2022 MVP Winners: Celebrating the best of the best

Multi-Unit Franchisee magazine is once again proud to honor excellence in franchising with its annual MVP (Most Valuable Performer) Awards. The winners were celebrated on stage at this year’s Multi-Unit Franchising Conference in Las Vegas.

Selected from a lengthy list of nominees, this year’s MVPs represent the country’s best and brightest multi-unit franchisees, large operators, innovators, and original thinkers. Beyond excelling at growing their businesses and their brands, these operators support their communities and national charities and causes, exemplifying all that’s good—and great!—about franchising on so many levels.

Each of this year’s eight winners has a unique story to tell about their journey to success in franchising and in life—stories of years of hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and eventual success.

From the books they read to their management philosophies, from their hiring and training practices to how they’ve weathered the pandemic, learn where they’ve come from, how they got where they are today, and where they’re going tomorrow. 

These 2022 MVPs are an inspiration to all and highlight all that’s most valuable about franchising.

Single Brand Leadership Award – David Blackburn

CEO, Southern Rock Restaurants

97 McAlister’s Delis

Multi-Brand Leadership Award – Shamsu Charania

CEO, The Falcons Group

57 Checkers & Rally’s, 22 Dunkin’ & Baskin-Robbins, 11 TGI Fridays

Spirit of Franchising Award – Toya L. Evans

Co-owner, Healthy Living Ventures

4 Tropical Smoothie Cafe (plus 1 in development), 2 Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Noble Cause Award – Jhonny Mercado

CEO, Wen JAI Restaurant Group

73 Wendy’s

Influencer Award for Husband & Wife – Roma and Suresh Patel 

Co-owners, Tropical Smoothie Cafe 

14 Tropical Smoothie Cafes (with 10 in the pipeline)

Veteran Entrepreneurship Award – Doug Porter

Team Leader (Owner)

5 Sport Clips

American Dream Award – Baryalay Razi

Owner, MSR Restaurants 

5 Bojangles, 3 Aloha Poke (plus a 10-store deal for Houston)

Mega Growth Leadership Award – Luis San Miguel

President/CEO, Fresh Dining Concepts

40 Auntie Anne’s, 2 Cinnabon, 6 co-branded Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon, 2 co-branded Auntie Anne’s/Carvel