Each and every customer is treated with the same enthusiasm and courtesy as the very first customer.

Les Warfield and Ron Vickers are still the down-to-earth guys they've always been. The founders and their wives have recently retired, although they remain very interested in their 30-year-old brain child. They are the first to marvel at how the idea they had so many years ago has done so well.

"I would attribute our success to the strength of our individual franchisees," said Vickers. "And to dumb luck."

"The whole thing seems incredible. Who would have thought there would be (so many) stores open some day? I know it's corny, but it really is the realization of the American dream," said Warfield. "The best part is that we've had a great time, too."