by ANNE BLANKENSHIP – Daily Freeman-Journal
Members of the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce and local residents gathered at Webster City’s newest business for a ribbon cutting Wednesday morning.
Kwik Star, 505 Fair Meadow Drive, rolled out the red carpet to officially open for business Wednesday. The business opened it’s doors last Thursday, giving local residents their first glimpse inside the store.
The Webster City store marks the third Kwik Star to open in the district in the past several months. The other two are located in Fort Dodge.
The business offered discounts on donuts and free coffee during the grand opening, as well as specials throughout the store.
Christina Hanson, food service district leader, welcomed those who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.
“It’s been a pleasure getting this store off the ground and working with these wonderful co-workers,”she said. “We’re very excited to have this new facility here in Webster City.”
Carl Rick, third generation owner, thanked the city and chamber officials.
“Thanks for allowing us to come into your city,” he said. “I know there’s been a lot of excitement out there. Thanks for the interest and we look forward to serving you for many years to come.”
Kwik Trip, woned by the Zietlow family, has been in operation for 53 years. The first store was opened in Eau Claire, Wis. The firm is owned by the Zeitlow family and is headquartered today in LaCrosse, Wis. The company operates its own dairy which produces milk, ice cream and bottled water for the stores. The bakery produces all of the donuts, cookies and breads for the stores, Rick said.
“We just opened a brand new bread facility as well to service the stores,” he said.
He said the company also has a kitchen facility which they hope to expand in the near future. Pizzas, burritos, salads and other products are created in that facility. Products from the dairy, bakery and kitchen facilities go to the distribution center and are then delivered to the individual stores.
“Today we have 651 stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa,” Rick said. “We’ve been growing by about 50 stores for year and that’s the plan for the next five years as well. For the first time, Iowa will see more growth that Wisconsin or Minnesota.”
The firm employs about 23,000 people through the tri-state area, according to Rick.
Store Leader Sabrina Wohlford said the new Kwik Star is a unique experience for many customers.
“As our guests come in, they’re expecting a gas station with just a little product,” she said. “And to see the amazement and excitement on their faces, because they see so much more.”
Wohlford said her staff is outgoing and they strive to make each customer feel welcome.
Webster City Mayor John Hawkins welcomed the store and staff members.
“I can honestly say that in working with management — their word was as it was. Everything they said they would do, they did,” Hawkins said. “It’s a wonderful company and we welcome you to town.”
The company also presented a $1,000 check to the Special Olympics of Iowa. LuAnn and Denny Jackson, along with several local athletes, accepted the donation. Jackson said the funds would be sent to the state organization but would come back to help fund travel expenses for Hamilton County Special Olympic teams and athletes.
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Last modified: January 17, 2019