Fleet Feet Sports Rochester To Purchase Fleet Feet Sports Buffalo

Fleet Feet, Incorporated, the industry leader in franchising and developing successful, locally owned-and-operated, community-oriented, specialty stores serving runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts, announces the transition of ownership of Fleet Feet Sports location in Buffalo to Fleet Feet Sports Rochester Owners, David “Boots” Boutillier and Ellen Brenner.

Fleet Feet Spots Buffalo co-owners Dan and Alice Loncto have sold the store, which they opened in April of 2002, to David “Boots” Boutillier and his wife, Ellen Brenner, co-owners of two Fleet Feet Sports locations in Rochester, N.Y. Boutillier and Brenner will officially take over Nov. 3, the same day the Lonctos begin their retirement. All current Buffalo staff employees will stay on-board under the new leadership.

“We leave the store knowing that we grew a great business, positively affected the lives of thousands of people, and have left a legacy that we are very proud of,” says Dan Loncto. “We are pleased that great people like Boots and Ellen will be carrying on what we’ve started, and we are looking forward to this next chapter in our lives.”

“Dan and Alice put their heart and soul into the store, and I’m so glad that we were in a position to ensure their vision lives on,”says Brenner. “Boots and I share Dan and Alice’s passion for both the Fleet Feet Sports brand and keeping our communities active, healthy, and happy, and I just think it’s a fantastic passing of the torch.”

Boutillier and Brenner opened Rochester’s first Fleet Feet Sports location in 2004, adding a second location in Greece in 2011,and then relocating their original store in Brighton to a 9,000-square-foot location at the Culver Road Armory on February 1,2014. The couple also own YellowJacket Racing, a full-service race management and promotions company that operates 40 races locally annually and supports over 160 races statewide with race day operations and management services.

“We are so excited to be able to expand across western New York, allowing greater employment opportunities, plus continuing upon what Dan and Alice have with potential additions of our various customer training program opportunities,” Brenner states. “Fleet Feet Sports has always been about helping the customer be fit and healthy, now we can build upon the synergies of both areas.”

“This is just a great testament to what having a network of committed and experienced owners means to the sustainability of a locally owned-and-operated business,” says Jeff Phillips, CEO & President of Fleet Feet Inc. “Dan and Alice can enjoy retirement knowing their store, staff, and community are in thevery dynamic and capable hands of Boots and Ellen.”