Welcome to Francois Sales and Service

J.C. Francois celebrated the grand opening of his newly built Cities Service Gas Station on October 14, 1939.  Over 60 years later, larger in every way, having endured many changes, his station still stands to serve the people of Belleville, and now many other communities.

The original station sold and serviced Case Machinery, then later, Hudson Automobiles, finally changing to Ford in the mid fifties.  The Francois boys literally grew up in the business.  Tony Gehin, a cousin of J.C.’s who passed away in 1981, worked for Francois Sales for 50 years.  The Francois Family has always been proud of these relationships and currently has several employees who have worked for the company for more than 30 years.

Francois Sales incorporated in the late 50’s with J.C.’s sons, Rich, Ray, and David, gradually taking over for J.C..  In 1962, Cities Service changed their name to "Citgo" and Francois Sales changed their image, but not their loyalty and they continue to sell the same quality products.

In the early 70’s, Rich, Ray and David formed the partnership now known as Francois Oil Company. They operated this business from the current location on Main Street in Belleville. In the late 70’s, Rich’s' children started to come to work full time with the companies. In 1976, Francois Oil grew to two stations with the opening of the first self-service station in Stoughton, Wisconsin, and the “Convenience” Store division of Francois Oil Company was formed. In 1980, the original location in Belleville changed to self-service gasoline, entering the new era for the gasoline industry. In 1988, a second story was added to the original structure, in Belleville, more than doubling the office space.

Today, Francois Sales and Service continue to sell and service Ford automobiles making it one of the oldest Dealerships in the state.  Francois Oil Company now operates 15 convenience stores in Madison, Belleville, Verona, Dodgeville, Janesville, Evansville, Monticello, Milwaukee and continues to grow.  In 1996 the Company embarked upon an aggressive rebuilding and growth plan which involves the rebuilding and remodeling of existing stores and the acquisition of properties for future development.

In 1997, Francois Oil Company growth included entry into the quick service restaurant industry with the purchase of A&W Restaurant and TCBY Treats franchises.  March of 1998 saw the Company open its first Citgo Quik Lube and enter the car wash business.  Francois Oil is moving into the next generation of convenience stores! 

The third generation of Francois Family continues to carry on the tradition.  Francois Sales and Service and Francois Oil will continue to provide quality products and service to southern Wisconsin for generations to come.

On behalf of Rick, Ed, and Jay, Welcome