Memphis-Area Multi-Shop Owner Recognized for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Community Outreach, Workforce Development and Service to Others

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – With more than a decade of experience building successful franchise businesses, Playa Bowls® franchise owner Amy Lupo has established herself as a dedicated operator, community leader and advocate for the franchise system. After growing Nothing Bundt Cakes from one to seven locations in the Memphis market, she became Playa Bowls’ first franchise owner in Tennessee and has since grown to four shops across the Memphis area. Now, Lupo has been named a 2026 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA).

“Our shops are part of our communities, and supporting the people and organizations around us has always been important to me,” said Lupo. “From supporting the Memphis Child Advocacy Center through Red Tub Day to creating a special experience for a local Make-A-Wish child at our Collierville shop, some of the most rewarding moments have come from being able to give back to the community that has supported us. Being named an IFA Franchisee of the Year is incredibly meaningful because it recognizes not only the business we’ve built, but the impact we’ve been able to make along the way.”

Since opening her flagship East Memphis location in May 2024, Lupo has quickly built momentum for Playa Bowls in the Memphis market. Her shop earned the brand’s Rising Star Award for exceptional first-year performance, driven by strong sales, outstanding guest engagement, positive reviews, and high loyalty program participation. Building on that early success, Lupo opened an additional location in 2025 and two more in 2026. Alongside that growth, Lupo and her team have remained active in the Memphis community. In addition to their work with the Memphis Child Advocacy Center and Make-A-Wish, they also support local sports and cheer teams through sponsorships and team meals.

Lupo’s success as a franchise owner is matched by her commitment to strengthening the system around her. As an active member of Playa Bowls’ 2026 Franchise Advisory Council, she brings her operational experience beyond her own shops, participating in local shop marketing pilot programs for new openings and emerging markets, beta-testing new technology and providing feedback to improve processes across the broader network. She also speaks with prospective franchise owners during the discovery process and mentors fellow operators across the system.

“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. “We are proud to recognize Amy Lupo with IFA’s highest honor for individual franchisees and celebrate her commitment to making a difference both within her business and beyond.”

Lupo was honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., which took place September 14-16, for excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others. Nominated by Playa Bowls, she joins top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries and communities around the country.

ABOUT PLAYA BOWLS

Playa Bowls is the nation’s leading superfruit bowl shop serving up an extensive and unique menu of over 40 items, including the bright flavors of acai, mango, pitaya, green, and coconut bowls alongside better-for-you refreshers, oatmeal bowls, juices, smoothies, and cold brew made with the freshest, high-quality ingredients. What began as a pair of blenders, a patio table, and a fridge in 2014 has flourished into more than 400 shops nationwide that operate in 32 states, thousands of team members, and a mission to lead communities in healthy, sustainable living. The rapidly growing franchise has received numerous accolades, including No. 7 on the 2026 Franchise Times Fast & Serious List, placement on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500, Forbes 30 Under 30, Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers 2026, QSR Young Leaders to Watch, and recognition as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Visit playabowls.com for additional information and stay connected on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. For more information on franchising, please visit franchise.playabowls.com/.