Can you wrap 'em fast?

Store manager Margie Burke, David Cravens, Jessy Santiago, Augusta CoOp president Fred Kruckow, and Janie Cravens celebrate the victory. Can you wrap 'em pretty?

Can you be the fastest Snack Wrapper in the city?

Crew, management, and operators from the Augusta CoOp gathered during People Week to participate in the Central Savannah River Area Snack Wrap "Wrap Off" championships. The best snack wrapper from each of the area's 30 stores were invited to compete for great prizes and the title of being the "Fastest Snack Wrapper in the City."

The kitchen of the Fury's Ferry restaurant was packed with competing crew members, family members, managers/coaches, and owner/operators, all cheering the competitors who, admittedly, were a little nervous. Numbers were drawn to decide the order of competitors. Bennett Morris of North Augusta, South Carolina, was first. Wearing his snack wrap chef's hat, he washed up, gloved up, and took his place on table side two as he awaited the order to pop up on the KVS. Hands shaking, and pressure mounting, he rose to the challenge and sailed the wraps to the HLZ. Coaches encouraged from the side lines and each participant tried his or her best to achieve the best times.

Operators David and Janie Cravens sponsored the area-wide. Participating operators were Dee Crawford, Christine Crawford, Fred Kruckow, Pam Powers. The competition was held with three objectives in mind... First, to improve table times in preparing this new popular product, second, to provide a way to recognize crew for outstanding performance, and finally, to have some fun!

The criteria was simple. When an order for three snack wraps came up on the KVS, time began, with field operations consultant/judge Vince Houston grading execution. Contestants were graded on speed with seconds being added if fouls were made. Too much sauce, not enough lettuce, incorrect wrapping procedure or poor select choice could knock a fast competitor out of the finals. After the snack wraps landed in the HLZ the wraps were further inspected for TAN (tight, attractive, and neat) where seconds could be deducted or added to the total time.

While results were being tabulated, snacks wrap samples were offered to customers and spectators who caught the spirit of the event. Balloons, prizes, chef hats, and the road sign welcoming CSRA Snack Wrap Wrappers all indicated that something special was happening at the Fury's Ferry location.

Jessy Santiago, Washington, Georgia, was awarded the title of CSRA Snack Wrap Champion and the prize package including a $100 gift certificate from Best Buy, the championship apron and a bag full of goodies. Jessy's KVS time of 61 seconds for the three wraps won accolades from all who attended. Her store manager, Margie Burke, said, "I felt like she could win. She put her whole heart into it."

Second place winner was Scott Franklin, Fury's Ferry Road, third place went to LaTonya Johnson, Walton Way , fourth place winner was Ryan Schneider of Boy Scout Road, all of Augusta, and fifth place was awarded to Bennett Morris of North Augusta, South Carolina.