Wendy's scoops franchise award

South Australian-based national chain Wendys has secured national recognition for its business model, winning the major award at the National Franchise Council of Australia awards in Sydney.

The company was awarded the Australian Established Franchisor of the Year, recognising its commitment to working with its franchisees, staff and customers.

Wendys Chief Executive Officer Rob McKay said it was a very special win for a brand that is “like a big family”.

“Over time we’ve grown and evolved through a pretty basic premise – yum and fun. It’s always been about putting smiles on the customers’ faces and the franchisees’ faces. Thirty-five years later we still work every day to do the same thing,” Mr McKay said.

He said the award was a perfect way to further celebrate the company’s 35th birthday, and to recognise the contributions of all franchisees, staff, customers and suppliers involved since the first Wendys opened in suburban Adelaide in 1979.

Wendys, recently bought by the Global Food Retail Group, has more than 200 stores in Australia and a further 35 in New Zealand – with big plans to grow into the Asian marketplace within the next two years.

There were 13 awards presented on the evening, recognising a range of functions including franchisees, support staff and franchise systems.

Wendys had a total of four finalists in the award. The three other finalists representing Wendys were for Excellence in Marketing, Field Manager of the Year and Franchisor Social Responsibility.

Source : Business First Magazine  Jenny Turner  November 1st, 2014