Don Zietlow was like a new father on Wednesday, April 13. The opening of another Kwik Trip store always excites him, even with over 1,000 stores in his family. Zietlow represented the entire Zietlow family of LaCrosse, owners of Kwik Trip stores throughout the Midwest. He and several members of the Kwik Trip family were in New London as store 791 received a grand opening celebration.

“I am happy to be here so that I can personally thank the co-workers who make these stores so popular,” said Zietlow. “Without them we wouldn’t be this successful. They are the ones who keep our stores clean and allow us to offer good value and quick service.”

One such person is Patty Petit, new store manager, who has 24 years in with Kwik Trip. “I started at the old store on Shawano Street, then I went over to Hortonville and opened that store. Now I’m back in my home town again and I love it,” said Petit as she stood at a podium set up outside the front entry to the new store.

All employees were asked to step up to the microphone to let the crowd know how long they worked for Kwik Trip. Some had been there over 20 years, others as little as six months. There will be 20 employees at the new location, up five from the old store.

Steve Laier of Kwik Trip Corporate took the microphone to present the co-workers of the store with a Convenience Stores Investments plaque. “Even though we’re family owned, we share 40 percent of pre-tax profit with our employees who have five or more years working with us,” explained Laier. “Sixty-percent of the profit is split between paying government taxes and reinvesting in the stores.”

The new store is a dandy. At 5,200 square feet, there’s a lot to offer the consumer. “Not only do we have the best workers, we have the best products. We process our own milk,” said Zietlow. “What’s in the cow today is in our stores tomorrow, and we like it that way.” He added that they have their own bakery to make fresh bread and donuts for early morning commuters and their commissary whips up great pizzas and other food for lunch and dinner.

That’s where employee Mary Fenske comes in. She’ll be heading up the kitchen with 22 years experience at Kwik Trip. She too, will be coming from Hortonville to work at the New London store. “It’s another beautiful store, and I’m glad to be here.”

Before the ceremony ended, a check in the amount of $500 was given by Kwik Trip to the Hatten Stadium Renovation Foundation to support efforts to bring the field and stadium into this decade while keeping the flavor of the past intact. President Mike Frederick and Treasurer Chad Hoerth accepted the donation.

Mayor Henke and Chamber Director Laurie Shaw both welcomed the new store, saying it would be an asset to the community. Shaw added that the positive attitude of the employees is evident and that it’s clear Kwik Trip is committed to them.

“We’re so happy with this new location,” said Zietlow, “It’s always good to come to New London.”