By Cheryl Smith
Texas Metro News
Is extra special for two African American Women
From Cashiers and Cooks to Williams Chicken Franchise Partners
This is one Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day that will always be a fond memory for two women in the D/FW area.
Long heralded as a good corporate citizen and friend to entrepreneurs, students and the communities where restaurants bearing his name provide jobs and support; businessman Hiawatha Williams remained true to his commitment and on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 signed over Williams Chicken franchise papers to corporate store employees Shauna Brown and Alythina Wynn.
Joined by his wife, Doris, and company executives at the Robert B. Cullum store in South Dallas, Williams praised the two new store owners and revealed the location of their stores.
Brown has been part of the Williams Chicken system since she was 14-years-old; working alongside her father. The youngest owner in the Williams Chicken system, having been with the company for 21 years; starting as a cook, then cashier before working her way up to a manager and trainer she will own the Williams Chicken located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in South Dallas.
Wynn has been with Williams Chicken for more than 25 years, migrating to the system from Church’s Chicken where she had worked with Mr. Williams. At Williams she worked as a store manager and supervisor.
Wynn said she has always wanted to start a business and inspire women. Now she has an opportunity to be an example for others and says she plans to encourage everyone, especially women to keep striving for their goals, have faith and believe in themselves. Her store is located on Ramey Blvd. in Ft. Worth, TX.
The two African American women were all smiles as they completed the paperwork, but there was also a seriousness about them as they answered questions and shared their plans for the future as they advance under the company’s Pathway to Ownership Program.
“Williams Chicken has always promoted and supported women and currently has female franchise owners, but none are African American,” said Williams, adding that in the near future there will be at least five new owners. “As I continue to look at how I can grow business owners and help people who work with me leave a legacy for their family, like I plan to leave for mine; I believe providing an opportunity for Black women entrepreneurs could change the trajectory of their entire family.
The Williams Chicken Pathway to Owners Program pro- vided a similar opportunity to another candidate in 2019, and he is still successfully running his operation.
The Williams Chicken Pathway to Owners program waives the franchise fee and the company assists the new franchise partner with loan guarantee, business set-up, marketing, and day-to-day operational support to ensure success.
Candidates must have exceptional work ethic, dynamic customer service and excel in operations, said Tim Williams who handles Franchise Development for the corporation.
Because of the Pathway to Owners Program, Brown and Wynn do not have to come up with the $150,000 franchise fees.
“This is very important,” said Brown. “I am going to be sure and support, cater to and better the community. I’m very loyal to the brand.”
Wynn expressed her appreciation, as well. While her location is not as profitable as the Dallas store, she is optimistic about the future and looks forward to a profitable venture. Standing with her sister, she talked about seizing the opportunity to be a source of inspiration and support for her family. “I’ve got plans and I know what I am doing,” she said, adding that she is also loyal to the brand.
And as always, the Williams family, relies on faith as Mrs. Williams prayed for the women to “never give up,” and keep God first.
“This is an exciting time and we want you to be a success,” she said. “I pray that God will give you strength!”
For nearly 35 years Williams Chicken has cooked up winning recipes that have produced longevity and profitability. During the COVID 19 pandemic Williams Chicken experienced a significant profit and opened three new franchise locations. The corporation also continued its commitment to training and hiring new team members of all ages and supporting community events.
Williams said it is important to reinvest in the communities that support the franchise. Not only does the corporation support schools and colleges, the focus on corporate involvement and support is spread company-wide.
According to Brown and Wynn, who are in stores located in close proximity to high schools; they will also be involved and supportive, carrying on the rich tradition of the Williams Chicken brand.
A graduate of Paul Quinn College, Mr. Hiawatha Williams , since 1987, has expanded to i more than 40 stores across Texas and northern Louisiana.
