Spotlight: Ambrose A., GM, Wooster (Beall Ave.)

Ambrose A. loves watching people grow, and he’s had the chance to do that at Wenco for nearly ten years now!

Ambrose started as a crew member at Wendy's when he was in high school in 1993. He stayed for eleven years, with stints as assistant manager and co-manager, and even a two-year period of traveling around and filling in for general managers who were on vacation.

Ambrose left the restaurant industry for a few years, but when he was laid off from his factory job, he decided to return. “I figured I would be safe from layoffs. People weren’t going to stop eating burgers!” That’s when he joined the Wenco franchise. He was hired as an assistant general manager at the Freeway store in Ashland in 2009, with the goal of becoming a general manager in a short time.

It took only six months; Ambrose was promoted to general manager at Beall Avenue in February 2010. His store has won a White Glove award two times and, today, sales are nearly 50% greater than they were back in 2010.

Ambrose credits his success to the leadership he has received and also the growth and hard work of his employees. He says that everyone, from the top down, has given him loyalty and support, especially Jamie Jackson, Director of Operations. “I appreciate his ability to help me lead and coach my team. And also the direction he’s providing for the whole Wenco team.”

Leading and coaching his team has brought Ambrose joy: “I love seeing adults improve their lives. I love watching teenagers grow...learning how they respond to different styles of motivation.” Six employees have been with Ambrose since he started, and three high-schoolers who left to do other things are now back, working as adults, one of whom Ambrose just promoted to OC manager. And one of his long-time employees was recently promoted to general manager at another location. “I’m proud that I got to lead her, guide her. She did it; I just pointed her in the right direction.”

Ambrose feels his management style works due to consistency. Because everyone knows what he expects and that his expectations are the same everyday, “Employees like that, and they know that I genuinely care about them and respect them as individuals.” 

Ambrose's favorite thing about working for Wenco? “I truly am a burger fan. And I know I’m serving the best burgers in the business!”

Ambrose’s story shows how Wenco Wendy’s can be a special place to work and build a career. See what path might be ahead for you—fill out the Quick Apply form to let us know your interests!