Dessert franchise The Cheesecake Shop has awarded Karen Bawden of Willows in Queensland its top accolade – the 2013 Franchisee of the Year title.
Bawden was named ahead of four other state winners:
- Tom and Anh Lien from Padstow, NSW
- Glenda Iles from Launceston South, TAS/VIC
- Alistair Borg and John Wilmot from Midland, WA
- Suzanne Du Bois from Findon, SA
The franchisees were chosen based on their outstanding sales performance, customer service, product marketing innovation and commitment to quality.
Bawden also took out the National Marketing and My Product Champion category.
Four state finalists were also in the running for the award:
- Sangeeta Kumar from Maroubra Junction, NSW
- Rahul Kapoor and Vikas Seth from Berwick, VIC and TAS
- Alistair Borg and John Wilmot from Midland, WA
- Fayeem Ulla from Reynella, SA
According to the brand’s national marketing manager, Peter Dable the national and state awards are highly competitive.
“Year after year this award continues to be tough to allocate at both a state and national level, as so many franchisees raise the bar with their commitment to quality, service and overall brand building in their local community,” he said.
“Karen has done an exceptional job since day one and has really showed the way from both a business franchising level, as well as her strong commitment with local area marketing.”
The awards were announced during a recent gala dinner held at Parkroyal Darling Harbour in Sydney.