as Perkins 2016 Franchisee of the Year at the company’s recent Franchise Conference.
Dick Schuster Recipient of Company’s First Legacy Award
At its recent “No Limits” themed franchise conference held in Minneapolis, MN, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery honored Mr. Larry Walker of L&E Management as its 2016 Franchisee of the Year. In addition, Mr. Dick Schuster was honored for fifty-one years of involvement with the Perkins brand and received the company’s first-ever Legacy Award.
A Perkins franchisee for the past 27 years, Larry Walker was recognized by Perkins and Marie Callender’s President & CEO, Jeff Warne as “an industry leader whose restaurants exemplify overall excellence and adherence to brand standards.” In keeping with Perkins “No Limits” credo, in 2016 Walker’s three restaurants, located in Memphis and Jackson, TN, achieved 8.3% bakery sales and finished the year up 7.3% in sales. Upon accepting the prestigious award, Mr. Walker credited his staff, quality product with perceived value, and hospitality and service standards that exceed guest expectations, for his restaurants’ success. A member of the Perkins family since 1990, Walker has been consistently recognized for Bakery Sales and was honored with Perkins Chairman’s award in 1992.
During the recent conference, franchisee Dick Schuster became the company’s first-ever Legacy Award recipient, lauded for his 51 years of involvement with, dedication and commitment to the Perkins brand. In addition to successfully running his Sandusky, Ohio restaurant for more than five decades, Mr. Schuster was commended for having impacted countless number of lives including those of his team, guests and community through leadership in business and volunteer work. In 2001 and 2010, Schuster was honored by Perkins as the recipient of the Founders Award for his dedication to Perkins designated charity, Give Kids The World.
Also recognized during the franchise conference were Smithfield Foods as Perkins 2016 Business Partner of the Year; and franchisee Northcott Hospitality as well as the Madison II, Wisconsin Corporate Restaurant and General Manager, Harry Graebe, for their outstanding contributions to Give Kids The World.
Founded in 1958, Perkins system consists of 392 restaurants in 33 states and Canada, which includes 131 company-owned and operated restaurants and 261 franchised units. With its strong and growing franchise network, Perkins offers services to franchisees including accounting functions, IT support, assistance with new store development/openings and more. Expertise is also delivered one-on-one, through a highly experienced Perkins franchise consultant who acts as a liaison, bringing together the resources franchisees need before, during and after the restaurant opening. The Perkins Franchise Conference is an event that draws franchisees, vendors, and team members from Perkins system-wide. It includes specialized business sessions, seminars, networking events and a culminating awards ceremony that recognizes those who have distinguished themselves through their performance, dedication, commitment and overall contributions to the goals and objectives of the brand.
Information about Perkins franchise opportunities can be found at www.perkinsrestaurants.com, or by contacting Perkins at 901.766.645 or franchise@prkmc.com.
