Taco John’s Franchisee Brett Itterman Named IFA’s Franchisee of the Year

Multi-State Franchise Owner Recognized by the World’s Largest and Oldest Franchising Association at Annual Convention in Las Vegas
Celebrated for Business Excellence, Community Impact, and Creating Growth Opportunities for Others
Award Highlights Taco John’s Franchise Expansion through Streamlined Operations, Accelerated Growth, Rejuvenated Branding, and Cutting-Edge Technology

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Feb. 19, 2025)- Taco John’s®, one of the largest and most beloved Mexican quick-service restaurants, announces Brett Itterman, a multi-unit franchisee, has been named Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) at its Annual Convention in Las Vegas, NV last week.

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

“Being named IFA Franchisee of the Year is a tremendous honor, and it reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said Itterman. “Since joining Taco John’s, we’ve received unwavering support from the brand, and together, we’ve built a system where both franchisees and team members can thrive. We’re excited to keep the momentum going as we bring Taco John’s to new communities.”

Itterman’s connection to Taco John’s began in 1980 when his father became a franchisee, sparking a lifelong career spanning the restaurant industry. In 2015, he joined Pentex Restaurant Group as CEO, where he has since overseen the expansion of 47 Taco John’s locations across eight states, with additional locations in various stages of development. Under his leadership, Pentex has focused on strategic growth, operational efficiency, and enhancing the customer experience.

Beyond Pentex, Itterman is deeply involved in shaping the future of Taco John’s. Now in his third year as President of the Association of Taco John’s Franchisees, he plays a key role in advocating for franchisees and driving systemwide initiatives. by working closely with leadership to ensure long-term success and innovation across the brand.

“This prestigious honor is a testament to Brett’s hard work, and we’re incredibly grateful to have him as part of the Taco John’s family, representing our brand with such dedication and passion,” said Heather Neary, President and CEO of Taco John’s. “Brett’s unwavering commitment has played a crucial role in strengthening our brand and preserving the unique, flavorful experience that our customers love. Through the dedication of franchisees like Brett, we can bring our beloved menu to more communities, driving our long-term vision for expansion and ongoing success.”

Company momentum is at an all-time high. To drive growth, Taco John’s recently rolled out of an optimized business model that focuses on streamlining operations, accelerating development, refreshing branding, and integrating advanced technology. Additionally, Taco John’s was recently ranked No. 147 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

With nearly 350 locations across 22 states, Taco John’s is focusing its expansion efforts on the Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions while exploring non-traditional growth opportunities nationwide. The company offers comprehensive support to its franchisees, covering development, training, operations, marketing, supply chain, and technology.

For more information about Taco John’s^® franchise opportunities, please visit https://tacojohnsfranchise.com/ or email Shannon Iverson at siverson@tacojohns.com.

About Taco John’s^®

Founded in 1969 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Taco John’s® has been delivering bigger. bolder. better. flavors for over 55 years. Today, Taco John’s operates and franchises nearly 350 restaurants across 22 states, solidifying its place as one of the largest Mexican quick-service restaurant brands in the U.S. Famous for coining Taco Tuesday in 1989, Taco John’s offers everyday value with its popular menu. Signature items like Potato Olés® showcase the bold, original flavors that help fans Olé The Day. With generous portions and made-to-order dishes crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients, Taco John’s sets the standard for crave-worthy Mexican fare. Taco John’s continues to be a standout in the industry, highlighted by recent accolades including ranking No. 147 spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2025 “Franchise 500” ranking and the No. 158 on Franchise Times 2024, “Franchise 400” ranking. For more information, visit TacoJohns.com and follow Taco John’s on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

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