Forward Corp.

Forward Corp. owns and operates 29 stores. The company also owns and operates 56 Subway shops across 16 counties in Michigan, more than any other company in the state.

Division Manager Ryan Pelletier said the chain's focus in 2019 was on developing its people and building exceptional customer service. He said Forward was able to streamline some programs and focus on revenue growth opportunities.

Forward Corp. is a fifth-generation company with more than 1,000 employees across four divisions in Michigan. The company was founded in 1925 with one garage in Standish, Mich. The owners' wives opened a small restaurant in the corner of the garage. Today, the company is known for its Forward convenience stores featuring Shell or Marathon fuel in Central and Northern Michigan. The company also owns and operates 29 Forward convenience stores and 56 Subway restaurants in the state. Other businesses owned by Forward Corp. include a screen-print and embroidery company, some hotels and the Lumber Jack restaurant. The company also supplies fuels to homes, farms and businesses.

For benchmarking purposes, store counts are year-end 2019.