Cliff’s Local Market promotes Derek Thurston.
Cliff’s Local Market, locally-owned and operated by Clifford Fuel, has promoted Derek Thurston to director of food service. Thurston has been with Clifford Fuel for three years as the food service supervisor.
Thurston is a foodservice veteran. He earned his associate’s degree from Morrisville State College in restaurant management and went on to earn his Bachelor’s in broadcasting and mass communications from Oswego State College.
Thurston worked at Subway Restaurants throughout his studies and was offered the business consultant position with Subway Corporate upon graduation.
Thurston’s role with Subway allowed him to work directly with franchisees to improve sales and gross margin while providing operational guidance. Through the Subway Corp., Thurston also worked with chains like Taco Del Mar and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels to improve sales, increase profits, and improve store operations.
During this time Thurston also worked at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Food Service, where he met his wife, Brianna.
Thurston developed a relationship with Clifford Fuel Co. Inc. helping them improve their four Subway franchises. The stores he oversaw were consistently part of the top performing stores in the Central New York Territory.
In 2015, Clifford Fuel grew and needed to add a food service supervisor position. Thurston was the obvious choice and he was honored to join a growing local company with a commitment to excellent customer service and the communities they serve.
Throughout the last three years Thurston has led the team consistently increasing sales and margin. He has introduced and overseen operational improvements, most notably the conversion of the entire chain from a cost based inventory system to a recipe based inventory system. Thurston has also implemented food service management bonus programs and increased focus on menu management to improve profits.
Clifford Fuel Co. Inc. is proud to promote Derek Thurston to this new role. Cliff’s Local Market is a local chain of 19 convenience stores located in the Central New York area. The chain is owned and operated by Clifford Fuel Co. Inc., founded in 1961.