Square One Foods: A Frozen Pizza Phenomenon in Wisconsin’s Northw
In the Upper Midwest, frozen pizza isn’t just a quick meal – it’s practically a way of life. From legendary local brands lining the expansive freezer aisles of Wisconsin supermarkets to the beloved bar pizzas served alongside pints of beer, this region takes its pizza seriously. That’s why it’s big news when a small-town company rises above the rest. Square One Foods, based in Siren, Wisconsin, has done exactly that – transforming from a humble local producer into an award-winning frozen food powerhouse. Polka Dot Dairy is proud to highlight Square One Foods as one of our outstanding vendor partners, bringing convenience stores and small grocers across Minnesota and Wisconsin a taste of this remarkable success story. In this post, we’ll explore Square One Foods’ origin story, their mouthwatering product lineup, industry insights into frozen foods, and what makes this company a “slice above the rest” in the frozen pizza business.
From a Local Legacy to a Fast-Rising Star
Every great brand has an origin story. Square One Foods’ roots stretch back over 40 years in Siren, WI – a small community in the Northwoods. For decades, the company quietly served as a local producer of familiar favorites, primarily pizzas and pastas, building a loyal following in the region . Operating under the corporate name “A Slice Above the Rest,” Square One Foods passed through a couple of ownership changes in its early history. By the time Dan Milota entered the picture in 2023, he became only the third owner in the company’s 40-year history . What followed under Dan’s leadership was nothing short of transformational.
Dan Milota acquired Square One Foods in 2023 under interesting circumstances. The business was up for sale with an initial offer of $650,000, but Dan’s negotiations – including the exclusion of the building from the sale – brought the price down significantly . Even after securing a better deal, the early days were challenging: the company reportedly incurred a $70,000 loss in his first six months at the helm . However, this setback was merely the setup for a major comeback. Drawing on determination and strategic know-how, Milota revitalized the operation and, within two years, drove sales up by more than 1,000% . This astonishing growth spurt turned Square One Foods into one of the fastest-rising local food brands in Wisconsin.
What catalyzed such growth? A combination of passionate leadership and industry experience. Before taking over Square One Foods, Dan Milota had built a strong resume in food distribution and sales. He worked with national foodservice giants, serving as an area manager at Performance Foodservice from 2020–2023 and a marketing associate at Sysco from 2017–2020 . These roles gave him deep insight into what retailers and restaurants look for in products and how to drive growth in the food business. Milota also wasn’t new to entrepreneurship or the food industry – in fact, his love affair with food started much earlier. At just 15 years old, he worked in an Italian restaurant under the wing of three Sicilian chefs, learning authentic Italian cooking from them . That early hands-on education ignited his lifelong passion for great food (especially Italian cuisine) and taught him the value of quality ingredients and techniques. Combined with a stint in sports nutrition sales (where he honed marketing and leadership skills) and even experience as a volunteer firefighter and community leader in the Siren area , Dan Milota brought a unique blend of community-minded values and business acumen to Square One Foods.
Under Milota’s direction, the company didn’t just grow in sales – it expanded its vision. He saw an opportunity to turn this regional gem into something bigger. “I intend to fulfill my vision for Square One Foods to become a national brand while maintaining high-quality products at reasonable prices,” Milota said of his goals for the company . The aim is to widen distribution across grocery stores, gas stations, bars, taverns, and restaurants nationwide, ensuring profitability for all stakeholders – from the manufacturer to the retailer – by delivering products that customers love at prices that make sense . In other words, Square One Foods’ philosophy is not just about selling pizza; it’s about creating a win-win for the local stores and eateries that carry their products. This collaborative spirit resonates strongly with Polka Dot Dairy’s own mission of supporting independent grocery and convenience stores.
Innovation on the Menu: Pizzas, Pastas and More
One stroll through Square One Foods’ retail store or a glance at their menu, and it’s clear this is not your average frozen pizza company. When Dan Milota took over, he supercharged the company’s product development. The product line expanded with over 25 new items, including nearly two dozen varieties of pasta and lasagna dishes, as well as some globally inspired offerings like rice dishes and even sous-vide chicken entrees . The idea was to offer much more than pepperoni pizza – Square One Foods now provides a full palette of flavors and foods that can cater to diverse tastes.
Locally made pizzas and pastas from Square One Foods, featuring creative flavors like “Lumberjack Oktoberfest” and “Wisconsinite” pizzas, plus hearty dishes such as Creamy Polish Pasta and Italian Hot Links with Peppers & Onions. The company’s motto, “Making Frozen Pizza Taste Homemade,” is proudly printed on every package.
Pizza is the star of the show at Square One Foods, and they’ve truly raised the bar on what a frozen pizza can be. Their slogan is “Making frozen pizza taste homemade!” and they back that up with quality and creativity. Customers can choose between two signature crust styles – the hand-tossed “Lumberjack” crust for a thicker, heartier bite, or the “Tavern Round” thin crust, a nod to the crispy bar-style pizzas beloved in the region . Both crust types serve as the foundation for an array of inventive toppings. In fact, Square One Foods offers so many varieties that pizza lovers might have trouble picking a favorite. They produce all the classics – Pepperoni, Sausage, Four Meat, Supreme, Combo – but also roll out unique specialty pizzas that you won’t find from the big national brands. How about a BBQ Pulled Pork pizza, or the aptly named “Beerologist” pizza (perhaps crafted to pair perfectly with a cold beer)? Craving breakfast for dinner? They’ve got an Eggs Benedict pizza and even a Breakfast pizza drizzled with country gravy as the sauce . For those who like a little heat, options like Buffalo Chicken or the Tex-Mex inspired Nacho Taco flavors are sure to please. There’s even a seasonal “Oktoberfest” pizza and a local pride “Wisconsinite” pizza, demonstrating how Square One isn’t afraid to have fun with flavors.
One particularly buzzworthy creation from Square One Foods was their Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pizza – yes, you read that right, a pizza topped with all the fixings of a chili cheese dog. This limited-edition pie came loaded with pieces of hot dog, chili beef, cheddar cheese sauce, and onions, proving that almost any comfort food can be reimagined on a pizza crust. The company teased this flavorful experiment on social media (“ok, ok… hear us out… loaded chili cheese dog… but on a pizza! Freakin’ amazing!” ) and customers loved the creativity. Innovation and playfulness in the kitchen keep customers checking back to see what Square One will think of next.
Square One Foods isn’t afraid to push the envelope. Pictured here is their limited-edition Loaded Chili Cheese Dog Pizza, piled high with hot dog pieces, cheddar cheese, onions, and jalapeños – a perfect example of the creative flavors that make their frozen pizzas taste like a gourmet experience.
While pizza is the headliner, Square One Foods has a supporting cast of delicious offerings. Not many pizza companies can also boast about their pasta line, but this one does. They prepare twenty different pasta dishes ranging from Italian classics to Midwest comfort food mashups . In the freezer at their retail store (and in many local groceries), you’ll find homemade-style lasagnas – seven varieties to choose from . Their Original Meat Sauce Lasagna is a nod to tradition, layered with rich meaty tomato sauce, while other lasagna flavors include Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Bacon Ranch, a spicy Buffalo Chicken lasagna, a Bacon Cheeseburger lasagna, a Breakfast lasagna (which intriguingly uses country gravy as the sauce), and a Vegetable Lasagna for veggie lovers . Each comes in either a family-size 5 lb tray (great for feeding a crowd) or handy individual 10 oz microwaveable portions . This flexibility makes them a hit in both retail and foodservice: a busy parent can bake a family-size pan for dinner, or a convenience store with a microwave can sell hot single servings for lunch-on-the-go.
On top of that, Square One Foods offers other pasta dishes beyond lasagna. They produce items like Chicken Alfredo Cavatappi, Bacon Mac & Cheese, Cheesy Polish sausage pasta in “Sunday Sauce”, Mostaccioli with Italian hot links, and more – bringing classic and novel pasta flavors to the freezer aisle . Even fully cooked sous-vide chicken entrees have made it into their lineup, providing lean protein options that have been “a real winner” and are steadily gaining popularity with customers . It’s clear that Square One Foods aims to be a one-stop shop for hearty frozen meals that feel homemade – far beyond what you’d expect from a typical frozen pizza maker.
Crucially, Square One Foods pays attention to dietary needs and formats as well. They haven’t ignored the growing demand for different portion sizes and dietary options. Many of their most popular pizzas are available in both standard 12-inch sizes for families and smaller 9-inch personal sizes . They also recognize that an increasing number of consumers seek gluten-free choices – so Square One offers 10 gluten-free pizza options featuring their beloved topping combinations on a gluten-free crust . This inclusivity helps retailers cater to a wider customer base, ensuring nobody has to miss out on enjoying a Square One pizza.
From a convenience store owner’s perspective, this product diversity is gold. Stocking Square One Foods products means you can offer something for everyone: the trucker who wants a quick pepperoni pizza to heat up, the local customer looking for an interesting new pizza flavor to try at home, the busy mom grabbing a pan of Chicken Alfredo lasagna for an easy family dinner, or even the bar down the street that needs a tasty thin-crust pizza to keep patrons happy late at night. It’s not often you find a wholesale frozen food supplier that can provide creative pizzas and pastas with a local brand story and proven quality. That’s a key reason Polka Dot Dairy has teamed up with Square One Foods – to bring this level of variety and quality to the communities we serve.
Quality That Wins Awards (and Hearts)
Having a lot of flavors and products is one thing, but quality is what keeps customers coming back. Square One Foods prides itself on delivering that “homemade” taste and quality in every item. They achieve this by focusing on great ingredients (using local Wisconsin cheese and meats whenever possible, for instance) and recipes refined by real culinary passion. Dan Milota’s early tutelage under Sicilian chefs and his devotion to Italian cooking traditions shine through in the authentic taste of their pizzas and sauces . The company even emphasizes that they use local ingredients, a detail that customers notice and value – it “adds distinct value,” as one reviewer noted . In other words, when you bite into a Square One pizza, you’re not just tasting generic mass-produced fare; you’re tasting Wisconsin.
The commitment to quality and innovation has not only pleased customers – it has also earned formal recognition. In 2024, Square One Foods made history by becoming the first frozen food manufacturer to win a “Best Of” award in the pizza category . This accolade came from the Burnett County Sentinel’s Readers’ Choice “Best Pizza in Burnett County” award, where Square One’s pizza beat out even fresh-made pizzerias to take the top spot . Locals essentially voted it the best pizza around – frozen or not. That’s a huge testament to just how delicious these products are. It’s not every day that a frozen pizza can claim it outshines restaurant pies, but Square One Foods achieved it, much to the pride of Siren residents. They’ve since proudly advertised this achievement, letting everyone know that when you stock Square One pizzas, you’re offering award-winning quality to your customers.
That 2024 “Best Pizza” win wasn’t a one-off; Square One Foods (and Dan Milota personally) have racked up several honors. The Burnett County Sentinel award also spurred recognition in other categories – for example, the company has been a Readers’ Choice winner multiple times, and Dan Milota was nominated in 2025 for “Best Boss,” “Best Manufacturer,” “Best Grocery Store,” and even “Best Breakfast” (perhaps reflecting their popular breakfast pizza and breakfast lasagna offerings) . In 2025, Milota’s leadership and success with Square One Foods earned him inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who and recognition as a Top Business Owner in the Food Production industry . Industry peers took note of how a small-town frozen food company was now expanding distribution and eyeing national growth while keeping quality high. Milota also received a Perseverance to Achieve Award in 2023 (from his prior role at Performance Foodservice) – a fitting prelude to the perseverance he demonstrated in reviving Square One Foods . And during his Sysco tenure, he earned back-to-back-to-back “Prospector of the Quarter” awards for sales excellence . These credentials reflect a leader who knows how to build a brand and maintain excellence.
Of course, the highest praise often comes from the everyday customers who try Square One’s products. And those reviews have been glowing. “This is the best product around! You can’t find any better pizza, hands down,” raved one enthusiastic customer, Lindsey, on Facebook . She even noted, “I live out of state and drive [in] just for the pizza!!!” . That’s devotion! Another local patron named Paul shared a similar story of discovering Square One’s pizza at a bar and being blown away: “I tried one at a local bar and it was the best frozen [pizza] I’ve ever eaten,” he wrote, adding that the experience prompted him to visit the store and load up on a family-sized lasagna and fettuccine Alfredo to take home . For busy folks in the Siren area, Square One’s retail outlet has become a must-visit. “People were so friendly and I’m looking forward to eating the pizza… Maybe I was hungry,” Paul joked after his shopping spree , highlighting not just the delicious food but also the welcoming, friendly service the company provides. Quick, positive comments like “Great pizzas. Friendly staff,” as another customer simply put it , are common. The consensus from local reviews is clear: Square One Foods delivers on taste, quality, and hometown hospitality.
It’s worth noting that Square One Foods operates a retail store right at their production facility in Siren, giving them a direct connection to their customers. Locals and visitors can pop in to pick up pizzas and pastas straight from the source – and even watch the team in action through a production window viewing area . This transparency and community engagement no doubt help build trust and loyalty. When Square One hosted a customer appreciation open house in December 2025, the turnout was great and the company expressed heartfelt thanks on social media, saying, “We appreciate your business!” . They frequently run specials (like flash sales at partner grocery stores and weekend promotions) and even crowdsource ideas – for instance, gauging interest in a special Prime Rib Pizza for the holidays . All these efforts underscore a philosophy of listening to customers and serving the community.
Community Values and a Partnership Mindset
One of the most endearing aspects of Square One Foods is how deeply it remains rooted in its community even as it grows. In an era of big corporations, this company retains a small-town ethos of helping neighbors and supporting local causes. For example, Square One actively assists with fundraisers for schools and organizations – they invite groups to collaborate, offering their products for fundraising drives and charitable events . For 41 years (and counting), they’ve been the local producer who doesn’t just feed the community, but also gives back to it . This approach aligns perfectly with the values of many independent grocery and convenience store owners, who know that supporting local vendors often means reinvesting in the community’s well-being. When you carry a brand like Square One Foods, you’re not only getting a quality product to sell – you’re partnering with a company that cares about your town and your customers.
Dan Milota’s personal commitment to community service further reinforces the company’s culture. Outside of work, he served as a volunteer firefighter in both Minnesota and Wisconsin communities for several years . He’s also been involved with local school fundraisers, the Siren Chamber of Commerce, and police association events . That spirit of service and local involvement trickles into how Square One Foods operates day-to-day. Employees at the Siren facility are like family, customers are greeted warmly, and the company’s Facebook page regularly shares good wishes on holidays and shout-outs to community happenings (for example, thanking veterans on Veterans Day or wishing local sports teams good luck). All of these little things paint a picture of a business that sees itself as part of a larger family with its customers and community.
From a retailer’s perspective, these values matter. Consumers today love authentic, local brands that have a story and a heart. When a convenience store or small grocer stocks Square One Foods products, they’re not just adding another SKU to the freezer – they’re telling a story: “This is a pizza made right here in Wisconsin, by folks who care about quality and community.” That narrative can be a selling point in itself. Shoppers have a lot of choices in frozen foods, but a brand with a hometown connection and genuine passion can stand out on the shelf. It encourages customers to buy local, even within the walls of a chain convenience store, and that can foster loyalty. Plus, Square One’s products come with built-in talking points – “Did you know this frozen pizza was voted the best pizza in the county?” – which can excite consumers to try something new.
Tapping Into Trends: Why Square One Foods Fits the Market Perfectly
To put the success of Square One Foods in broader perspective, it helps to look at some industry insights. The frozen pizza and prepared foods market has been on a steady rise. Consumers in 2024–2025 are increasingly seeking convenient, ready-to-eat meal options that don’t sacrifice quality . In fact, the frozen pizza category in the U.S. saw a significant jump in sales recently – dollar sales grew by 10.7%, reaching about $6.8 billion in annual revenue by 2023 . That growth is fueled by people realizing that frozen pizza can indeed taste great and save time, especially as companies innovate with better ingredients and recipes. Globally, the frozen pizza market is projected to keep climbing, with estimates hitting $23.3 billion in revenue by 2025 and continuing upward thereafter . This is a lucrative and growing space for food retailers.
One big trend within this market is the shift toward premium and gourmet frozen pizzas. No longer are customers satisfied with just plain cheap pies; many are willing to pay a little more for something special – perhaps a unique flavor or a “craft” pizza experience at home . Square One Foods is a perfect example of a brand riding that premiumization wave. By offering creative flavors like those we described (think Loaded Chili Dog pizza or Chicken Alfredo lasagna), they provide that “gourmet” feel. And they do it while emphasizing homemade taste, which resonates with the foodie culture trend of seeking restaurant-quality food in convenient formats . Consider that among consumer preferences, popular toppings remain pepperoni and meats (over half of consumers strongly prefer meat toppings) , but there’s also a significant interest in variety – for example, 36% of consumers say they love spicy flavors on their pizza, and **53% are big fans of chicken-based pizzas . Square One’s range, from spicy Buffalo chicken pizzas to hearty meat-loaded ones, is aligned with these preferences. They cover the classics and the adventurous options, which is ideal for attracting a broad customer base.
Another trend is the role of convenience stores and non-traditional outlets in the pizza market. Surprisingly to some, nearly 200 million servings of pizza were ordered from convenience stores in a recent 12-month period (ending August 2024) . C-stores have become real players in offering pizza – whether grab-and-go slices, bake-in-store programs, or carry-out frozen options. Customers want pizza “any way they can get it (including from convenience stores),” notes CStore Decisions magazine, highlighting its “perennial and widespread appeal” . This means a gas station or corner store can absolutely compete with pizzerias if they have the right product. Many c-stores use branded foodservice programs or partner with suppliers to bring in quality pizza. For stores that might not have a kitchen or staff to make fresh pizza on-site, carrying a top-tier frozen brand like Square One Foods is an excellent solution – they can sell it frozen or even heat it up for customers using a small oven or turbo cooker without the fuss of scratch cooking. Square One has even offered bulk rates for special events , meaning a store could potentially work with them for community events or promotions (imagine a gas station chain having a “Square One Pizza Day” with free samples – that kind of collaboration is possible when dealing with a nimble local supplier).
Let’s not forget the local pride factor. Wisconsin and Minnesota have a storied frozen pizza heritage. (Wisconsin, some joke, is the “Frozen Pizza Capital” given the sheer number of brands born there.) Consumers in this region have a strong affinity for local names – from national successes like Tombstone and Jack’s that originated in Wisconsin, to regional cult favorites like Heggies in Minnesota. Square One Foods taps into that tradition of homegrown pizza excellence. By being a Wisconsin-made product with local ingredients and local acclaim (Best Pizza in Burnett County!), it appeals to the buy-local sensibilities of Midwestern shoppers. For a store owner, featuring such products can enhance your image as a supporter of local businesses and differentiate your inventory from the generic big-name brands that everyone carries. It gives customers a reason to choose your freezer section over a competitor’s, because you offer something unique.
Serving Retailers Across Minnesota & Wisconsin – With Polka Dot’s Help
As Square One Foods sets its sights on expanding distribution, partnerships are key. Polka Dot Dairy’s distribution network – reaching roughly 200 cities across Minnesota and Wisconsin – is helping connect Square One Foods with more grocery stores, convenience stores, and other outlets in the region. It’s a partnership built on shared values: both companies value local products, quality service, and helping small businesses thrive. Polka Dot Dairy, traditionally known for dairy products, has broadened its catalog to include outstanding local food brands like Square One Foods so that our client stores can easily stock these items without juggling multiple vendors.
What does this mean for you as a convenience store or independent grocer? Simply put, you can get these amazing pizzas and pastas into your freezers with ease, and know that you’re carrying a product that will practically sell itself once customers try it. Square One Foods has already proven its popularity in northwest Wisconsin, and the buzz is spreading. When you introduce your shoppers to the Lumberjack crust loaded with premium toppings or let them take home a pan of that five-cheese Chicken Alfredo lasagna, you’re offering a memorable eating experience that will keep them coming back for more. And because Square One is committed to reasonable pricing and retailer margins, these products are designed so that you profit as well, not just the manufacturer . It’s about creating a sustainable win-win partnership, exactly the kind Polka Dot Dairy seeks in our supplier relationships.
Furthermore, you can be confident in the consistency and support behind the brand. Dan Milota has spoken about potentially needing to double the size of Square One Foods’ manufacturing facility (currently 16,000 sq. ft.) to meet growing demand . That indicates the level of planning and forward-thinking at work – they are scaling up to keep supply steady as more stores come on board. Despite rapid growth, they haven’t compromised on the things that made them successful: quality ingredients, careful production (many products are flash-frozen to lock in freshness and flavor), and a personal touch in everything they do. If you ever visit the Siren plant, you might even catch Dan or his team giving tours or chatting with customers – it’s that kind of approachable business. And if any issue arises or you have a special request, dealing with a regional company often means faster response and flexibility than you’d get from a giant corporation.
Conclusion: A Slice Above, and Just the Beginning
Square One Foods truly lives up to the name of its parent company, A Slice Above the Rest. In the world of frozen foods, they’ve carved out a niche that combines homemade taste, innovative variety, and heartfelt local ethos. From an inspiring origin story (small-town company gets new life under passionate ownership) to the day-to-day deliciousness of their pizzas and pastas, Square One Foods offers a narrative and product line that customers find compelling. They have proven that with the right mix of quality and creativity, even a frozen pizza can beat out fresh competitors – and even a tiny village like Siren, WI can birth a brand that’s destined for bigger things.
For convenience store owners and grocers looking to boost frozen food sales and delight their shoppers, Square One Foods is a name to know. It hits every note: the products taste great (ask anyone who’s tried that Bacon Mac & Cheese pizza or the Breakfast Lasagna and you’ll get an immediate smile), they cater to current market trends (high-protein, indulgent pizzas; handy meal solutions; local sourcing; gluten-free options), and they come with a built-in marketing hook of being an award-winning, locally-made line that customers can feel good about buying. Plus, by partnering with distributors like Polka Dot Dairy, Square One Foods is readily accessible – which means getting your hands on their products, and getting those products into your customers’ hands, is smoother than ever.
In the competitive landscape of food retail, stocking unique, high-quality items is key to standing out. Square One Foods provides that differentiation and adds a dash of hometown pride to your frozen aisle. We at Polka Dot Dairy are excited to help bring Square One Foods’ pizzas and pastas to more communities across Minnesota and Wisconsin. With every slice and every bite, these products tell a story of tradition meeting innovation – a story that your store can be a part of. So here’s to Square One Foods, the little pizza company that could, and to the continued success of local partnerships that make all of us stronger. As one happy customer put it, “You can’t find any better pizza around, hands down” – and that’s exactly the kind of quality we’re thrilled to share with you and your customers.
