Well known and respected as a valued member of the community, the 2010 winner is recognized for his achievement.
The Atlantic Convenience Stores Associationaward was presented at Clovelly Golf Club, St.John’s, Newfoundland on September 14 2010 by Premier Danny Williams. “This is an exceptional individual,” he said. “I would not miss this. If anybody deserves the award, it’s John Breen and his family and (Breen’s wife) Judy and everybody else who has been involved.”
The Atlantic Convenience Stores Association congratulates John Breen of Breen's Deli And Convenience, St John's, NL
John Breen began in the business in 1979 with Ultramar stores on Topsail and Hamlyn Roads. In late 1986 he moved to the Pleasantville Ultramar where he created “Breen’s Famous Turkey Sandwiches”. The sandwich, said Breen, helped grow his business.
Judy and John Breen with Premier Danny Williams.
John Breen is a well recognized individual in the community. His business success is partly due to the recognition of his sport involvement and related achievements. The (five) Breen Brothers' participated in local sporting circles on the soccer field and at the hockey rink. All five of them were on the Holy Cross team that won the Canadian National Soccer Championship in 1988; John was also on the winning team of the Herder Trophy, emblematic of senior hockey supremacy in NL. His has continued on his love of soccer with coaching minor teams throughout the years. His dream of further development of the sport was realized in July, 2010, when the a new St. John's indoor soccer Field Turf facility in Pleasantville was opened. John was very instrumental in making this become a reality. John was inducted into the St. John's Soccer Hall of Fame in 1996 and the NL Sports Hall of Fame in April, 2010.
John's achievements are due in large part to his rapport with employees and customers alike and his strong desire to ensure all are satisfied.
In an article featured in "The Express" in 2005 particularly referring the Breen's Deli and Convenience location on Portugal Cove Road (St. John'), Premier Danny Williams is quoted "I have a lot of respect for both of them" (John and Bill, who runs this location). "They've built a fine family business. It's a real good community store."
Below are comments provided by suppliers/customers in support of John Breen's nomination.
“Browning Harvey Ltd. has been a supplier of liquid refreshment beverages to Breen’s for the past 25 years. John Breen’s commitment to excellent service and quality in his stores, and his involvement in the community, is a testament to his character. Over the years, John and I have become good friends and I am proud to add my name to his nomination.”
Blair Patrick, Director of Marketing, Browning Harvey Ltd.
"John Breen is a hands on business man who makes time for everyone that enters his establishments,which has given him daily insight into meeting and exceeding the needs of all his customers,in an ever changing and very competitive marketplace which has certainly contributed to his continued success."
Pat Hearn, Director of Sales, Scotsburn Dairy Group.
Watch a short video testimonial from customers and suppliers. Click here.
