World’s oldest and largest franchising association recognizes 88 individual franchise owners for excellence in business, giving back to their communities, and providing opportunities to those around them; Will be honored in Washington, D.C. in September

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named 88 individuals as 2026 Franchisees of the Year for being outstanding franchise owners with excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others. Top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries and communities around the country will be honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit Sept. 14-16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. IFA will also name one franchise owner as the recipient of the new IFA Franchisee Cornerstone Award, selected among the group at the event.

“Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about – individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities, and support other franchisees, all while exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising. We are proud to recognize these individuals with one of IFA’s highest honors and celebrate their commitment to making a difference both within their business and to those around them.”

Nominated by their parent brand, the Franchisee of the Year recipients are selected for being leading franchise owners for their community involvement, fostering a strong workforce, assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon, and embodying the entrepreneurial spirit. Their outstanding performance and contributions help strengthen not only their business but also the entire franchise business model.

There are approximately 832,000 franchise establishments across the U.S., providing nearly 8.8 million direct jobs and generating more than $907 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.

The recipients will be honored at a luncheon on Sept. 15 and throughout the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.

The full list of 2026 IFA Franchisees of the Year is below:

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About The International Franchise Association:

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) 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 and the approximately 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.