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Success Stories: Jim Brajdic and Barb Gretzinger
A second-generation A&W All American Food franchisee, Wisconsin native Jim Brajdic literally grew up in the drive-in business (it was within walking distance of home) and today he’s an enthusiastic builder and operator of new generation of A&W drive-ins. While establishing himself as a franchise leader anxious to expand the A&W brand with a new generation of drive-ins, Jim has also kept open his family’s original A&W, built in 1931 in Fond du Lac. “When I was a kid, before we owned the A&W, I would walk over with my Dad and they would give free root beer to young children,” Jim recalls. “My father was always saying that he was going to buy that A&W someday. When he did buy it, he gave me a job washing mugs for 50-cents an hour. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Jim left for Colorado to put his hospitality and tourism management degree to work. He returned to Fond du Lac to take over the A&W when his parents’ had health issues. But he didn’t take over just to run a single restaurant. Jim envisioned owning A&Ws, but to do that he had to become a franchisee. He was placed on a franchise contract 12 years ago and then seven years ago he bought the business from his family. Last year, Jim took on a partner, fellow franchisee Barb Gretzinger, and they opened three new A&W Drive-Ins and have plans to open two more this year. They now employ 200 people in their restaurants. A&W is 100% franchisee owned and Jim has taken on a leadership role with the National A&W Franchise Association (NAWFA) where he serves on the Executive Committee and the Ops Subcommittee. “Yum! gives us access to some incredible tools and resources,” Jim says. “Personally, the best thing for me about being a Yum! franchisee is having access to Yum! University and, in particular, the Roadmap For Growth course we took. “Also, being able to set up mentoring with people at the RSC and utilizing the knowledge of other franchisees are huge benefits.” Jim and Barb will be using all the Know How they can find as they bring to life their future back vision of aggressive expansion of the A&W brand in Wisconsin and beyond. |
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