White Hen Franchise Opportunity

Company History

White Hen has been a Chicago landmark for 41 years--beginning in 1965--and continues to be one of the most innovative and trend setting convenience store chains in North America. Now operating in both Chicagoland and in the Boston metropolitan area, White Hen Pantry is predominantly franchisee-owned and operated with more than 265 stores serving over 250,000 customers each day. Renowned for its fresh food offering and outstanding customer service, White Hen offers a full line of distinctive products including sliced-to-order deli meats and cheeses, toasted-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads, homestyle soups, and Chicago's best coffee.

The first store opened under the name of "Kwik Shoppe" in Des Plaines, IL, on June 24th, 1965. White Hen Pantry was one of the Jewel Companies at that time. Llater that year the name of the convenience store concept was changed to White Hen Pantry.

In 1969, the first Massachusetts store opened in Marblehead. This jump in geography was a result of the Jewel Companies also operating, under the Star Market brand nam,e in the Boston area.

By 1971 White Hen was actively franchising new stores and opened its 100th store, in September. Three years later (1974) it opened its 200th store.

In 2004 the present management team bought the brand and operates White Hen Pantry, Inc. as an independent company.

The period from 2004 through the present has been a period of exciting innovation at White Hen.

During 2004 White Hen stores in Chicagoland were reimaged inside and out with our now familiar blue and yellow "trade dress". Also in 2004 White Hen was the first multi-unit convenience store chain to launch a frozen blended drink program, featuring espresso based frappes, non-fat fruit smoothies, shakes and malts. This line of frozen blended beverages is branded the Polar Blend brand. And, White Hen launched its catering program-targeted at offices needing breakfast, lunch and a.m. or p.m. snack solutions.

In 2005 White Hen launched it's Hot & Fresh toasted-to-order sandwich program (including breakfast sandwiches, regular sandwiches, and indvidual pizza-all toasted to order in about 3 minutes) to its already large deli sandwich business. Also, in 2005, White Hen installed touchscreen ordering systems at nearly all stores. These allow customers to order deli sandwiches, frozen blended drinks, sliced deli meats and cheeses, and other items via easy-to-navigate touchscreen technology. And, in 2005, White Hen began to expand its line of Pantry Select gourmet salads, fresh-never-frozen microwaveable entrees, party dips, fruit cuts, vegetable cuts and other fresh items.

In late 2005 and continuing in 2006 White Hen has focused on updating its center of store offering with particular attention to on-trend edible and non-edible groceries, energy snacks, and health and beauty care items. White Hen continues to add significantly to its natural and organic offerings throughout many sections of the store.

White Hen will continue to focus fulfilling customer needs with fairly priced, on-trend items.

This web page does not constitute a franchise offering or an offer to sell a franchise. A franchise offering can be made by us only in a state if we are first registered, excluded, exempted or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if we provide you with an appropriate franchise disclosure document.