Village Pub Pizza Inc. Gets New Owner
Earle Enterprises, parent company of Cranky Pat’s, purchases frozen pizza line
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2007
Neenah, WI
For the past two years, Earle Enterprises has experienced tremendous growth with its Cranky Pat’s Frozen Pizzas. Tom Marquardt, owner of Village Pub Pizza Inc. for 29 years, watched that growth as he was making a personal decision to move onto another phase of his life. When Marquardt met David Earle, passing the torch seemed a smart business decision for both men.
“I’ve had a great run with Village Pub Pizza over the years, and deciding to leave behind something I have worked so hard to create wasn’t an easy decision,” said Marquardt. “It was extremely important to me the Village Pub brand continue, the manufacturing facility remain in Winneconne, and the employees have continued employment. After meeting with David over the past few months, I am confident he will make that happen and am excited to see how he expands the business.”
“We plan to build upon Tommy’s successes,” noted Earle, “while improving the product.” Village Pub frozen pizza fans will notice a few differences in the upcoming months, including an improved crust, more toppings, and new packaging.
The purchase expands not just Earle Enterprises’ product offering but also its manufacturing capabilities, something drastically needed as they had already reached manufacturing capacity with the Cranky Pat’s brand. The two brands will now be produced in both the Neenah Cranky Pat’s facility and the Winneconne facility. “I think that this positions us as the largest producer of hand-made pizzas in the Midwest,” commented Earle.
Earle Enterprises employs 27 people in its frozen pizza business, and Village Pub Pizza Inc. currently employs 10 people. The acquisition includes additional land in the Winneconne industrial park to allow for further manufacturing capacity and local employment opportunities as Earle grows and expands both product lines.
“I’m very excited about this new venture, and I look forward to strengthening the Village Pub Pizza brand,” commented Earle.
Earle Enterprises purchased Village Pub Pizza Inc. for an undisclosed amount, which includes a royalty agreement. For more information about Earle Enterprises, please contact David Earle at 920.720.5353 or david@crankypats.com.
