Quaker Steak & Lube, the award-winning casual-dining franchise known for its Best Wings USA, has announced the appointment of Debra Koenig as Chairman of the Board. The appointment was made following the company’s Annual Shareholder’s Meeting on April 19, 2012 in Boardman, OH. All current Board Directors were re-elected.
Koenig is currently president of B2A LLC, a management consulting firm, and previously served as president of the McDonald’s Southeast Division. Koenig replaces current President and CEO John Longstreet who also served as interim chairman since July of 2011. Longstreet remains as Quaker Steak & Lube’s® chief executive.
“It’s an honor to be appointed as Chairman, and I’m devoted to serving and leading the brand moving forward,” said Koenig. “My past experiences within the foodservice industry will be leveraged to serve our franchisees, employees and Lube Nation.”
“Debra is a strong leader and her appointment was a natural fit for the brand,” said John Longstreet, president and chief executive officer, Quaker Steak & Lube®. “All of our existing board members have been re-elected, and I’m confident she will help the brand flourish in the upcoming months.”
The company had a strong year in 2011 with the opening of six new restaurants, signed franchise agreements to develop more than 35 new locations and plans to open 12 more in 2012. Currently, Quaker Steak & Lube® has 47 locations in 15 states and Canada.
The compelling decor, including race cars suspended from the ceilings, motorcycles, Corvettes and gas station memorabilia, combined with its craveable food and SuperCharged events has created a cult-like following for The Lube® for more than 35 years. Collectively, the company serves more than 80 million wings annually along with burgers, ribs, steaks, salads, sandwiches, Kid’s meals and many more flavorful menu items. Hand-crafted and hand-shaken beverages are also featured on the Blowout Beverages menu including the industry 2012 Cheers Beverage Award-Winning Bar Jars.
Founded in 1974 and built in an abandoned gas station in Sharon, Pa., the original Quaker Steak & Lube began as a cook-your-own steak restaurant, before expanding to over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. The unique decor, including race cars suspended from the ceilings, motorcycles, Corvettes and gas station memorabilia, combined with the crave-able food and high-octane events has afforded The Lube a cult-like fan following. Today, Quaker Steak & Lube has become one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country, and has won more hundreds of national and international awards for its wings and 20 different wing sauces. Most recently it was named the Festival Favorite at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, New York. For more information visit www.quakersteakandlube.com.
