Thus far, 2013 has been an exciting year of growth on the Highway. Not only have several new franchisees joined the family, but several “old-timers” from inside the company have started their journey down the HWY 55 road of ownership. President and founder Kenny Moore has made sure that even though we are franchising outside our ranks, so to speak, the folks that have been working hard to build “sweat equity” are getting their chance at the American dream as well. Folks that have bought their own stores in the last quarter are listed below. Want to join the family? Visit http://hwy55burgers.com/hwy55-franchises
In February Anthony Copeland, new owner of Lake Gaston, had this to say:
“I started in Andy’s before the summer of 2005. Ryan Tucker chased me down in the Food Lion parking lot across from the newly built Andy’s of Lake Gaston and asked me if I wanted a job. I worked for him until the end of 2006 then went to the Roanoke Rapids location and worked there for a short time. I came back to Andy’s of Roanoke Rapids in 2008 and worked my way up to management within a few months then was transferred back to Lake Gaston where I worked as manager for 5 years. I can honestly say, if it wasn’t for Ryan Tucker I would have never started with Andy’s. And if it wasn’t for the support of Marcie, April, Kenny, and many others I wouldn’t be where I am today. So I thank everyone who had a part in helping me succeed and giving me something to work for.”
Douglas McPherson Jr. started at 10th Street location in 2007, then ran Bayboro. Next stop was the Colonial Mall in Greenville, NC. He’s been in Tarboro since June 2009 and is now the proud owner.
Clint Bray become the owner of Elizabeth City location as of February 1st. He and his fiancee have been with Andy’s for nine years. Clint says “We love what we do! We have fun and meet new people everyday, Hwy 55 has changed our life and the way we look at helping others.”
Rob Kennedy: Rob started his journey in Gordon Road in July 2006. He moved to Beulaville in Feb 2007, and had a stint in Camp LeJuene. Rob now owns the Beulaville, NC location.
MARCH
Kelly Buck started in March of 2010, and is now the proud owner of the Grifton, NC location.
Andy Lassiter started July 2001, and now owns the Columbia, NC location. Andy told us he is “just very thankful to work with a company who truly cares about its employees, and grants the opportunities to own their own restaurant.
Ronald Cannon: Ronald started in June 1995 in the Grifton location, and now owns the Kinston 2 location.
Christopher J. Pate: C.J. started in 2009, and now owns the Kinston 1 location.
APRIL
Amanda Simmons now owns the Delco location.
She told us “I started as a waitress 6 years ago when i was 19 and I moved up from there. I went to school for cosmetology for about 6 months and picked up a part time job at Andy’s while in school. I found out very quickly that ANDYS/HWY55 was for me! No more hair, I like to be pretty but that’s the extent of that job!!! So 6 years later, working 15 hours a week turned into being an owner of Andys/Hwy55 of Delco. I can’t see myself doing anything other than what I am doing!”
Stay tuned to see who starts a new journey next month!
