Kathy scoops up a prize

By Sarah Schwager
PAKENHAM’S Wendy’s ice cream store is a scoop ahead of the rest.
The store’s owner, Kathy MacNee, was named Wendy’s Victorian franchisee of 2005.
She was pitted against 60 other franchise owners across Victoria and Tasmania, with the winner announced at a ceremony at the Crown Casino last Wednesday.
Mrs MacNee said she could not believe she had won but was rapt.
“Not everyone gets their five minutes of fame and glory but I’ve had mine,” she said.
“But it’s not just me, it’s the whole team. We’ve got a great team.”
Mrs MacNee said she had worked hard since taking over the store in December 2003 to make it a success.
She said it had nearly doubled its sales figures in the past two years.
“Simple customer service techniques and a friendly inviting shop all helps to make our shop what it is.
“It’s not hard to be nice and smile and go that extra mile to make someone feel special.
“The people that come into the store are coming in for a treat so it’s important to make their experience enjoyable.”
She said the Wendy’s crew, including staff Jenni, Julie, Tenielle, Lucy, Laura and Bridget, knew a lot of their customers by name.
Mrs MacNee said she spent about 30 hours a week in the shop over seven days as well as many hours behind the scenes doing the paperwork and bookwork.
“I do work hard. My husband will tell you that,” she laughed.
Mrs MacNee has lived in Cardinia for the past eight years and currently lives in Pakenham with her husband Peter and daughters Jessica, 6, and Kimberley, 4.
She and her family will fly to Hamilton Island in August for a conference with winners from four states to find out if she will be named the national franchisee of the year.
Out of the five awarded franchisees in Australia one will also win an all expenses paid trip to the island.
Wendy’s offers meal deals, hot dogs, ice cream cakes to order, and, of course, shakes, smoothies and ice cream.
It is located at Pakenham Place Shopping Centre.