Kwik Trip Reveals Transition Plans for PDQ

LA CROSSE, Wis. — The announcement of pending layoffs at PDQ Food Stores following the chain's acquisition by Kwik Trip Inc. does not impact the possibility of PDQ employees joining the Kwik Trip team, the company stated.

The legal requirement known as the Wisconsin Business Closing and Mass Layoff notice was distributed regarding the acquisition, but the mandatory announcement does not mean PDQ employees will inevitably lose their jobs.

The filing with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development stated that the majority of PDQ Food Stores employees would be laid off in October, as CSNews Online previously reported.

"It is Kwik Trip's desire to hire any qualified PDQ coworker, both full time and part time. Because each store will require more coworkers than are currently employed. It will be necessary to hire new coworkers as well," said John McHugh, director of public relations for Kwik Trip. "So as to continue PDQ's strong tradition of great customer service we hope that many coworkers will choose to remain at their current location."

Current PDQ employees will receive credit for their length of service with the company to determine vacation benefits and Kwik Trip 401(k) plan eligibility. Traditional wait periods for benefit coverage will also be waived for those workers.

Starting the week of Oct. 9, PDQ stores will close for 24 hours after the transaction. This time will be used to do an inventory count and move in the appropriate Kwik Trip equipment, supplies and merchandise.

Middleton-based PDQ Food Stores has 34 company-operated stores in southern Wisconsin.

Based in La Crosse, Kwik Trip is a family-owned company with more than 400 convenience stores across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. It also operates its own bakery, commissary, dairy, distribution warehouse, and vehicle maintenance divisions.