Andy's founder honored by state Restaurant Association
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on February 5, 2006 2:00 AM
Kenneth Moore, the founder of Andy's Cheesesteaks, was a finalist for the Restauranter of the Year award given by the North Carolina Restaurant Association at its 59th Annual Awards Dinner in Pinehurst on Jan. 22.
Tommy and Donna Haddock of Bojangles'/Tri-Arc Foods, based in Raleigh, were chosen to receive the award.
Moore and Billy Sewell, president and CEO of Platinum Corral of Jackonsville, which operates 11 Golden Corral restaurants, were finalists.
Moore began Andy's as a single restaurant in Goldsboro in 1991.
Andy's now has 96 stores, with 32 restaurants opening since April of last year. Moore's inspirational leadership is credited with the chain's rapid growth. Association officials said his ability to motivate his staff, especially younger employees, is a model for other businesses. Eighteen of the 21 franchise owners in the Andy's chain started out as minimum-wage workers.
"There is no greater testament to his commitment to the restaurant industry than helping to ensure its future in this way," said Paul M. Stone, president and CEO of the NCRA. "He is an asset to our community in so many ways."
"The awards committee struggled with this decision because each of the three finalists were deserving of the final award," Stone said.
The committee is composed of members of the association's board of directors.