By Andy Furman
Point/Arc
Kenn Gabbard says it’s important to be part of a community – not just be in a community.
“We just love being involved with the neighborhood and community in which we serve,” says Gabbard, who serves as Gilligan Company, regional manager for Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits restaurants.
On Tuesday, Popeyes – and Gabbard – will serve Covington, when Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits have their Grand Re-Opening at 502 Main Street.
“Every Grand Opening we’re involved with community; be it a high school or local non-profit,” Gabbard said.
This time, the Point/Arc will be the recipient of the goodwill. The Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting is set for 11 a.m. and The Point/Arc will receive twenty-percent of the day’s proceeds.
“It’s our way of giving back,” said Gabbard who has been with Gilligan for close to eight years. “It’s important for us.”
From 10:30 a.m.-Noon guests can enjoy a prize wheel, Popeyes gift cards and swag and, of course, the Popeye Mascot – Poppy, according to Gabbard.
“Customers will see a new kitchen layout and design in the location, new register system and assembly line,” Gabbard said. “And, our parking lot has had a do-over as well – brand new.”
The public will immediately notice the new white building on Main with orange teal colors. But the real deal is chicken.
“We serve hand-breaded chicken, with love to family,” Gabbard said. “The Point/Arc relationship was a no-brainer. They serve the community, and now we will, as well.”
The Gilligan Company has been doing so since 1993. It was founded by Patrick Gilligan after leaving a career with BP. Starting with just one location in Columbus, Ohio near Ohio State University, Gilligan Company hired its first employees and never looked back.
Two of those original employees are in senior management today, and they are representative of the company’s commitment to developing its own employees and providing career path opportunities.
Today, Gilligan Company employs over 3000 men and women in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Colorado.
Gilligan Company owns and operates over 50 Quick Service Restaurants in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus markets. Current brands include: Subway, Dunkin’, and Popeyes Chicken.
Gilligan owns and operates 52 Popeyes Chicken in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and 71 Dunkin’s – in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Colorado – according to Gabbard.
“We not only welcome Popeyes to our community with open arms,” says Judi Gerdinbg, President and Founder of The Point/Arc, “We thank them for their immediate friendship, and partnership. We hope this will be a long-term marriage.”
The Point/Arc was founded in 1972 by a group of parents fighting for the educational rights of their children, who were diagnosed with an intellectual and developmental(I/DD) disability.
The mission – to help people with disabilities achieve their highest potential educationally, intellectually, socially,residentially and vocationally. More than this, The Point/Arc has been an organization that identifies gaps in services and provides care and support to fill these gaps – even when government funding sources are not available.
