Franchise chicken retailer LenardÕs has announced the winners of its Franchise Owner Of The Year (FOOTY) annual awards, with Dianne Williams from LenardÕs Earlville in North Queensland taking out the coveted top title.

This showpiece franchise was opened by Williams 14 years ago and it is the third year that Earlville has taken out the top award. In January this year, Williams handed over the reins to new franchisees, John and Carolynne Yardley and Roslyn and Bruce Grimley.

Second place winner was Gatton Supa IGA in South East Queensland, operated by Keith Whyte and third runner up was LenardÕs Golden Grove in South Australia, operated by Julieanne Dawson and Michael Gardner.

The New FOOTY Award winner was Duncs Supa IGA Esperance in Western Australia, managed by Leanne Leeson and owned by Allan Reed. This category is for franchisees who have recently opened a new store or purchased an existing store during the competition period.

The National Customer Service Award winner was LenardÕs Newcomb in Victoria, which has been owned by Marcus Smith for four years.

The awards judging criteria are based on each storeÕs performance in customer satisfaction, standards of operation, customer growth and sales performance. Mystery shoppers visit the stores and points are allocated for best practice, business plan implementation and local area marketing amongst other criteria.