Four decades of fast food: Manager celebrates 40 years at Galesburg Wendy’s

Rhonda Fones celebrated her 40th year as manager of the Galesburg Wendy’s on Friday, March 31. She started on April 1, 1983. (JAY REDFERN/WGIL)

Cake normally isn’t found on the menu at Wendy’s, but it was Friday as Rhonda Fones celebrated her 40th year as manager of the Galesburg fast food store.

Fones started as a breakfast cook at Wendy’s on April 1, 1983, one year after the store opened at 976 N. Henderson St. She moved into a management role a year later, and has since remained the leader of one of the most successful local Wendy’s restaurants in the chain.

Rhonda Fones celebrated her 40th year as manager of the Galesburg Wendy’s on Friday, March 31. She started on April 1, 1983. (JAY REDFERN/WGIL)

A congratulatory message on the marquee, balloons and a pair of large decorated cakes in the dining room alerted customers of the special occasion. Regional Wendy’s management and ownership from Parco Ltd. were also in town Friday to mark Fones’ anniversary.

Asked how she’s survived so long at Wendy’s, Fones said, “Management has always been in my blood. I started seeing things after working here a year, and just started going for it.

“I work for a really great company. They’ve been good to me. I don’t have one ounce of complaint. And our owner has been great.”

Lacey Wertz, district manager for Parco Ltd., which owns 36 Wendy’s in Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota, notes the Galesburg store ranks as the top in their group and one of the best performing Wendy’s in the country.

Wertz noted the Galesburg Wendy’s has surpassed its previous year’s sales for 15 straight years.

As could be expected, Fones said she’s seen plenty of changes in the fast food industry over the past 40 years. She said Wendy’s used to make its own hamburger patties in house, along with breading its own chicken and shredding its cheese.

“Oh good Lord, there have been tons of changes. Tons!” Fones said. “Lots of different products, the clientele we we get is so different and we are so much busier.”

Fones seemed a bit perplexed when asked how often she eats the food at Wendy’s.

“Daily … I eat here every day,” she said, noting her current favorite menu item is a chicken wrap.

Fones, who said she would like to continue to work at Wendy’s for another year or two, said she’s enjoyed the ride, and has never contemplated finding another job.

“Never,” she said. “For the most part, I love coming to work everyday. Sure, it’s a challenge some days, but I like what I do. It never gets boring. And, I’m very competitive to make this the best Wendy’s we can be. I’m always striving for that next goal.

“When I do decide to retire, I’m not going to have any regrets. None,” she said.

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