
Why the Right Warmer Is Your Secret Weapon for Satisfied Customers and Skyrocketing Sales
When it comes to running a successful pizza business, every detail counts. One of the most effective tools in your Hunt Brothers® Pizza Shoppe setup isn’t your oven or your signage—it’s your warmer. Acting as a silent salesperson, a well-placed, clean, and properly stocked warmer can drive impulse purchases, attract more customers, and boost your bottom line.
At TBHC Delivers®, we understand how critical warmers are to your business. Here’s everything you need to know about why a visible countertop warmer is essential, how to choose the right one, and how to maximize its potential in your store.
Your Warmer: A Silent Salesperson
Think of your pizza warmer as an extra employee—one that never stops working to sell your product.
Here’s how:
Attracting Attention: A warm, glowing display stocked with delicious, fresh pizza draws customers in. People buy with their eyes, and a visible warmer makes it easy for customers to choose your pizza over other snacks.
Driving Convenience: Warmers create a grab-and-go experience that’s perfect for busy customers. Whether they’re fueling up or running errands, having pizza ready to grab makes their decision simple.
Boosting Impulse Buys: A visible warmer triggers cravings. Even customers who didn’t plan to buy food may pick up a slice or a whole pizza when they see (and smell) it ready to go.
Choosing the Right Warmer for Your Store
TBHC Delivers offers several types of warmers, each designed to meet your store’s and customers’ unique needs.
Whole Pizza Warmers
- Best for Employee-Served Stores: These warmers are ideal for stores where staff are always on hand to assist customers. Place the warmer close to the register to make it easy for employees to serve whole pizzas quickly.
- Appeals to Families and Groups: Whole pizzas are perfect for customers buying for a group or taking dinner home.
Tiered Slide Warmers
- Ideal for High-Traffic, Grab-and-Go Stores: These warmers let customers help themselves Hunks quickly and easily.
- Perfect for Busy Times: Slide warmers speed up service and keep customers moving in high-volume stores.
Rack Warmers
- Flexible and Space-Saving: These warmers can hold whole pizzas and slices, giving you versatility based on your store’s needs.
Not sure which countertop warmer is right for you? Your Account Manager can help you decide which warmer fits your space, your store’s traffic patterns, and customer preferences.
Tips for Maximizing Warmer Sales
A warmer is only as effective as its presentation. You can turn your warmer into a powerful sales tool by focusing on placement, freshness, merchandising, cleanliness, and team training.
Placement Matters
Where you place your warmer directly affects how many customers notice it—and how many decide to buy.
Visibility is Everything: Place your warmer where it’s easy to see as customers walk in or browse the store. For whole pizza warmers, positioning them near the register makes it convenient for employees to serve customers while they’re paying.
Match Traffic Flow: Slide warmers work best in high-traffic areas where grab-and-go purchases are common. Consider spots near the register, beverage coolers, coffee stations, or other areas where customers naturally linger.
Keep It Accessible: Avoid placing your warmer in a cluttered corner or behind other displays. Make sure customers can easily reach it and see what’s inside without obstruction.
Keep It Fresh
Freshness is key to maintaining your pizza’s appeal. Customers want to know they’re getting a hot, delicious product, not something that’s been sitting too long.
Rotate Product Regularly: Thin crust pizzas, for example, should only stay in the warmer for about 30 minutes. Check the warmer frequently and replace older products with fresh ones.
Restock Quickly: A half-empty warmer sends the wrong message. Keep your warmer fully stocked at all times to maintain an appetizing display. Customers are more likely to buy when they see plenty of fresh, ready-to-eat options.
Use a Variety of Products: Rotate different types of pizzas, such as classic Cheese, Pepperoni, Loaded, and other specialty options, to cater to a range of customer preferences.
Merchandising Counts
Your warmer isn’t just a display—it’s an opportunity to advertise and build customer trust.
Use Proper POP Materials: Make sure your warmer is equipped with clear, professional-looking point-of-purchase materials. These should include pricing, logos, and descriptions of what’s available inside.
Highlight Promotions: If you’re running a special offer or limited-time product, make sure it’s clearly advertised on the warmer. Eye-catching signage can encourage impulse purchases.
Set Customer Expectations: Good signage helps customers know exactly what they’re getting. Clearly label products and include information about pricing to eliminate confusion and drive sales.
Cleanliness is Key
Customers notice the details, and a dusty or greasy warmer can quickly turn them away. Cleanliness isn’t just about appearances—it’s about building trust in your product.
Daily Wipe-Down: Clean your warmer thoroughly inside and out every day. Wipe down the glass, handles, and interior shelves to remove grease, crumbs, or fingerprints. Remember to turn the warmer off before cleaning for safety!
Keep the View Clear: Make sure nothing is blocking the warmer, such as clutter on the countertop or nearby shelves. The pizza should always be the star of the show, with nothing distracting from its appeal.
Check Throughout the Day: Don’t wait until the end of the day to clean up spills or grease marks. Regular touch-ups keep your warmer looking its best.
Check out our full Cleaning Checklist on the TBHC Delivers Resources Page!
Train Your Team
Your team plays a crucial role in keeping the warmer clean, stocked, and effective. Proper training ensures they know how to keep it operating at its best.
Cleaning Best Practices: Your Account Manager can teach you and your team how to safely clean the warmer, including turning it off before wiping down surfaces.
Stocking and Rotating: Make sure staff understands the importance of product rotation and keeping the warmer full. Show them how to quickly swap old pizzas for fresh ones without disrupting the display.
Use Available Resources: Direct your team to the additional cleaning and maintenance resources on the Pizza Portal or the TBHC Delivers Resource page. These resources are designed to make training simple and effective.
Regular Check-Ins: Encourage staff to check the warmer regularly throughout the day. A quick wipe-down or restock takes just a few minutes but keeps everything running smoothly.
Why Your Warmer Matters More Than You Think
At TBHC Delivers, we believe your warmer is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s a key player in driving customer satisfaction and boosting your profits. The right warmer, placed in the perfect spot, kept clean, and stocked with fresh, delicious pizza, can make your Pizza Shoppe the go-to destination for hungry customers.
And here’s the best part: you’re not in this alone. Your TBHC Delivers Account Manager is your partner every step of the way. Need help choosing the best warmer for your store? Wondering where it should go or how to keep it looking its best? We’ve got you covered.
Every little detail, from product rotation to proper signage, adds up to create an irresistible experience for your customers—and we’re here to help you nail it. With our expertise and your commitment, your warmer will work as hard as you do to drive sales and delight customers. Let’s make your Pizza Shoppe the place everyone comes back to for quick, convenient, and tasty meals!
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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.