While Arby’s sandwich shops are known for serving roast beef and other meat-centric menu options, the store managers also take pride in their service to their communities, according to Dave Storjohann, general manager of the Great Bend Arby’s at 3413 10th St. The restaurant hosted the May 29 Great Bend Chamber Coffee.
He’s been operating restaurants for nearly 40 years.
“The nice thing about our company is, it is really focused on each individual store and each general manager being part of the community. We do a lot of fundraisers and things like that. It’s just really nice to be able to take care of people,” Storjohann said.
He has been involved with the Jobs for America’s Graduates - Kansas (JAG-K) class at Great Bend High School, which prepares students for future careers.
Twice a year, Arby’s conducts its Make a Difference campaign, which is wrapping up now. It is primarily focused on helping children. “Nationwide, we’ve already raised over $2 million,” he said, noting 75% of what is raised locally stays local.
“We do a lot of work with the Kansas Food Bank,” he said. “Last year we presented to them a check for over 10 grand.”
There are also in-store fundraisers for local nonprofit organizations.
“Basically, what you do is, you just go to our website.” An organization signs up and is given a choice of days, usually a Tuesday or Wednesday. Then the organization spreads the word about its fundraiser and hands out fliers. Anyone who brings a flier to the restaurant during the fundraiser or mentions that they are there for the fundraiser will cause 20% of their purchase to go to the organization. “So, it’s really easy,” Storjohann said. “There’s no baking stuff, no car washing. We do all the work. All you’ve got to do is the work of getting people to come by here.”
He also wants people to know that Arby’s offers catering for all sizes of groups.
Several times a year, the Arby’s chain has special promotions. Right now they are featuring barbecue sandwiches with celebrity spokespersons Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer. “We’re featuring their barbecue sauces right now with our pulled pork and our brisket sandwiches. They’re quarter-pounds, so they’re going really well.” The store is also test marketing the Carni-More meal, a big sandwich with double beef and cheddar, double roast beef, double ham melt and the new one, double turkey melt, with medium fries and a drink for $7.99.
Chamber members praised Arby’s for its community service. Mark Mingenback commented, that this is uncommon for the fast food industry.
“You are a spotlight on what can be done in the local community and your involvement. I want to acknowledge, and I think we all appreciate that.”
Great Bend Chamber Announcements
• The Leader’s Lunchroom is a free program at noon Tuesday, June 3, in the Great Bend Chamber Boardroom, 1125 Williams St., hosted by Kimberly Becker, executive and leadership coach. Bring your lunch and join a community of like-minded leaders for a powerful Leadership Nugget – a bite-sized session designed to help you refocus, gain momentum, and expand your impact. No registration required.
• Getting Started With Free Email Services will be offered 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Front Door Community Center, 1615 10th St. Master the basics of using email. In this course, participants will set up a free email account (Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail). Learn to send and reply to messages, attach files, manage the inbox, and stay safe online.
• Unlock Your Chamber Benefits – A free lunch and learn program at noon Wednesday, June 4, in the Chamber Board Room. Bring your own lunch. This informative event will guide participants through the Member Information Center, where they can manage their Chamber profile to optimize an online presence. Bring a laptop or iPad to make the most of this practical session.
• Wheatland Electric will host a Chamber After Hours from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, at Dry Lake Brewing, 1305 Main.
• Renue Salon and Spa, 1419 Main, has a new online scheduling platform: Vagaro.com.
• K-State Garden Hour - Native & Ornamental Grasses of Kansas: The K-State Garden Hour is a free webinar series hosted by K-State Research and Extension horticulture staff across the state. The program on Monday, June 2, will be given live from noon to 1 p.m. with a 45-minute presentation and a 10-15 minute question period. Sessions will be recorded and posted afterwards to the website ksre-learn.com/KStateGardenHour.
• The Gathering of Gardeners free vegetable and flower garden tour runs from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 13, at four locations in and near Great Bend: 3810 19th St., Jim and Dana McVay; 2710 Jackson St., Daryl and Kathy Moore; 2545 Broadway Ave., Anne Hendee Linenberger; Turner Flowers, 304 N. Washington, Alicia Turner (2.7 miles north of Walnut Bowl). Scavenger hunt for prizes. Hosted by K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener Cottonwood District Barton County.
• The next Chamber Coffee will be at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 5, at Strategic Partners Financial Planning Group, 1618 Main. The program starts at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by a ribbon cutting around 10 a.m. to celebrate Strategic Partners Financial Group and their re-brand.
