News

Wendy's names top GM

August 29, 2016

Congratulations go out to an Illinois man who The Wendy's Company has named the best general manager in the chain worldwide. Peter Garnica started work for Wendy’s as a sandwich maker but now leads the West Wilson Boulevard location in Batavia, Illinois, operated by Wenzak Inc.

Garnica received the honor— chosen from general managers across the chain’s 6,500 locations — this week at Wendy’s GM conference in Dublin, Ohio. He was among 10 "best of the best" honorees, which also included:  

• Michael Andy Carter -- ueblo, Colorado
• Aaron Ewen -- Clemson, South Carolina 
• Maggie Garcia – Brownsville, Texas
• Joe Geck – Thornton, Colorado
• Lana Hardesty – Fairmount, W. Virginia
• Agathe Marcellus – Lake Worth, Florida
• Lauri Reimer – Grand Rapids, Michigan
• John Specht – Alexandria, Kentucky
• Sandra Thompson – Graham, North Carolina 

"The general manager plays an absolutely critical role in our restaurants -- setting the tone for operational excellence, inspiring and developing others, and creating the type of overall environment that helps deliver 'A Cut Above' customer experience," said Wendy’s Executive Vice President Bob Wright.

A total of 200 general managers, representing roughly 3 percent of the Wendy's system, were asked to the Top GM Conference. 

"All of the general managers who were recognized are responsible for successfully running a $1.5-$2 million or more business by effectively leading their restaurant team,” Wright said. “Most started their career as crew members or assistant managers and they are living examples of the opportunities available in the restaurant industry."