The CFA Recognition Awards honor individuals and CFA member companies for their outstanding achievements, philanthropic endeavours, and contributions to the Canadian franchise community. Nominations are solicited from CFA members across Canada and winners are selected by a committee based on merit.
As CFA President and Chief Executive Officer, Sherry McNeil, put it: “The CFA Recognition Awards celebrate individuals and companies for their significant achievements and continuous contributions to the franchise community,” adding: “We congratulate all the winners on their outstanding achievements.”
Leading the way this year is Pet Valu, which has become Canada’s leading retailer in the pet specialty retail sector, offering high-quality products and exceptional customer service in more than 800 locations across the country.
The Hall of Fame Award recognizes outstanding performance by a franchise company over a significant period – winners typically having high brand recognition (on either a regional or national scope) and generally recognized for their solid business performance.
Patti Hone meanwhile took the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions, leadership, and impact on the franchise industry. Having served on the CFA Board of Directors for eight years, she has made instrumental contributions to the Franchise Support Services (FSS) Committee and played a key role in shaping CFA Marketing Day events, showcasing her leadership and influence.
In the meantime, this year’s Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award has gone to Sunset Grill in recognition of its support of social services and commitment to life-saving cancer research. With more than 100 franchise locations across Canada, the brand is also primed to expand into the U.S. and beyond.
It also gives back to its community, most notably through its annual Pancake Tuesday Fundraiser. Every year, the company serves its signature buttermilk pancakes for $2, with proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society to fund programs/research and to raise awareness for the cause. Since the launch of the initiative in 2009, it has raised more than $250,000 to support Canadians living with cancer.
Elsewhere, other award winners include:
- Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award: Pizza Pizza
- Distinguished Franchise Support Services/Supplier Award: Reshift Media
- Volunteer Leadership Excellence Award: Peter Viitre, for work undertaken for the CFA
For more information about the CFA Recognition Awards, please visit: https://cfa.ca/blog/2025-recognition-awards/
Alternatively: www.cfa.ca or http://www.FranchiseCanada.online.
The 2025 Recognition Awards program is sponsored by The UPS Store Canada.
