By VICKI BROWN
vbrown@lowcountry.com
Little Caesars presented their “Hero” award to manager Brianna Russell on Thursday, Feb. 25 at their Walterboro area store, located on Jefferies Boulevard.
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in March of 2020, nearly all retail businesses and services closed, leaving people like Kevin Hebert, owner of Little Caesars, very worried. Restaurants took a hard hit from the quarantine, and the take-out pizzeria was no different. But Hebert had a prize in his Colleton County store…an employee that wouldn’t let anything stop her.
Brianna Russell, manager of Little Caesars in Walterboro, was a life saver for Hebert. “She never stopped. She kept going, and kept everything running smoothly,” said Hebert. “She stepped up and went the extra mile for the customers and community. She stayed with us through COVID-19, and worked hard to hire and train teens looking for work during a time when many people were refusing to work and staying home,” he said.
“She worked extra hours to make sure people were fed. She is an outstanding employee and encourages others to be the same way,” he added.
Hebert and regional Little Caesar’s leader Jackson Mueller said were so impressed by Russell that they decided to present her with an award.
“Little Caesars is grateful to have an employee like Brianna Russell,” Mueller said. “Brianna is a hero to the store, the customers and the franchise. This is the first ‘Hero’ award I have ever given out, and she has been named a Little Caesars Hero for the region,” he added. “This isn’t just something we give out for any reason. She is an outstanding employee across the entire region.”
When presented with her award, Russell said she was shocked and happy. “I want to thank my employees who have helped me every day,” she said. “I also want to thank the owner Kevin Hebert for nominating me.”
“In this day and time it’s hard to find an employee with strong work ethics,” said Hebert. “Russell has been working for us for five years and has risen in the ranks. Five years is a record for us here. Now she is the manager.”
