I guess you could say I was the first “Wendy” for Hamra Enterprises. I can remember putting on the costume and wig and adding freckles to my face. Dad pulled me from summer camp early in 1976 to film a commercial for Wendy’s Zoo Day. Dressed as Wendy I spoke in front of Monkey island, while I fed a giraffe and while riding the elephant.
I was present for many grand openings and opening days to the public. I would stand in front of the store and wave at cars as they drove by. I remember the Kearney street opening where a person dressed as Superman was across the street- only on Kearney street in Springfield.
After opening the restaurant in Joplin Dad was driving back to Springfield – Mom was in the passenger seat and I was in the back. Dad had put a-couple of bottles of left over champagne in the back seat with me. As we were traveling down I-44, one bottle decided to blow its cork and we all thought we had been shot at! I also worked at Wendy’s on Battlefield Road, I worked the pick up window quite a bit. I remember one shift where someone had mopped behind me, when I turned around to fill the order and slipped and fell flat on my back knocking the wind from my lungs – what a night!
Once Dad stopped driving, my husband Bob and I took Dad to Columbia a few times. No matter where we went we always had to go by and check his stores. We checked out Wendys and Noodle stores and even building sites.
Dad always went behind the counter “like he owned the place” which he did. At one Wendys a young male employee tried to stop him telling him, “Sir, you can’t be back here” but Dad being Dad pulled out a card and showed the employee that he was the owner!
Karen, Hamra’s first ‘Wendy’, resides in Springfield, MO with her family.
Hamra has impacted my life as I originally applied to the Burlington Panera cafe in May of 2022 for a summer job after finishing my freshman year of college. I ended up loving the job and continuing to work part-time when my classes resumed that September. Throughout the next two years I was promoted to Team Lead, Shift Supervisor, and Team Manager. Then, in September of 2024, right before finishing my college degree in December of 2024, I had the opportunity to step into a catering sales role. This role has been a great opportunity for me as a start to my career. I have been able to learn a lot and continue to do so everyday. I am grateful that I have been able to turn a part-time job to make extra money during college into a full-time career through Hamra.
Jack is a Catering Sales Representative in Boston, MA.
Before joining Hamra, I worked for another Panera franchise. The difference was like night and day. The family atmosphere at Hamra made the job truly enjoyable. Within my first month, I had the opportunity to meet Mike Hamra personally. As I grew with the company, they introduced the Hero Fund, which has helped me through difficult times on three separate occasions.
The family-oriented culture has kept me here and happy all these years. I’ve built wonderful relationships throughout my time with Hamra. I’ve always felt valued, and I hope I’ve made others feel the same way. Hamra is a one-of-a-kind company that I’m proud to be part of. Cheers to 50 years!”
Valerie is the General Manager at Panera Bread in Aurora, IL.
Summers with Sam and June. I first met Sam and June Hamra about two years after I started my career in 1999. Up until then, I associated myself and my role as one of a Panera manager. After meeting them for the first time, and, of course, after meeting many others on the Hamra team, my view of who I was working for completely shifted and I started to see glimpses of a great company owned by a warm and caring family. That was only the beginning of what became a very special relationship that blossomed over the years. I will call this memory, Summers with Sam and June. Sounds like a great title for a NY Times best seller, right?
In those times, Sam and June had a regular practice of visiting our growing Chicago Panera market during the summer and we would visit every café over the course of a couple of days. Now looking back, these café tours were much more than your run-of-the-mill store visits to look at real estate, validate operations, etc. but the visits were more like a parade to celebrate our people in the cafes! Up until then, I had never experienced anything like this! Sam and June met hundreds of people during these café visits over the years and if you were observing the interactions from an outside perspective, you would think that Sam and June knew each team member for years! There was a real authenticity and grace in how Sam and June interacted with people on these tours and I did everything that I could to role model that in my career here at Hamra.
We would visit a dozen or more cafes per day and most of us would be tired. However, it was always important to Sam and June to treat a group of us to dinner. I would always try to sit next to them at dinner and my memories of those conversations still resonate to this day. It was always important that we talk about the business and our families but I always took time to learn from the stories that they would share, the people in their lives and the organizations that they supported over the years. These summer visits became a regular event for years to come and the path that I began to see at Hamra was that of a family and not just a business.
Obviously, all good things come to an end and as years went on, the Hamras were not able to continue these summer visits and trips to Chicago were few and far between. However, their presence in the market was more than fulfilled when Mike Hamra joined our Hamra team! As we know, Mike’s contributions here and throughout the organization are profound and his impact has caused an explosion of growth and endless possibilities. Bringing John Addelia to Hamra was also a fulfillment of what Sam and June started. This list of Hamra leaders goes on and on from there, including myself. I, for one, feel that the Hamra Charter, although not created by Sam and June, is a manifestation of what Sam and June started here at Hamra and a representation of the way they lived their lives. .
I am fortunate for my family and the upbringing that I’ve experienced in my life. I’m even more blessed that I’ve been a part of what we’ve created at Hamra! In many ways, I look at Sam and June in the same ways that I do my own parents and in my own way, have grown up here!
Mike Zappala retired on April 1, 2025 after 26 successful years with Hamra Enterprises.
I have had the absolute pleasure of working at both Hamra Wendy’s and Panera Bread.
My story began in 2012 after I graduated with a double degree in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management. Upon my graduation, I opened a restaurant and then a second location a couple of years later, only to be outmatched by big corporations and forced to close shop and file for bankruptcy after five years of business.
I began working for Hamra Enterprises in October of 2017 after my restaurants were closed down. For the first six months of my employment, I was homeless, living out of my car during the winter months while I trained to be an Assistant Manager for Wendy’s. As time passed and I became fully immersed in the Hamra Charter, I had supportive leaders to reach out to, such as Trent Colford, Wendy Buffum, and Jenna Hammond. I began to grow and help others grow until I reached the role of General Manager. In that role, I ran both a Phase 1 and Phase 2 training restaurant and was named one of Wendy’s Top General Managers in the system for four years, which allowed me to train and promote some great individuals.
As time went on, I found love, bought a house, and moved to another town in an attempt to make it work; however, the commute was grueling. I am currently working in the Plymouth location for Boston Bread, and although it is different, it still provides me with the platform to do what I love: teach! I love teaching people how to be good leaders and what can make them great, how to run a restaurant and provide great service for our guests.
I want to take this moment to thank Trent Colford, Wendy Buffum, and, most importantly, Jenna Hammond for not only helping me reach my potential but also saving my life; I will forever be grateful!
Joe is the General Manager in Plymouth, MA.
Working for Hamra has been life changing! I’ve worked for Panera Bread for close to 17 years and Hamra for nearly 2 years. Hamra has given me the tools and the leadership to take on more than I ever thought possible. Hamra has instilled in me a confidence I never knew existed, by believing in me, my cafe, and my staff. Hamra has given me and my cafe the ability grow from within. The hero fund allows all that support it to make a difference in others lives. The ability to help others has been one of the most rewarding and amazing parts of Hamra, it has truly changed my life for the better.
Natalie is the General Manager at the Panera Bread in Metairie, Louisiana.
Hamra gave me a opportunity to give me a chance in my life being a single mom of 2 kids. Ive been at same store for my entire career. I love my guests. Just yesterday a man came in and wanted to meet me because his mother who is now 98 years told him about everytime she would come in. She always wanted us to change our gloves before we made her sandwich and he just wanted to thank me ❤️. We had 27 stores in Missouri when i started.
Cheryl is the General Manager at the Wendy’s in Warrensburg, Missouri
Working at Panera has been a blessing. I got out of treatment and was hired on as a production line associate a month later. I learned how to work hard, have integrity, love and much more.
My thrive within Panera showed and I later became a Cater Coordinator which i love. I thank God for Panera to trust in me and gave me a chance. So Hamra is not just my place of employment, its my family. When I was healing they were there so I cant fail the ones who lifted me up. I’ve met some strong people and managers who understands me, motivates me and push me to a higher level. I give special thanks to Ms. Hailey and Ms. Melanie for giving me the opportunity to flourish.
Most of all, my GM, Mr. Trey whom supports me highly as being his Catering Coordinator. He’s my GM and someone i can go to at all times. He has taught me so much. Its important when your GM can just look at you and know something is wrong and that means a lot to me cause he cares about his employees. I’m grateful for Hamra and will continue to do my best and rise to the top.
Katina is a Catering Coordinator at the Panera Bread in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
I have so many stories and memories during my 15 years ! I started as an associate at the Plainfield location. I had been in foods my entire life and needed a job with insurance, flexibility and close to home as I raised my son and took care of elderly parents ! Panera was a perfect choice. I knew I would eventually want to go back into management and I could do that here. I did do that working my way up and am now the GM at Lockport!
My first day I met Mike Hamra while he was touring!! Talk about feeling a part of a Family! I met his Dad Sam also on another visit.
As you can imagine I have countless stories but the ones I cherish the most are the guests I have met! I still have people who visit at Lockport that I used give a bagel and coffee to at Plainfield. A guest Dawn at Lockport battling cancer who just need a hug . It is the smiles and comfort that I can bring to people who walk thru our doors! An everyday oasis!
Plus as a leader I can now teach others to do the same . I have touched countless associates lives as well, to follow the charter every day! I do love what I do and love the warmth and smile to make our guests happy!
Thanks Hamra Family for making me and my family part of yours! Congratulations on 50 years!
Gloria is the General Manager at the Panera Bread in Lockport, IL
Hamra truly treats their employees like family. There have been a few times that I needed a flexible schedule to help out with my family. Being able to work remotely has enabled me to do that. I work with great people that were willing to do whatever I needed to help me.
Special thank you to Jeanne Gonzalez, Maryjo Kiser, and Sonja Breuer for always being there for me and creating a great work environment.
Laura is a Payroll Coordinator at the Hamra Management office in Springfield, Missouri.
I first started with Wendy’s of Missouri as a senior in high school, September of 1989. My first uniform was a fluorescent yellow t-shirt with the 99 cent song on the back. It was a great job for me as a student because they were willing to work around all my extracurricular activities, family vacations, etc.
I went off to college in August 1990 thinking my time with Wendy’s was over, but I missed my regular JBC and Frosty, so when I stopped into store 11 in Branson for my “fix”, the GM remembered me from Springfield and offered me a job. I worked through two years of college, met my husband at Wendy’s, (he left), we married in September 1992, and I finally accepted the crew leader position, then became a shift manager. At that time, Sam hired Chuck Ocarz and I had the confidence in the company to make it my career. I moved up to assistant manager, co-manager and in June 2001, I became GM of the Ozark, MO location.
Back in those days, Sam and June visited the stores often. I have so many great memories of them stopping in while traveling, meeting teams and shaking hands with everyone, that was until we started wearing gloves! That’s when the elbow bump began. It’s amazing how food safety has changed in the last three decades.
In 2022, I became a district manager, and I guarantee I have learned something new every single day. There are always new challenges. I am so grateful to Hamra because this job has done exactly what the charter was created for: it allows me to live a life I love! Lord willing, I will retire from Wendy’s in the distant future, but hopefully I will have made a difference for the people I work with and in the meantime, continue to grow with Hamra.
Kim is a District Manager for Wendy’s in Springfield, Missouri
I have been with Hamra Enterprises for 10 years and I started out as a dishwasher to now the general manager of Panera Bread.
My experience working for Hamra has been one of the best jobs i ever worked for.
Theres many things i say its been extraordinary experience. One of them is living the charter not just on the job but in the outside world. Bringing fun and family to all my co-workers. I love to give my employee the confident that they can grow and become much more. Exactly how the charter says “we are committed to development and growth”. All the support from Tony, Rachid, Oscar, Abigail and how they know and trust me to get the job done.
Josue the General Manager at the Panera Bread in Danvers, MA
Being part of the original group that created the charter. The conversations and work that went into it were among the most significant and powerful I’ve ever been a part of at Hamra.
I also had no idea at the time, that the outcome and document would live so far into the future and continue to make a difference in the company, how we do business, and how we create and live our culture.
John is the VP of Operations for the Panera Bread Division based in suburban Chicago, IL
I have a different story than most.
I began as a baker with Boston Bread. Worked then as a trainer and after as a BTS(baker training specialist). There were 3 solid managers above me who had been with the company so long… so difficult to see a road for a promotion in the department. But then Chicago Bread came calling. Jay Dykstra then the Regional Bakery Market Manager in Chicago had a spot for me as a Bakery Market Manager. We made the move!
It’s been nearly 11 years and I have been a bakery market manager with Chicago Bread for most of it. For 3 years in the middle I served as Baker training manager overseeing hiring and training development of bakers across the market supporting BMMs and their market needs.
My biggest reason for staying through all these years and changes is the leadership from Mike Hamra and developing the charter.
When it was introduced to us in Boston it really was quite clear to me it was everything I had grown to appreciate of this company but it had given words to it for all of us.
The two values that struck me the most was family and fun. All of our growth and development personally and as a company has been centered around a focus on the charter no matter the brand we represent.
It has unified us in a great way. I’m proud to still be part of Hamra all these almost 18 years later.
Per Skarie is a Bakery Market Manager in Chicago.
Over my 10 years at Hamra, connecting with guests and colleagues from around the world has been incredibly rewarding. Hearing about their traditions, foods, and cultures has broadened my perspective and made me more empathetic and open-minded.
Hamra has been more than a workplace—it’s been a place of constant learning and genuine connection.
Kelsey is the General Manager at Panera Bread in Needham, MA
I have so many experiences with Hamra that it is hard to narrow down to one, being mentored by some of the best leaders in all of Hamra such as John Frigetto, Mike Hughett, Mike Zapalla, John Addelia to name a few. But the most impactful thing for me that Hamra has given me is the ability to grow our family.
I have had the privilege to take on not one but two new markets as an RDO in less than 5 years. Each acquisition has abled me to pass on the knowledge that so many leaders have given me in the past.
Southern bread now has seven high performing district managers who are out to grow the leadership in their cafes, We have an amazing team of two individuals that oversee all of training and both of them strive to make our family better every day, we have a catering sales team of four highly motivated individuals who do everything they can to grow relationships with our guest, a baking team that continues to make sure our guest crave the product they produce,
We have thirty five highly motivated GMs that continue to grow the leadership in their cafe while creating exceptional guest service. At the end of the day the family I work with is the greatest part of Hamra, thank you for letting me do what I love!
Bob is the Regional Director of Operations for Southern Bread and resides in Collierville, TN.
I’ve worked at Hamra for almost 9 years now. Prior to working at Hamra i worked for companies that were solely driven by the bottom line and not the people. Coming to Hamra has shown me that investing into the peope who invest into the company on a daily basis is just as important.
Its great to be a part of a company where you feel both valued and welcome. From my beginning days and still today I feel like i’m part of a family. Knowing that they we cherish and nurture relationships is huge for me. Just knowing that from the top down this company is filled with heart and character and not ego means the world to me.
I’ve been a GM for almost 5 years now and I very much operate my store based on my interpretation of our charter along with its core values. We love what we do so we’re always having fun. We cherish and nurture relationships because we are a family. We allow people to be who they are and not pass judgment because we love self expression.
I was hired years ago as a cook and have made my way to now being a GM thats what Discovery looks like. Everything we do works because our integrity allows for workability.
Jerry McDowell is the General Manager at Noodles & Co. in Creve Coeur, Missouri.
One of my favorite things about being with Hamra for about the plus One of my favorite things about being with Hamra for about the plus five years was all the relationships I have built along the way from starting out as an associate building lifelong relationships that became friends and meeting our wonderful guests that I have known for several years and great people within our Boston bread organization working for several cafes the last couple of years.
Now as the AGM of the Everett location I have a wonderful team a lot of students who look up to me because I was in there shoes a couple years ago.
Thomas is currently an Assistant General Manager at the Panera Bread bakery-cafe in Everett, MA
Leader Who Cares: My Journey with Hamra Enterprises
When I think about my time with Hamra Enterprises, one person immediately comes to mind—Carol Green. From the moment I joined the company while studying at Aurora University, Carol was more than just a General Manager; she was a mentor, a role model, and a steadfast supporter of my success.
Balancing work and school was no easy task, especially during finals season, but Carol always went above and beyond to accommodate my schedule. She understood the importance of my education and never hesitated to adjust my shifts or offer words of encouragement when the workload felt overwhelming. But Carol’s support didn’t stop at scheduling—she genuinely cared about me as a person. She regularly checked in on my progress, asked about my wife Dana, and took a personal interest in my family’s well-being.
What sets Carol apart is her ability to lead with both strength and compassion. She doesn’t just manage a café; she builds a community. She remembers every team member’s birthday and finds small but meaningful ways to make each person feel valued. Her motivation is contagious, inspiring those around her to not only work hard but to grow—both professionally and personally.
One of the most memorable moments of my journey was my graduation. After years of hard work, it was an incredible feeling to walk across that stage, but what made it even more special was looking out into the crowd and seeing Carol there, celebrating alongside my family. That moment solidified what I had always known—Hamra Enterprises isn’t just a company; it’s a family. And Carol is a shining example of the kind of leadership that makes this organization special.
As I continue my career with Hamra, my goals are big, and my aspirations are high. I want to lead, inspire, and make a difference—just like Carol has done for me. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from her, it’s that great leadership isn’t just about business results; it’s about lifting others up and helping them become the best version of themselves.
I’m proud to be part of this incredible journey, and I’m grateful to have a leader like Carol Green guiding the way.
Stop by and say hello to Qusai at the Panera Bread in Aurora, Illinois.
