November 16, 2010 // Franchising.com // NEW ALBANY, Ohio – Tim Hobart and the general managers from his six Ohio restaurants received the Franchise Group of the Year Award at the bd's Mongolian Grill Second Annual Workshop, held recently in Orlando, Fla.
The award recognizes Hobart's New Albany, Ohio-based Spartan Stir Fry for having the highest unit sales volume of any bd's Mongolian Grill franchise group, low management turnover, superior staff development and store profitably, as well as Hobart's leadership role in the company's franchise community.
"Tim and his team of general managers are extremely hardworking individuals who set high standards for themselves and always achieve their goals, even going beyond them," said Rodger Head, CEO and president of bd's Mongolian Grill. "We're proud of all they've done to make our brand a well-respected member of the communities they serve."
Hobart brought each of his restaurant's general managers with him to the Workshop in Orlando, appropriately themed "Do You Believe in Magic," to enjoy the honors and take part in the two-day educational seminar. Hobart's Spartan Stir Fry operates restaurants in Cleveland, Columbus, Beavercreek and now Toledo, which opened earlier this year and set a company record for first-week sales at more than $100,000.
In addition to the Franchise Group of the Year Award, Hobart received the company's first ever Founders Award, a prestigious honor that acknowledges his commitment to the company's core values – an organizational mindset which promotes having fun, growth, community and teamwork.
Hobart was the first franchisee of bd's Mongolian Grill and named his company, Spartan Stir Fry, in honor of his alma mater, Michigan State University.
"I'm honored and humbled that Spartan Stir Fry has been named Franchise Group of the Year," Hobart said. "Receiving this award demonstrates our commitment to continue growing the world's leading stir fry concept, providing the community with great-tasting food in a family-friendly environment.
bd's Mongolian Grill, where guests "rule the experience," first opened in 1992 in Royal Oak, Mich. bd's unique fun comes from its guests' ability to create their own "feast" from a variety of choice meats and seafood, fresh veggies & flavor-packed sauces, freshly cooked (Mongolian-style) on a large, flat grill. The chain has grown to 35 restaurants. Thirty-four locations are based domestically in 13 states, including 15 company-owned and 20 franchise restaurants. There is one franchise location in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. To learn more about bd's Mongolian Grill, visit www.GoMongo.com or call Tom Ragan, vice president of franchising, at (952) 288-2370 for more on current franchise opportunities.
BD's Mongolian Grill first opened in 1992 in Royal Oak, Mich, offering a fun and unique dining experience.