Ben Harris

Ben Harris, manager of Taco John’s at 1626 W. 23rd St. in Lawrence, received the President’s Award from Taco John’s International Inc., recognizing him as the “best of the best” among the five managers honored as Manager of the Year by the chain of more than 400 quick-service restaurants.

Harris received the President’s Award based on sales performance, standards performance and marketing initiatives. Taco John’s officials made the presentation July 19 in Hinckley, Minn., during the company’s annual meeting.

Harris oversees 20 employees at the restaurant, where he has worked with schools, churches and other groups to create programs and fundraisers that benefit the community. He has launched birthday programs and other promotions to boost store sales.

The restaurant managed by Harris is owned by Ken Creasey, who opened his first Lawrence Taco John’s in 1974 and today has three, including locations at 2309 Haskell Ave. and 1101 W. Sixth St.; he also has a Taco John’s in Bonner Springs.

Harris joined Creasey’s franchise operation three years ago. By winning the President’s Award – a first for a Taco John’s manager in Lawrence – Harris will be expected to make a presentation during next year’s annual meeting, to be conducted in San Juan, Puerto Rico.