DT NOVA of District Taco in Northern Virginia Awarded Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise Association

By: District Taco | 0 Shares 73 Reads

February 22, 2024 // Franchising.com // PHOENIX - The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named DT NOVA, owner of District Taco in Northern Virginia, as a 2023 Franchisee of the Year. DT NOVA was honored at the 64th IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix, Ariz., for being an outstanding franchise establishment owner-operator.

“Franchisees of the Year exemplify what franchising is all about – providing opportunity, serving others, and fulfilling the American Dream,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “We are proud to recognize DT NOVA with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and I have no doubt their work is changing lives and making a lasting community impact.”

The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes 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 involvement in their communities, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a strong and healthy culture with their workforce, and assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon.

Like District Taco founder, Osiris Hoil, whose move from Mexico to the United States in pursuit of his entrepreneurial dreams led to the creation of District Taco, Hicham El Abbassi and Isalmou Boussaa, founders of DT NOVA, epitomize the quintessential American Dream hailing from Morocco and rising from humble beginnings as Five Guys employees to successful franchise owners of 12 stores. Their journey began with dedication and hard work, earning the pair recognition from the Murrell family, Five Guys’ owners, who became instrumental in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Transitioning from employees to franchise owners, they faced countless challenges but remained undeterred, transforming struggling ventures into thriving business through their steadfast work ethic and business acumen.

A significant turning point occurred in 2022 when the pair ventured into franchising with District Taco, culminating in a successful partnership which expanded their portfolio to 2 open stores and another 43 stores set to open in the next 5 years in the DC metro area and Florida. Their collaboration with District Taco not only demonstrates the duo’s entrepreneurial prowess, but also their commitment to shared success, as they actively contribute to the brand’s development and growth. Beyond franchise ownership, their involvement in developing training materials for District Taco underscores their dedication to fostering excellence within the industry. Their journey serves as an inspiring model for entrepreneurs, highlighting the power of resilience, innovation, and collaborative spirit in achieving entrepreneurial success and shaping the landscape of the ever-changing restaurant industry.

“It’s my absolute honor to recognize DT NOVA as our esteemed Franchisee of the Year,” said Chris Medhurst, President of District Taco. “Hicham and Isalmou, the minds behind DT NOVA, have demonstrated time and again their relentless dedication and incredible entrepreneurial spirit, not only in propelling their own success, but also in significantly contributing to the growth and development of the District Taco brand. We’re proud to have them as part of our franchise team, and we look forward to their continued success and innovation in the years to come.”

SOURCE District Taco

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