FRANCHISEE EXPANDS BUSINESS
Usha Parekh was living and working as a travel agent in India’s State of Gujarat, when she received a shock from her then-husband, who announced he decided to leave her. In those days in India, Parekh said, even if a woman’s husband walked out on her, it was the woman who was frowned upon.
Parekh sought a better life for herself and her 16-year-old son. She left India alone in 1996 destined for the United States without knowing a word of English, carrying one suitcase and $500. Parekh relishes in retelling her story, hoping it will be an inspiration to other women who have found themselves in similar situations.
Parekh eventually created the life she was seeking and remarried. She and her husband Rakesh Patel are now the franchisees for a Circle K Convenience Store & Gas Station. The couple is in the process of expanding their business in adjacent space within their shopping plaza, where customers will be able to purchase to-go meals from a salad bar and Broaster Chicken franchise; and beverages from a juice bar.
The Circle K convenience store chain was established in Texas in 1951, quickly expanded throughout New Mexico and Arizona. It now has a worldwide presence in 20 countries, with Alimentation Couche-Tard in Canada acquiring the brand in 2003.
Broaster Chicken is a franchise that boasts proprietary recipes and pressure frying through the “broaster” process. The Broaster franchise within Parekh’s Circle K franchise is considered a “Broaster Express,” which offers restaurant-quality, ready-to-go foods that franchisees distribute within a small space. Fried chicken, boneless Buffalo wings, potato wedges, corn dogs and onion rings are among the fare. Parekh said the Broaster items appealed to her and many of her customers because of the high quality flavor.
Parekh said rebuilding her life in the United States when she arrived in November 1996 took sheer determination and hard work. She started working in a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise in Philadelphia, before briefly returning to India. Once she came back to the United States in 1997, she settled with friends in Bergen County and worked at a Dunkin’ Donuts location there. She learned English by watching television programs and speaking the language as much as possible.
“I knew if I wanted to live in this country, I had to learn English,” she said.
While living and working in Bergen County, she met Patel.
“I can do nothing without him (Patel),” said Parekh. “He’s my biggest supporter.” She has since become a U.S. citizen and said that people in the community have embraced them.
“This community gave me a lot of love,” she said. “I didn’t want to start over. I love my community.”
Parekh said Circle K contacted her to ask if she could oversee the local franchise, which Parekh and Patel took over on July 3. She sold her share in the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise before transitioning to Circle K. Their success has come from working countless hours, she said, with Parekh putting in 12-hour days and Patel, 90-hour workweeks.
“This was my dream come true,” said Parekh of having the opportunity to become a franchisee for the Circle K brand.
The location is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for fuel, food and beverage purchases.
The bakery within the franchise specializes in fresh-baked bagels, rolls, donuts, muffins, cookies and breads. Another popular breakfast choice among Parekh’s loyal customers are the small boxes of cereal she stocks. There are hot beverages, with Circle K’s premium coffees, cappuccinos and teas for on-the-go purchases that customers can start their day with; or enjoy anytime.
The Circle K store also offers seasonal coffee flavors. Parekh said customers can return for a coffee refill at a nominal charge. Cold beverages can be chilled in Circle K’s “Polar Pop” cup that reportedly keeps beverages cooler longer – customers can opt for crushed or cubed ice. Milk shakes and smoothies are part of the frozen beverage selection.
Customers can stop in to grab a quick bite, with a selection of sandwiches and salads. There are hot foods, too, with sandwiches, hot dogs heated on a roller grill, empanadas, nachos and other items.
There are refrigerated, bottled beverages and other refrigerated choices. Ice cream pints are another option for treats on-the-go, at any hour of the day. Customers can satisfy snack cravings with a range of sweet to salty to spicy snacks. One-yard-long chocolate bars are one of the sweet favorites. Fresh fruit is a healthy snack choice that they also offer to their customers.
The Broaster Chicken Express area that is by the location’s register has also become a go-to for Parekh’s customers throughout the day. One of the regulars is Bill Weiss, who initially met Parekh and Patel three years ago when they were working at the Dunkin’ Donuts. He has followed the couple as a loyal client to Circle K.
“They’re great,” Weiss said of Parekh and Patel, “they’ve become like family.”
Weiss said he stops to the location “a few times a week” for fuel, but his other favorites are the coffee and Broaster Chicken items.
Parekh said she anticipates the expansion and opening of the food area in the adjacent space to the Circle K with the Broaster Chicken franchise, salad bar and juice bar to take place within the next six months.
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Jul 8

Today is our favorite day—It’s National Fried Chicken Day, and nobody does it like Broaster. Golden, juicy, pressure-fried perfection since 1954. 🍗 #BetterBeBroaster #BroasterChicken #NationalFriedChickenDay
Jul 6

From our Broaster family to yours—wishing you a safe, joyful, and flavor-filled Independence Day! 🇺🇸🎆🍗
#BetterBeBroaster #HappyFourth #IndependenceDay #BroasterChicken
Jul 4

Big power. Small footprint. 🔥
The Broaster 1800 is your high-performance pressure fryer—built for busy kitchens that need speed, consistency, and quality without taking up extra space.
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Perfect for operators who want to serve legendary Broaster Chicken. Visit us online at Broaster.com/contact for a quote!
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Jul 3

Golden. Crispy. Irresistible. 🍤
Our Beer Battered Shrimp delivers pub-style flavor with a light, crunchy bite—ready in minutes. Serve it as a snack, app, or add it to a combo!
✅ Premium tail-off shrimp
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Bring the coastal vibes to your menu—no ocean required. 🌊 Now available nationwide through @dotfoodsofficial. Learn more here online at Broaster.com
#BetterBeBroaster #BeerBatteredShrimp #SeafoodMadeSimple #FrozenFoodDoneRight
Jul 2

"I am starving for Broaster Chicken" We are, too, buddy… We are, too. #BetterBeBroaster
Jul 1

Where do you get your Broaster Chicken fix? 🍗
Shout out your go-to spot and tag them in the comments! ⬇️ Let’s show some love to the places serving up that crispy, juicy goodness! 🙌
#BetterBeBroaster #BroasterChicken
Jun 29

#FAQFRYday 💬 "How much does your equipment cost?"
Great question! 💡 Pricing can vary based on your setup, needs, and location — so the best way to get an accurate quote is by connecting with your local distributor.
Ready to get started? We’ll point you in the right direction 👉 Visit Broaster.com/distribution
Jun 27

Our friend from Youtube says, "The chicken was juicy and the skin was flavorful."
Now we`re hungry for Genuine Broaster Chicken 😋
Jun 24

#NationalOnionRingDay calls for something crispy, golden, and unforgettable! 🧅
Let’s talk about one of our fan-favorite frozen picks — Broaster’s Beer Battered Onion Rings 🍺✨
Made with whole, sweet Spanish onion slices (never processed or extruded!), these rings are packed with bold flavor and crave-worthy crunch your customers will love bite after bite.
Now available nationwide through @dotfoodsofficial
Jun 22

#FAQFRYday 🍗💡 "Why is my chicken coming out too dark?"
If your chicken’s looking a little too golden… it might be your oil! 🔍
👨🍳 Pro Tip: It’s probably time to filter or replace your oil. Regular oil maintenance keeps your pressure fryer in top shape and your chicken perfectly crispy every time.
✅ Clean oil = Better taste, better color, better results!
Jun 20

Why Join the Broaster Express® Program? 🤔👇
🔥 Top-Quality, Ready-to-Cook Menu – Serve great food fast!
⚙️ Efficient Equipment – Get cooking with ease and speed.
🛢️ High-Quality Cooking Oils – Better taste, better consistency.
📦 Branded Packaging – Looks as good as it tastes!
👕 Branded Apparel – Dress the part, serve with pride.
🌟 National Brand Recognition – Trusted nationwide.
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👨🍳 On-site Training – Master your kitchen with our expert help.
🚫 No Fees. No Royalties. No Franchise Contract. – Just pure profit potential!
📍 Store Locator & Website Support – Be found, be chosen, be loved.
✨ Boost your business with Broaster Express® ✨ Learn more online at Broaster.com/trademark-food-programs
Jun 18

🌟 Operator Spotlight Time! 🌟
Say hello to @nicksquorum in downtown Omaha, NE — where classic supper club vibes meet modern-day deliciousness!
From tableside Roasted Prime Rib with Yorkshire pudding (yes, please 😍) to a daily fish fry featuring crispy beer-battered cod, they’re serving up comfort food dreams with a gourmet twist. And don’t even get us started on that lobster mac & cheese and double-baked stuffed potatoes… pure indulgence. ✨
Big thanks to Nick’s Quorum for being a Genuine Broaster Chicken Operator ❤️ #BetterBeBroaster
Jun 17

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Whether you’re manning the grill or enjoying some well-deserved pressure-fried chicken, here’s to a day full of flavor and appreciation. #BetterBeBroaster
Jun 15

#FAQFRYday How long does it take to smoke ribs in the #Smokaroma? LESS THAN AN HOUR! Yeah, you heard that right. With our pressure smoking technique, you will have the juiciest, flavor packed ribs in about 45 minutes.
Learn more online at broaster.com/equipment/smokaroma
Jun 13

Check out how @thelodgesouthhaven took our Genuine Broaster Chicken tenders 🍗 and turned it into an interesting, delicious appetizer! They start by skewering Genuine Broaster Chicken tenders with their sweet Belgium waffles. 🧇 Then, the dish is drizzled with farm-fresh blueberry jam. 🫐 It is served with 100% pure Michigan maple syrup for dipping.
We love to see how you use your own creativity with our #GenuineBroasterChicken!
Jun 12
