Vendor of the Year: Celebrating Anthony Sanders
March 31, 2025
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Recognition is always an honor, but being celebrated with our very first award? That hits different.
Recently, 5&5 and our own Anthony Sanders, System Solutions Manager, were honored by Port City Java as recipients of the Vendor of the Year and Vendor Individual of the Year awards. This marks the first time that both our company and an individual team member have earned this recognition—a milestone we’re incredibly proud of! It’s a clear sign of what’s possible when we team up with brands like Port City Java and work side by side toward shared success.
In this Q&A, Anthony shares his reaction to the award, the journey that led to this moment, and the wins (and challenges) that have shaped our work with Port City Java. Let’s dive in!
First off, Anthony… CONGRATULATIONS! This is a first-time Vendor of the Year award for us as a company, and a first where an individual team member is awarded outside our organization. How does it feel to be the inaugural recipient of such an esteemed award, Vendor Individual of the Year?
A: When I first heard from Port City Java that 5&5 and I were receiving the awards, I’m pretty sure I didn’t take a breath for a couple seconds. To be awarded that kind of recognition from a brand is pretty awesome. I was unaware that this was the first time for 5&5 until a couple of days later. When I heard that, I’m pretty sure I was in shock. I never imagined that I would win an award like this, let alone, win the first one for the company!
How did our story with Port City Java begin? What type of support do we offer the PCJ Team, and has that changed over time?
A: We first brought on Port City Java to help them with a cleanup of their Qu database and update some of the menu flow that didn’t feel like it was working for them. It was a several month project that Ariel Alvarez (also from our System Solutions Team) and I worked on together, as there were quite a few things that needed to be done and tested. Since then, we’ve supported them through a couple of LTO rollouts and also launched DoorDash and DoorDash Drive across their locations.
What are some of the biggest wins we’ve achieved together? Are there any standout moments that made a real difference for them?
A: The DoorDash integration was the biggest win in my eyes because it not only opened the door for Port City Java to reach more guests, but there were four companies working hand in hand with one another to make it happen. Port City Java, 5&5, Qu POS, and DoorDash all played a critical part in this integration, working seamlessly together to ensure all the settings were there and the menu flowed to DoorDash properly.
The DoorDash Drive project was another big win. During the initial testing phase, we ran into issues with orders not being accepted by the POS properly. We had to engage the Qu development team, who then worked with the Incentivio development team to figure out what was going on. Some adjustments were needed based on the way orders were being pushed from Incentivio into Qu, and how Qu was accepting the orders. All parties worked together and were able to get everything working.
Every project has its hurdles—what were some of the trickiest challenges you faced, and how did you and your team navigate them?
A: I think the trickiest part has been, as with any project, that you don’t know what you don’t know. There were a couple instances where we didn’t think something looked quite right so we would coordinate meetings with other 3rd party vendors to work through the issues. The other vendors were great to work with and helped with what we needed.
Port City Java clearly sees something special in 5&5, in YOU! In your opinion, what makes our team such a strong partner for brands like theirs?
A: I think one thing that makes us a strong partner is the time we dedicate each brand. We make sure they understand that we are invested in their success. We take time to walk through and understand what is being asked. We keep them updated throughout the time we are working through the request and get approvals at several points to make sure we all stay on the same page.
You recently attended the Port City Java ceremony where you were presented with these awards. How was that experience? Finally, any words of appreciation for the Port City Java team?
A: Being able to attend the Port City Java ceremony was amazing! The entire corporate staff that I had come to know quite well were amazing to hang out and just talk with! I want to thank the Port City Java team for their partnership and friendship that has come out of working with everyone–especially Samantha and Amber!
Anthony’s dedication and the strong partnership between 5&5 and Port City Java are what made this recognition possible. From optimizing POS systems to rolling out integrations that enhance operations, it’s clear that collaboration, brand advocacy and problem-solving are at the heart of our work.
A huge congratulations again to Anthony and the entire team involved in making this partnership a success! And, of course, a big thank you to Port City Java for their trust, teamwork, and this incredible honor.
Here’s to more shared wins in the future! 🚀
Tephie is a Marketing and Communications Specialist at 5&5 who thrives on crafting compelling stories and building connections through words. With a passion for the restaurant industry and creative problem-solving, she ensures every blog post resonates with readers while delivering actionable insights. She also plays a key role in creating and executing social media strategies that bring 5&5 to life. Outside of work, you’ll find Tephie brainstorming new ideas, exploring food trends, or adding fun energy to the team!
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