In the Fast Lane
Despite the rocky economy, quick-service restaurants are holding their own. In the U.S., sales for the top 500 quick-service chains rose to $230.2 billion last year, up $7.6 billion from 2007 according to Technomic Inc., a research and consulting firm that tracks the food service industry. Though sales growth actually slipped to 3.4% from 5.0% the previous year, it’s clear that people enjoy eating at places like Burger King. Among those riding the trend is Valerie Daniels-Carter, founder, president, and CEO of Milwaukee-based V and J Holding Cos. (No. 52 on the be industrial/service companies list with $90 million in revenues). The “V†stands for Valerie and the “J†stands for John, her brother and financial partner in the company.
