Global Franchise Awards 2025 announces winners

ERA Group triumphs, securing top honors, while Michael Seid is recognized in Global Franchise’s Hall of Fame

A distinguished assembly of the global franchising industry’s top innovators came together to celebrate their achievements at the Global Franchise Awards 2025 reception.

Presented by Jack Monson, CEO of Brand J and host of the Social Geek podcast, the event honored outstanding brands across 23 categories, with winners selected by a panel of esteemed franchise professionals and international association leaders.

The Global Franchise Awards 2025 ceremony, held at the IFA convention on February 11 in Las Vegas, celebrated excellence in international franchising, bringing together industry leaders from around the world. The event recognized outstanding achievements across various categories, with ERA Group emerging as the standout winner.

Award winners announced

ERA Group achieved remarkable success by securing three prestigious awards:

Global Franchise Grand Champion: This top honor acknowledges ERA Group’s exceptional performance, innovation and impact in the franchising industry.

Best Business & Professional Services Franchise: Recognized for the fifth time in eight years, ERA Group’s commitment to delivering expert financial insights and cost management strategies has solidified its leadership in the sector.

Regional Champion – Americas: This award highlights ERA Group’s significant growth and success across the American continent, reflecting its strong presence and influence in the region.

Mark Taylor, Global CEO of ERA Group, expressed his gratitude: “Winning these awards is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our franchisees and support teams worldwide.”

He emphasized that being named the Global Franchise Grand Champion is an incredible honor, reflecting ERA Group’s success in over 60 countries.

In the supplier categories, Reshift Media was honored as the Best Marketing & PR Firm for the third consecutive year. This recognition underscores their dedication to delivering cutting-edge digital marketing services tailored for franchise organizations.

Steve Buors, CEO of Reshift Media, remarked: “The Reshift team is elated to have been named the world’s best franchise marketing company for the third straight year.”

Sector excellence awards

The awards also celebrated excellence across various sectors:

Best Children’s Service & Education Franchise: School of Rock

Best Emerging Franchise: Graze Craze

Best Fitness & Beauty Franchise: Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop

Best Retail Franchise: BENU Pharmacies

Best Fitness Franchise: Orangetheory Fitness

Best Food & Drink Franchise – Desserts: IHOP

Best Food & Drink Franchise – Drink: Gong Cha

Best Food & Drink Franchise – Food: Applebee’s

Best Lifestyle Franchise: The Travel Franchise

Best Property Maintenance Franchise: Stratus Building Solutions

Best Franchise Law Firm: Lathrop GPM

Best Franchise Consultancy: MSA Worldwide

Best Entertainment Franchise: Chuck E. Cheese

Best Signage & Communications Franchise: Signarama

Global Franchise Hall of Fame Inductee: Michael Seid

Global Franchise Corporate Social Responsibility Champion: Goliathtech

Global Franchise GRAND CHAMPION: ERA Group

Regional champions

The awards also recognized regional excellence:

Regional Champion – Europe: The Travel Franchise

Regional Champion – Asia-Pacific: City Cave

Regional Champion – Middle East & Africa: ALBAIK

The 2025 judging panel comprised distinguished industry leaders:

• Cristina Matos, CEO of the Portuguese Franchise Association

• Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association

• Jennifer Brandon, Chief Revenue Officer of the International Franchise Association

• Katalin Mandel, Franchise Industry Veteran

• Sherry McNeil, President & CEO of the Canadian Franchise Association

These awards highlight the dynamic and diverse landscape of global franchising, celebrating brands that demonstrate excellence, innovation and a commitment to advancing the industry.