by Bea Peterson
Harrison Vending in Hoosick Falls was purchased by Prestige Services, Inc. of Clifton Park on February 28. “It was a good match,” said Ric Ferrannini, “Harrison was looking to sell, and Prestige was looking to expand.” Ferrannini, now employed by Prestige, worked for Harrison Vending for 29 years. He and two drivers were retained by the new company. Three office staff were not kept on.
Still Growing
Prestige Services, Inc. was one of six divisions of Service America. When the holding company owning Service America dissolved in 1996, CEO J.E. (Eddie) Hicks helped sell off five of the
divisions and purchased the Clifton Park operation that became Prestige Services.
Ferrannini explained that Harrison Vending, which relied on industrial vending alone, watched as factory after factory closed over the last 20 years. “We were not diversified enough,” he said. Prestige, on the other hand, is diversified. Vending is the backbone of the company. They also serve grades k-12 school cafeterias, Meals on Wheels and have four Subway franchises. “We prepare 8,000 meals a day for Meals on Wheels in eight counties,” said Division Manager of Vending and Office Coffee Services Mike Esposito. Some of those meals are delivered by Prestige; others are delivered by volunteers. The company has food service cafeterias in office buildings, and they are now building an office coffee service business. The company has two Subway restaurants in Clifton Park, one in Queensbury and one in Kingsbury. The company is also adding a special line of healthy items to its vending services.
Already well established in eastern New York and Rutland County, VT, the purchase of Harrison Vending allows the company to expand further in New York and Vermont and into Western Massachusetts. For the past few weeks Ferrannini and Esposito have been visiting with Harrison customers. “Harrison has very loyal customers,” said Esposito. “So far everybody is staying,” added Ferrannini. “They will still be getting fresh food, only now it will come from Clifton Park.” And that is why the building on Main Street is key. It gives Prestige the storage space it needs to operate in this area. By next year they hope to add two or three more employees.
Ferrannini Purchased Building
Ric Ferrannini has purchased the Harrison Vending Main Street building. “I figure I’ve worked here for 30 years,” Ferrannini said. “I might as well own it.” The solidly built brick building is 6,000 square feet. Prestige is renting storage space and will have plenty of room for expansion. Ferrannini plans to have office space for rent as well.
Fish Fry
Right now Ferrannini is busy nights and weekends setting up the kitchen portion of the building for Weebs Fish Fry, a take out/eat in seasonal eatery serving fish fry, burgers, chicken, hot dogs and chowder. “I’ve always loved cooking,” he said. He expects the new business to be open by Memorial Day.