PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IHOP® named Brandon & Shaleeza Collins as the 2023 Franchisee of the Year, awarded to them at the brand’s Global Franchisee Conference. Brandon’s parents, Ella and Larry Collins first opened their IHOP restaurant in 2006 after realizing the need in the North Baton Rouge community. In 2023, after spending several years learning the ins and outs of the restaurant, Brandon and his wife, Shaleeza, purchased the restaurant from them, excited to continue their legacy. Brandon and Shaleeza are proud franchisees in the South-Central Region, serving joy and smiles to guests and the community in which they were raised.
As the leader in breakfast, IHOP and its franchisees are committed to serving more joy to more people, every day. Each year, IHOP recognizes one of its franchisees for all-around leadership excellence, someone who embodies the brand’s mission by executing great restaurant operations. The Collins’ hands-on commitment to their guests, team members, and the larger community helps foster a restaurant culture that is inviting, welcoming, and familiar.
“IHOP restaurants are 100% franchised, and are comprised of hard-working, dedicated people. Our franchisees are pillars of their communities, and truly represent the small business owner population,” said Jay Johns, President, IHOP. “We are pleased to celebrate and honor Brandon and Shaleeza Collins, who embody iHospitality by bringing joy, warmth, and familiarity to everyone who walks through their restaurant doors. Both Brandon and Shaleeza lead with a team spirit and honorable management skills, ultimately establishing their legacy within their family and the IHOP community.”
The husband and wife team are true mentors, having trained many IHOP Team Members – including their own family members! – over the years, and proudly watching their careers progress. Brandon and Shaleeza have made their Baton Rouge restaurant a family affair that spans generations; their family-first approach creates a friendly environment at their restaurant, serving as a space for guests to gather, eat, and feel valued every time they dine in or take their food to go.
“Our goal is to provide a space where everyone knows your name. We treat guests and Team Members as if they are a part of our family, which sets us apart and keeps people coming back every day,” said Brandon Collins. “Visiting our IHOP restaurant is like coming home and being welcomed as family from the moment you step through our doors.”
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES, LLC
For more than 65 years, IHOP has been a leader, innovator and expert in all things breakfast, lunch and dinner. The chain offers 65 different signature, fresh, made-to-order breakfast options, a wide selection of popular lunch and dinner items, including Ultimate Steakburgers, Hand Crafted Melts, Burritos & Bowls and more. IHOP restaurants offer guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. As of June 30, 2024, there are 1,811 IHOP restaurants around the world, including restaurants in all 50 states, two U.S. territories and 13 countries outside the United States. IHOP restaurants are franchised by affiliates of Pasadena, Calif.-based Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN).
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