Quaker Steak & Lube Serves Billionth Chicken Wing
SHARON, Pa. -- On Nov. 15, Quaker Steak & Lube served its one-billionth chicken wing. It didn't happen in the Mahoning or Shenango Valley, though, the president and CEO says. Instead, says John Longstreet, that distinction occurred in the company's soon-to-open restaurant in Plano, Texas, during a private event to celebrate the brands expansion into the Plano, TX market.
Last June, the company entered Texas and announced plans to open 10 restaurants throughout the Lone Star State, two of which are open in Carrollton and Waco.
Quaker Steak & Lube has become one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the country and is on track to open 12 restaurants this year and another 12 in 2013, Longstreet reports. The company has signed development agreements in six new markets with five new franchise groups, Longstreet said. At present it has some 60 restaurants in 18 states and Canada.
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. Its trademark decor includes race cars suspended from the ceilings, motorcycles, Corvettes and gas station memorabilia.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.