As far as perfect matches go, this one was too good to pass up, at least according to Mike Buck, president of Mega! CO-OP, which owns and operates more than 35 convenience stores throughout West Central Wisconsin. Buck is referring to the Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop that Mega! CO-OP just opened at the Mega Convenience store in Chippewa Falls, right on the border of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Consumers Cooperative Association of Eau Claire operates as Mega! CO-OP; was founded in 1935 and employs more than 350 team members who serve more than 33,000 cooperative members with service, quality, and value. Buck said Mega! CO-OP’s vision is to be the best place to work, shop, and belong, all while supporting the communities it serves and the Erbert & Gerbert’s brand aligns closely with Mega! CO-OP’s values.
“As our customers’ and cooperative members’ needs continue to evolve, we believe that convenient, restaurant-quality food will be more important than ever before,” Buck said. “We believe that the Erbert & Gerbert’s organization aligns well with our purpose of serving each other. We strive to be the best place to work, the best place to shop and as a cooperative… the best place to belong.”
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Mike and the Mega! CO-OP into our family of franchisees,” shared Eric Wolfe, president and CEO of Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop. “And he has a fabulous team behind him”
At Ebert & Gerbert’s, flavor is not just a word, but a way of life. Fresh-baked breads, meats and cheeses that are hand-sliced for freshness and chef-inspired soup and sandwich recipes all combine to pack a flavorful punch for customers. Where else would you find sandwiches like the Spartan with chicken, Cherrywood-smoked bacon and Peppadew mustard or the Quatro with chicken and bacon, as well, but also cranberry wasabi that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the heat of horseradish?
The uniqueness of every Erbert & Gerbert’s sandwich extends to how it is prepared. After the bread is cut, the soft, white dough part – referred to as the guts in Erbert & Gerbert’s vernacular – is removed and put on top of the sandwich. Leaving a pocket in the sandwich helps to hold in the ingredients and improves portability.
Founded in 1988 in Eau Claire, Wis., Erbert & Gerbert’s has grown to more than 100 locations in 16 states under the leadership of president and CEO Eric Wolfe, who led an investment group to acquire the company in 2004. Restaurants can be found in urban areas and in nontraditional sites such as institutions, hospitals, zoos and on business and college campuses. Further growth for 2018 is targeted in Texas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota and Michigan. For franchising information, visit http://www.erbertandgerberts.com.
