Seventy-five years ago, J.C. Francois opened the doors to his very own service and gas station, the Cities Service Gas Station. In the following 75 years, the station endured many changes and improvements, developing into what Francois Ford and Francois Oil are today.

The first station originally sold and serviced Case Machinery while also providing gas to local customers. Later they serviced Hudson Automobiles, and then in the mid-fifties, the station became a Ford dealership. Starting in the early 70s, the gas portion of the company began to develop when Rich, Ray and David Francois, J.C.'s sons, began working full time for the companies and formed a partnership now known as the Francois Oil Company. In addition to the original station, they opened another gas station in Stoughton, WI, and the convenience store division of Francois Oil was created. This idea continued to evolve in 1997 when Francois Oil entered the quick service restaurant industry with the purchase of an A&W Restaurant and TCBY Treats franchise. The Francois boys took it a step further and added a Citgo Quik Lube to stores as well.

Today, Francois Oil has 13 locations throughout Southern Wisconsin, including the original station located in Belleville. Francois Ford still resides alongside the first station, continuing to sell and service Ford automobiles, making it one of the oldest dealerships in the state.

For all the years Francois Family of Companies has been in business, they have maintained a family-operated and community-focused business, hosting and participating in events such as "Drive 4 Ur School" and the Dane County Fair. The Francois Family of Companies will continue to be dedicated to delivering quality products and services to the community for years to come.