ELLSWORTH – The new Kwik Trip in Ellsworth is set to open its doors Aug. 27, according to a presentation at the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce July members’ luncheon last week.

Dave Niemi, who works in corporate communications and training at Kwik Trip’s headquarters, gave chamber members an overview of the company and its mission July 23. Kwik Trip will open store #1903 at 558 W. Lucas Lane in the Crossing Meadows Business Park.

Niemi said Highway 65 was a major part of the decision to open in that location, given its role as a regional connector.

“But another significant factor was the amount of growth occurring on the north side of Ellsworth,” Niemi said.

Village President Becky Beissel said Kwik Trip had been interested in a Highway 10 location for many years, so she and Village Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Brad Roy shared the vision for the Highway 65 site.

“We highlighted the Crossing Meadows commercial development, the new apartment building and additional planned residential growth, the proposed development across the intersection, and the new Pierce County Courthouse. Together, those projects demonstrated that the area was becoming a growing activity center with a strong and expanding customer base,” Beissel said. "Kwik Trip's investment is a great example of the momentum we've been building on the north side of Ellsworth. As new housing and businesses came together, they demonstrated that this area was becoming a growing destination. It's a great example of how thoughtful community planning and strategic investment can create the confidence that attracts additional private investment."

The village celebrated the groundbreaking for the 11,033-square-foot store on March 23. The store will provide 25-30 new permanent jobs, an estimated payroll of $500,000 annually and an investment in the community of $2 million, according to a site plan.

"We're excited to welcome Kwik Trip to Ellsworth and appreciate their investment in our community. It's another sign that Ellsworth continues to be a place where businesses want to grow and invest,” Ellsworth Chamber Executive Director Kim Beebe said. “At the Ellsworth Chamber, we're grateful for the many local businesses that have helped make Ellsworth what it is today. We see Kwik Trip as a great complement to our business community, providing additional choices for residents and visitors alike. A healthy, growing business community is good for everyone, and we're looking forward to a bright future for Ellsworth."

Niemi said Kwik Trip employs roughly 38,000 people and is owned by four generations of the Zietlow family. The company began as a wholesale warehouse company that bought five gas stations: three in Eau Claire and two in La Crosse. In the 60s and 70s, delis with fresh, ready-made food were uncommon, so Kwik Trip decided to make sandwiches that people could grab and go, Niemi said. They started with 2,000 made per month and are up to 90,000 items per day currently.

“Since 1989, John and Don (Zietlow) have been giving 40% of pre-taxed revenue to their employees, totaling $2 billion,” Niemi said. “Farm boys understand who is doing the work. 25% goes to taxes, 25% goes to infrastructure, and the owners keep 5%. Last year the company made just under $600 million.”

The company’s priorities are people, food and vertical integration, Niemi said. Their goal is to serve communities with food, fuel and groceries and be open when and where other companies are not. Their purpose is to serve their guests and provide opportunities for coworkers to grow, advance, have fun and love their jobs. Their mission is to serve their customers and communities more effectively than anyone else by treating customers, coworkers, and suppliers as they, personally, would like to be treated and to make a difference in someone’s life.

Niemi said Kwik Trip “hires high,” meaning employees must embody the core values of work ethic, honesty and integrity, respect, excellence, humility and innovation.

As a vertically integrated company, Kwik Trip operates its own bakery, dairy, kitchens, food-safety lab, distribution center, LP plant, blow mold facility, transportation company, and health clinic for employees. Of all the products in their stores, 80% is Kwik Trip, Inc.’s own branded product that is made, shipped, and sold by the company.

There are currently 924 stores across the Midwest, known by Kwik Stars in Iowa, Illinois and the Dakotas. Their goal is to reach 1,200 stores, staying in the Midwest. They also operate two distribution centers, one in DeForest and one in La Crosse. Their transportation company employs 750 drivers who are on the road six days a week.

Niemi also spoke about Kwik Trip’s partnership with Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger-relief and food reclamation organization. They provide local food banks 4 million pounds of food per year that would otherwise be thrown out. Since 2011, Kwik Trip has donated 20 million pounds of food to food banks, Niemi said. He also spoke about the Retail Helper Program that promotes the hiring of coworkers with disabilities, with 800 coworkers working in retail stores. Kwik Trip has also been rated a top workplace in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa over the past 15 years, Niemi added.

When asked what the most popular Kwik Trip food item is, Niemi said hands-down it’s the sausage, egg and cheese croissant, followed by burritos.

To learn more about job openings, visit jobs.kwiktrip.com Employees must be 16 years of age.