---
title: "Amber Walley of Capriotti’s Named Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise Association"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/a09bbb9e-9b26-4cfc-9408-e66f014d980b
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20250212_amber_walley_of_capriottis_named_franchisee_of_the_year_by_international_fr.html
category: "Sandwich & sub"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Sandwich & sub"
published: 2025-02-12T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T19:05:51.745Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Amber Walley of Capriotti’s Named Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise Association

**TL;DR:** Amber Walley, a Capriotti's franchisee, has been named 2024 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA). She was recognized for her outstanding performance and contributions to her community, including organizing fundraising events and partnerships with local charities.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2025-02-12. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20250212_amber_walley_of_capriottis_named_franchisee_of_the_year_by_international_fr.html).*

## Story

“Franchisees of the Year represent the very best of franchising,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the IFA. “They embody the American Dream, create economic opportunity, serve their communities and show what it means to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself. We are proud to recognize Amber with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and we salute her tireless efforts to lift up all those she serves.”

Amber's journey with Capriotti's began in 2008 when she first experienced the brand's unique flavors while working in Las Vegas's competitive hospitality industry. Her passion for quality food and community engagement led her to open her own Capriotti's franchise in Youngstown, Ohio in 2023. Leveraging her fine dining background, Amber has successfully built a brand that resonates deeply with her local community. A community in which she’s helped organize fundraising events, partnerships with local charities, and food donations to those in need since opening her location.

“Amber Walley exemplifies what it means to be a Capriotti’s franchise partner; her passion, dedication, and commitment to both her team and her community are truly inspiring,” said Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti’s. “She has elevated the Capriotti’s experience in her hometown, building a loyal following and setting a benchmark for operational excellence. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized as a Franchisee of the Year and look forward to her continued success growing the brand in Ohio.”

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vibrant workforce, opening the doors for career growth and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

There are approximately 830,000 franchised businesses across the U.S., providing nearly 9 million direct jobs and generating over $896 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- QSR (sector)
- Matt Haller (person)
- community engagement (topic)
- International Franchise Association (IFA) (regulator)
- franchisee award (topic)
- franchise business model (topic)
- Capriotti's (company)
- Ashley Morris (person)
- Amber Walley (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20250212_amber_walley_of_capriottis_named_franchisee_of_the_year_by_international_fr.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/a09bbb9e-9b26-4cfc-9408-e66f014d980b).