with Smart Stocking, Timing, and Merchandising
When it’s stocked right, placed smart, and looking fresh, your pizza warmer does more than hold food—it drives sales, attracts customers, and keeps your pizza program running strong all day long.
Your pizza warmer might look simple—but when it’s used the right way, it becomes one of the most powerful tools in your store. A well-stocked, well-placed, and well-maintained warmer helps you capture impulse buys, serve hungry customers quickly, and keep your pizza sales strong all day long.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your warmer work harder for you—from what to stock and when, to simple presentation tips that drive more purchases.
Stock Based on the Daypart
Timing matters. Stocking the right products at the right time helps you reduce waste and meet customer demand more effectively.
Morning (6–10 AM)
- Feature Breakfast Pizza—a big draw during the early rush.
- Keep a small batch of Hunk A Pizza® in the warmer for early commuters.
- Consider adding WingBites® as a grab-and-go snack for shift workers.
Midday/Lunch (11 AM–2 PM)
This is your peak pizza-selling window. Keep the warmer full with:
- Hunk A Pizza in both Original and Thin Crust
- WingBites and Wings
- Combos or meal deals (promoted with POP signage)
- Keep popular toppings stocked and rotate fresh pizzas regularly.
Afternoon to Evening (3–7 PM)
- Stock more whole pizzas for family dinners and after-school snacking.
- Restock WingBites, especially for commuters.
- Consider a “pizza + drink” deal or combo meal for quick dinners.
Late Night (7–10 PM)
- Rotate in options with less toppings or WingBites.
- Keep a few fresh Hunks on hand, but reduce volume to avoid waste.
- Keep signage visible for late-night customers looking for a quick bite.
Keep the Pizza Looking Hot and Fresh
Even the best pizza won’t sell if it doesn’t look good. Your warmer is your in-store billboard—if it looks full, clean, and fresh, it attracts customers.
- Rotate product regularly. Don’t let Hunks and whole pizzas sit past their hold time.
- Keep pizzas spaced apart. This allows air to circulate and helps maintain quality.
- Use proper misting on Thin Crust and Cheese Only pizzas to keep them from drying out.
- Wipe down the glass and inside the warmer daily (and between shifts, if needed).
- Replace packaging as needed—no greasy liners or soggy boxes.
Customers buy with their eyes. A clean, full, and well-lit warmer encourages people to stop, look, and grab something tasty.
Warmer Placement Is Key
Where you put your warmer can make a big difference. If it’s tucked in a corner or hidden behind clutter, you’re missing out on impulse buys.
Best placement tips
- Near the checkout counter for easy upsells
- In or near the main traffic flow of the store
- Visible from the entrance or beverage station
Keep the path to the warmer clear of clutter, stacked boxes, or unrelated displays. Customers should be able to spot the warmer, see what’s inside, and walk right up to it.
Set Your Team Up for Success
A warmer that’s properly managed takes teamwork. Make sure your staff is trained to:
- Restock based on time of day and customer patterns
- Use the Build-To Chart to plan what to cook and when
- Track waste and rotate product as needed
- Clean the warmer regularly and keep signage up to date
Your TBHC Delivers Account Manager can help coach your team, bring updated POP materials, and give tips on inventory and prep strategy based on your store’s sales patterns.
Try These Warm-Up Tips to Boost Sales
Here are a few creative ways to make your warmer even more effective:
- Use hot sauce or condiments nearby to enhance flavor and encourage add-ons.
- Highlight meal deals with signage: “Grab a Hunk + Drink = Quick Lunch!”
- Sample during peak hours. Let customers try a bite of Breakfast Pizza or WingBites.
- Promote variety. Include both Original and Thin Crust in your warmer—customers love having a choice!
Make Your Warmer a Sales Leader
When you use your warmer wisely, you create a consistent, craveable, and convenient experience for your customers—any time of day.
Your warmer is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s a sales tool, a brand display, and a customer magnet. Use it right, and it’ll help your Pizza Program shine.
Need help fine-tuning your warmer strategy?
Your TBHC Delivers Account Manager is here to help. From stocking suggestions and daypart planning to signage, sampling tips, and team training, they’re ready to support you with hands-on advice tailored to your store. Reach out today and let’s make your warmer work smarter—and sell more!
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TBHC Delivers
TBHC Delivers is the largest distributor of Hunt Brothers Pizza; we are our own business and brand. We own our trucks and follow, believe and deliver on all Hunt Brothers Pizza’s visions. TBHC Delivers builds upon the high-quality product of Hunt Brothers Pizza with value-add customer service like our 15-Point Promise.