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Restaurants receive Franchising Gives Back Awards

Several restaurant chains received Franchising Gives Back Awards

September 30, 2015

The International Franchise Association's Educational Foundation announced the winners of its inaugural Franchising Gives Back Awards. They were honored at a special event Sept. 28 in Washington, D.C., according to an announcement.

Established by a donation from Roark Capital Group, Franchising Gives Back salutes the best, most innovative community leaders and charitable programs nationwide. Roark Capital Group is an Atlanta-based private equity firm that specializes in franchise, brand management, environmental services and marketing services companies with attractive growth prospects.

"We are honored to be part of Franchising Gives Back and recognize those businesses with an exceptional commitment to community leadership across the U.S. and around the world," said Steve Romaniello, CFE, managing director, Roark Capital Group. "These companies will set an example for our industry to follow and inspire others to join our efforts in making a difference."

The IFA Educational Foundation recognized five Gold Winners at the Franchising Gives Back Celebration & Awards Dinner, including: 

Spirit of Franchising Award — Denny’s — In 2014, nearly 1,400 Denny’s restaurants nationwide sold coupons in support of No Kid Hungry’s efforts to help more than 16 million American children who struggle with hunger. For a $3 donation, guests received $9 worth of coupons redeemable at participating Denny’s restaurants and every dollar donated helped feed a child up to 10 healthy meals. In 2014, Denny’s raised nearly $945,000 for No Kid Hungry and since 2011, the company has donated more than $2.3 million to the campaign. 

Enduring Impact Award — Jersey Mike’s Subs —Since 2011, Jersey Mike’s restaurants across the country have championed a Month of Giving program in March where guests may make a donation to a charity partner chosen by the franchise owner.  The campaign culminates on Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving, a daylong, nationwide event where 100 percent of the proceeds of the day’s sales are donated to each local charity. In five years, Jersey Mike’s has raised more than $8.3 million. 

Innovation and Impact Award — Figaro’s Italian Pizza, Inc. — Each pizza box promotes the H.E.L.P. program where a portion of every dollar spent is contributed to a local school. Figaro’s matches every dollar donated by franchisees.  Figaro’s has contributed more than $92,000 to H.E.L.P., while suppliers and others, including Figaro’s staff, have contributed $45,000. Since launching the charity less than five years ago, H.E.L.P., has issued more than 400 grants to help with musical instrument repair, music camp scholarships, summer reading programs, library books, shoes for needy students, sports equipment, and school field trips. 

The Newcomer Award — Church's Chicken — In 2014, Church’s Partners Foundation, the charitable arm of Church’s Chicken, launched the Church’s Scholars Program to provide $1,000 scholarships for students to use toward college tuition at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university or vocational/trade school. In 2014, Church’s Partners Foundation awarded $50,000 in scholarships to students in Texas, and in 2015, $175,000 in scholarships was awarded to students in 18 states. Funds for the scholarships are raised in part by contributions from franchisees and company-owned restaurants, including profits generated from coupon books that are sold through Church’s restaurants. 

Silver Award Winners also were recognized. They are: 

Support Our Veterans Award — CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (Stars for Heroes) and Golden Corral Buffet & Grill (Camp Corral Foundation)

Innovation and Impact Award — Wingstop (Wingstop Flavor Tour)

The Newcomer Award — Moe’s Southwest Grill in Abilene, Texas (Taylor County Sheriff’s Office) 

"On behalf of the IFA Educational Foundation, I want to congratulate the first-ever award winners of the Franchising Gives Back Awards," said John Reynolds, CFE, president of the IFA Educational Foundation. "The winners are outstanding examples of how franchise businesses support their communities through charitable acts throughout the year."

The IFA Educational Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization and supported through the contributions of IFA members and others. The Foundation’s mission is to advance franchising and the free enterprise system by increasing the knowledge and professional standards of members of the franchising community; educating the next generation of franchise practitioners; increasing recognition of franchising’s key role in the free enterprise system; and providing comprehensive information and research about important developments and trends in franchising. 

The International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising.