---
title: "Eggs Up Grill Franchisee Ken Bates Named IFA Franchisee of the Year"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/a0a38adb-039b-4244-b2be-cc67433cf9fe
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260908_eggs_up_grill_franchisee_ken_bates_named_ifa_franchisee_of_the_year.html
category: "Bakery & breakfast"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Bakery & breakfast"
published: 2026-09-08T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T14:57:39.725Z
image: https://imgs.franchising.com/brands/social/eggsupgrill.jpg
---

# Eggs Up Grill Franchisee Ken Bates Named IFA Franchisee of the Year

**TL;DR:** Ken Bates, an Eggs Up Grill franchisee, has been named IFA Franchisee of the Year with 21 years of experience in franchising. He has built a career around operational excellence and has expanded his portfolio to three Eggs Up Grill restaurants, with plans to open more locations.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-09-08. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260908_eggs_up_grill_franchisee_ken_bates_named_ifa_franchisee_of_the_year.html).*

## Story

With more than 36 years of restaurant experience and 21 years in franchising, Bates has built a career around operational excellence, collaboration and creating exceptional experiences for guests and restaurant team members. Before joining Eggs Up Grill, he spent years as a successful multi-unit franchisee with the world’s third-largest pizza company with over 20 locations.

“Ken represents the very best of franchising and what it means to be a true partner in growing a brand,” said Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill. “He leads by example, embraces innovation and is always willing to share what he has learned to make our entire system stronger. His commitment to his teams, fellow franchisees and the communities he serves makes this recognition incredibly well deserved.”

Bates’ journey with Eggs Up Grill began at an unexpected crossroads. After decades in the restaurant business, he was considering stepping away from the industry when a visit to Eggs Up Grill changed his plans. He saw a business model and brand foundation that offered the opportunity to build something meaningful alongside his son while introducing Eggs Up Grill to new communities across Tennessee.

Since becoming an Eggs Up Grill franchise owner, Bates has expanded his portfolio to three restaurants, including opening the brand’s milestone 100th location. He plans to open two additional restaurants this year and recently committed to developing five more in the state of North Carolina, putting him on track to become one of the brand’s largest multi-unit franchise owners.

“From my first experience with Eggs Up Grill, I saw an opportunity to build something special with my son and grow alongside a brand that puts people and communities first,” said Bates. “Being recognized by the IFA is an incredible honor, but what makes it especially meaningful is knowing that the work we’re doing can help make the entire Eggs Up Grill system stronger. That’s what franchising is about to me: growing together, supporting one another and building something that lasts.”

Bates has played a key role in advancing Eggs Up Grill’s operations, becoming the first franchisee to implement the brand’s new front- and back-of-house models to improve efficiency, capacity and the guest experience. As an active member of the brand’s advisory council, he shares insights, supports new initiatives and mentors fellow franchisees.

His leadership also extends to his teams and communities, where he fosters a culture of accountability, hospitality and growth while raising funds annually for a local East Tennessee food bank.

Founded in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Eggs Up Grill is a daytime restaurant franchise brand serving breakfast, brunch and lunch for more than 25 years. As “home to the whole neighborhood,” the brand operates more than 110 locations nationwide, with more than 90 additional units in development or committed to open. Eggs Up Grill has earned repeated recognition across leading franchise rankings, including designation as a Most Profitable Franchise by Franchise Business Review, inclusion on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®, and ranked No.

Diversify your portfolio with the largest actively franchising daytime restaurant franchisor in the U.S.| AUV $1.653M*| 19.7%* EBITDA

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- QSR (sector)
- International Franchise Association (IFA) (regulator)
- multi-unit expansion (topic)
- Eggs Up Grill (company)
- franchisee award (topic)
- Ricky Richardson (person)
- restaurant franchising (topic)
- Ken Bates (person)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260908_eggs_up_grill_franchisee_ken_bates_named_ifa_franchisee_of_the_year.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/a0a38adb-039b-4244-b2be-cc67433cf9fe).