WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — QuickChek has appointed Chris Smyly to the position of director of foodservice and chef Ted Kwiecien to the role of culinary specialist.
The convenience-store retailer’s staffing announcements correlate with an ongoing commitment to meeting customer foodservice needs. QuickChek has been opening newly designed stores with more than half of each new store’s space dedicated to fresh foodservice.
Chris Smyly
Smyly has been a senior category manager with QuickChek, where he has managed four product and service categories in the past three years, during which time the chain has introduced its new store design.
With more than 25 years of experience in marketing, category management and merchandising within the convenience industry, Smyly has also held key positions with increased responsibility for 1,000 stores with ExxonMobil; with Pester Marketing/Alta Convenience as director of marketing for 57 locations; and with Circle K.
Kwiecien has more than 25 years of experience in restaurant management for Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. He holds degrees in culinary arts and foodservice management from Johnson & Wales University.
Ted Kwiecien
“Today’s consumer and tomorrow’s food trends continue to tell us our customers want fresh food to go,” said QuickChek CEO Dean Durling. “In meeting their needs, we have become a foodservice destination. Chris has done a great job managing several of our key categories, and we’re pleased to have him lead our foodservice team. Ted possesses a proven background as a chef and as a restaurateur with consumer-focused brands that fit our mission of providing restaurant-quality food and beverages for busy people on the go.”
Smyly’s team will continue to redefine the chain’s “fresh convenience” with the introduction of new products and services made for immediate consumption, starting with QuickChek’s new fresh brewed iced coffee. Consumers will also be able to purchase more seasonal trends and healthier options.
- QuickChek is No. 39 in the Top 40 update to CSP's 2018 Top 202 ranking of c-store chains by number of retail locations.
Whitehouse Station, N.J.-based QuickChek is a privately held company that operates 158 c-stores, including 78 locations with fuel in New Jersey, New York’s Hudson Valley and Long Island.
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