A multi-year extension of the Green Bay Packers’ partnership with the well-known Midwest convenience store brand Kwik Trip was announced last month. According to the football team and the convenience store chain, the continuation of Kwik Trip’s sponsorship of the Kwik Trip Gate—a prominent feature as the entrance to the stadium from Titletown—and a greeting to fans attending games at Lambeau Field on the stadium’s northwest side since 2018—is the defining aspect of the partnership’s renewal.

Although the specific number of years for the partnership was not disclosed, experts and analysts believe it will strengthen the ties between the two entities, and improve fans’ experience at the Packers stadium.

As Kate Richardson, a top tipster at MightyTips and an expert in the sports industry puts it, “…For the Packers, this continued collaboration ensures sustained support from a well-established regional partner, which can help fund community programs, fan engagement activities, and stadium improvements. For Kwik Trip, the partnership with such an iconic NFL team strengthens its brand recognition and loyalty among Packers fans.’’

To capture this partnership succinctly, here are the words  of Craig Benzel, The Vice President of Sales & Business Development of Packers: “We’re pleased to extend our longstanding partnership with Kwik Trip. Kwik Trip’s deep Wisconsin roots and dedication to providing consistent and excellent service makes them a fan-favorite. The Packers are proud to join them in serving fans, visitors and travelers alike.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mark Meisner, VP of Marketing and Advertising at Kwik Trip, had this to say: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Green Bay Packers. In addition to serving our great tasting Café Karuba Coffee and Hot Chocolate at Lambeau Field, Kwik Trip will be offering opportunities to Packers fans throughout the season to win game tickets, experiences and fantastic prizes through the Fan Zone on the Kwik Rewards App. We look forward to a great season.’’

Setting the Record Straight About Kwik Trip

There are two brands that run under the Kwik name: Kwik Trip in northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and Kwik Star in South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois. This family-run business is among the largest independently held convenience store chains in the nation, with over 850 branches.

With its own distribution center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the family-owned business Kwik Trip serves 12 million customers weekly. For Kwik Trip patrons and Packers’ fans out there, the following sections will educate you about the humble beginnings of these two entities. Keep reading.

History of the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers‘ extraordinary journey started in August 1919, when Earl (Curly) Lambeau’s local professional football club was sponsored by the Indian Packing Company. The Packers were one of the first teams admitted to the new NFL in 1921. Among the many legendary Packers football players, two coaches—Lambeau and Vince Lombardi—stand head and shoulders above the others. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has individually inducted Lambeau, Lombardi, and twenty-one long-serving Packers players.

Lambeau and Lombardi won 11 NFL championships for the Packers. That includes two record-setting streaks of three consecutive victories (1929–1930 and 1931 and 1965–1966 and 1967). In 1936, 1939, and 1944, they achieved four division championships and the NFL championship. Green Bay, home of the Packers, is still considered somewhat of a sports “dinosaur” due to its population of fewer than 100,000.

A further distinctive feature of the Green Bay Packers is that they are the only NFL team to be owned by members of the local community.  The Packers are still a competitive and historically significant club. The golden days of playing the game are still upon them. With their Super Bowl XXXI victory in 1996, the Packers regained their position as a premier professional football team.

After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV in 2010, Green Bay won the Super Bowl for the fourth time. Currently, they are the third-oldest professional football team. From its inception in 1919 to the present day, the Green Bay Packers have been a story of perseverance. Still going strong after all this time, the Green Bay Packers have 13 Super Bowl victories under their belt and are among the teams with the most football alumni in the NFL Hall of Fame.

History of Kwik Trip

In 1965, at 1402 S. Hastings Way in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the first Kwik Trip was established. Originating from a rural farm about ten miles southeast of La Crosse, Don Zietlow—co-founder and former CEO of Kwik Trip—was born in Chaseburg, Wisconsin. Don Zietlow and John Hansen, his business partner, co-founded the company.

In 1971, Kwik Trip opened its first La Crosse store, the city where it is now headquartered, after operating a few outlets in the Eau Claire area. Kwik Trip’s corporate offices moved to La Crosse in 1973. In 1986, only three years after reaching the 50-store milestone, Kwik Trip doubled their number of shopfronts and kept expanding throughout Midwest states like Wisconsin.

The Zietlow family became the sole proprietors of Kwik Trip in 2000 after purchasing the Hansen family’s stake in the business. Kwik Trip launched the nation’s first alternative fuels and compressed natural gas (CNG) station in April 2012. They augmented their distribution network using natural gas vehicles (NGVs).

At the end of 2022, Don Zietlow resigned as president and CEO after 52 years. His son, Scott Zietlow is now the second-generation president and CEO of Kwik Trip. From its humble beginnings as a single store in Eau Claire, Don spearheaded the expansion of Kwik Trip. He has since passed the baton to the Zietlow family.

Interesting Facts About Kwik Trip Most Patrons Don’t Know

This section uncovers facts about Kwik Trip that most patrons are not privy to. Dive into the unique details behind this beloved convenience store chain.

  • The glazed donuts “Glazers” were introduced by Kwik Trip in 2000. It is Kwik Trip’s best-selling product. Over two million donuts are produced weekly.
  • In order to take over for his dad, Scott Zietlow left his position as a Trauma Surgeon at the Mayo Clinic.
  • With over 800 sites in six different states, the company has 36,000 workers.
  • Its 90-acre La Crosse property is where Kwik Trip produces roughly all of its goods.
  • Kwik Trip opened its 800th store in 2021, Holmen, Wisconsin.
  • Kwik Trip unveiled a new site in Becker, Minnesota in early August.
  • Kwik Trip has been recognised as the top gas pump brand in the US for the last five consecutive years.
  • Both the hot meal and fresh food programs were launched by Kwik Trip in 2003 and 2005, respectively. Each store saw an increase in salads, sandwiches, and fresh vegetables as a result of the fresh food initiative.

Final Thoughts

The renewed partnership between the Green Bay Packers and Kwik Trip is a win for both entities. This collaboration not only strengthens the bond between two beloved Wisconsin institutions but also enhances the fan experience at Lambeau Field.

Kwik Trip’s ongoing support, from sponsoring the Kwik Trip Gate to offering exciting fan rewards, shows their commitment to the community. As the Packers continue to make memories on the field, Kwik Trip will be there to fuel those moments, ensuring fans enjoy every game day to the fullest.