We wrapped up GRITT Summit 2021 just a few short weeks ago. During the event we hosted a Franchisee Dinner & Awards Ceremony where we recognized our dedicated partners that have executed the program with excellence. We appreciate every single one of our retailers, but we want to take the time to put a spotlight on these outstanding franchisee partners who execute the program with excellence!
THE ORIGINAL CHAMP - Show Me Oil Company & Moser’s Foods
Roger Moser was the first person to commit to Champs Chicken, and did so with four locations. When our Founder & CEO Shawn Burcham pitched the idea to Roger in 1998, Roger at the time was working very closely with the owner of Chester Chicken, and was very good friends with him as well. Regardless, Roger said to Shawn, “If you’re going, I’m going.” He truly is a Champs Chicken pioneer, and believed in this company from even before day one. But, what some of you may not know, is that Roger is also Shawn’s father-in-law. We are so grateful that Roger took a chance with us and helped make Champs Chicken into what it is today! Thank you, Roger.
ROOKIE(S) OF THE YEAR
The Rookie(s) of the Year award is presented to retailers that just started in the last year and have exemplified exceptional commitment to executing the brand, and, specifically, one of our Cover Values: You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression.
Gas Express #201, West Point Georgia – Eastern Region Rookie of the Year
Congratulations to Amin Chitalwala and Jim Chaser! Gas Express #201 is one of their many stores doing a great job running the program, but the 201 store has been exceptional. They always have a spotless kitchen, promote Champs Chicken brand by ensuring they always have quality food in the hot case and that it is being served by friendly employees. The managers at this location are consistently thinking of out-of-the-box ideas to grow sales and promote the National Promotions. Great job, Amin, Jim, and team!
Road Runner #38, Little Rock, Arkansas – Central Region Rookie of the Year
Congratulations to Balentine and Lori Burns! Road Runner is extremely committed to the brand, and they execute on all aspects of the program. Every day, Road Runner strives to offer their customers the fastest, friendliest and most convenient experience. Through their commitment and execution of the brand they have greatly increased their gross profit dollars, leading them to record gross margin increases since onboarding Champs Chicken. Well done, Balentine, Lori, and team!
Bert’s, Wellsville, Kansas – Western Region Rookie of the Year
Congratulations to Stan Keim! Bert’s is a truck stop offering both Champs Chicken and BluTaco, doing tremendous volume. They are excellent operators, great to work with, and always work closely with our team on implementing strategies and new and creative ideas to grow sales. They do a great job of promoting the Champs brand and are always willing to try new things. They are great business people all around. They also have a store manager, Kim, that truly does an amazing job. Great work, team!
FRANCHISEE OF DISTINCTION AWARDS
Our Franchisee of Distinction Awards go to franchisees who go above and beyond in how they execute the program. This is demonstrated through their commitment level and through what they do to grow their sales. Recipients of this award were nominated and then voted on. Huge congratulations to the award winners, and thank you for all you do to represent the brands with excellence!
BellStores, Ohio - Eastern Region Franchisee of Distinction Award
BellStores with Campbell Oil is truly an amazing company to partner with. They have a great leadership presence, financial aptitude, and a willingness to learn and improve. They are motivated by results and they want to align their goals and values with PFSbrands, and have customers recognize the Champs name synonymous with the BellStores name. Their employees have great people skills and truly are customer focused and driven. Andrew, Mitch, and Joe, congratulations and keep up the great work!
Temp Stop, Grain Valley - Central Region Franchisee of Distinction Award
Temp Stop is a longtime partner with PFSbrands that has 4 Champs Chickens and 1 BluTaco location. Tim Green has been a strong supporter of our brands going above and beyond to promote them. Their store operations and at the brand level are always on point. As you can see in the pictures, they operate clean and great looking stores. Thank you, Temp Stop, for the business over the last several years and great job to your entire team. Congratulations, Tim!
Dad’s Travel Center, Idaho Falls - Western Region Franchisee of Distinction Award
Dad’s Travel Center always makes Champs Chicken their priority of their food service and is always open to updates and continuous improvement. They take initiative to use the resources we have from PFSbrands and are always looking for ways to make Champs Chicken better. Dad's has also been a great promoter of the brand, and in numerous occasions, has allowed other retailers that were considering adding a Champs Chicken program the opportunity to come see it in action at their location – and ultimately help them make the decision to also bring on the Champs Chicken program. Thank you and congratulations to Heber and the team at Dad’s Travel Center.
These franchisees set the bar.
They have embraced our motto Our Support, Your Success by following the program and utilizing the team and resources provided by PFSbrands. We’re already impressed by what we are seeing in 2021 from our franchisees, and we look forward to recognizing those successes at next year’s GRITT Summit!