Texas Restaurant Association honors Franchisee Jerry Maddox with renowned award
Not even two years after opening his first Fazoli’s in Pharr, Texas, prominent industry leader Jerry Maddox was named Texas Restaurant Association (TRA)’s Restaurateur of the Year at the Texas Restaurant Association Marketplace in Houston in July.
“Receiving this award is an honor after all the work we’ve done in the community and the impact that we’ve made,” Maddox said. “Being nominated by my peers was even more special because they are in the trenches and understand what it’s like to run a restaurant and all it entails.”
Maddox began his career in the restaurant industry as a bus boy and worked his way up – he has now been in the business for more than 30 years. He worked at Chili’s for 17 years and Hooter’s for nearly 10 years.
With a passion to serve the community, Maddox sits on the board of the TRA Education Foundation – an organization that provides high school and college students and fellow TRA members with the educational resources and tools needed to be successful in the foodservice industry – and acts as an advisor and mentor for two school districts in the area. He wants young students to have the skills needed to work in the restaurant and hospitality space through hands-on training and internships.
“I want to provide a pathway for children to be successful,” Maddox said. “Getting kids ready for restaurant work is crucial to increase the pipeline to success, and it’s incredible to see how they will contribute to the future of the restaurant industry. Maybe they’ll open up their own Fazoli’s one day!”
“Jerry is deeply rooted in the community and is dedicated to making a difference in the industry,” said Carl Howard, Fazoli’s president and chief executive officer. “His work today is ensuring a successful future for the restaurant and hospitality industry. We are so proud to have him as part of the Fazoli’s family.”
For others looking to join the Fazoli’s family as a franchisee, Fazoli’s is offering one of the best franchise incentives on the planet and bringing new franchisees into the system until the end of the year. Seeking multi-unit operators across the U.S. to join its growing, successful franchise network, the new incentive program offers a guaranteed savings of at least $125,000 for franchisees developing at least three locations. Franchisees developing more than five locations will save over $200,000. For more information about franchise opportunities visit ownafazolis.com or contact Senior Director of Franchise Sales Steve Bailey steve.bailey@fazolis.com.
For locations, hours, menus and more information, visit fazolis.com.
Fazoli’s: Fast. Fresh. Italian.
Founded in 1988 in Lexington, Ky., Fazoli’s owns and operates nearly 220 restaurants in 28 states, making it the largest elevated QSR Italian chain in America. Fazoli’s prides itself on serving premium quality Italian food, fast, fresh and friendly. Menu offerings include freshly prepared pasta entrees, Submarinos sandwiches, salads, pizza and desserts – along with its unlimited signature breadsticks. Named one the “Best Franchise Opportunities for 2018” by Franchise Business Review, a FastCasual.com “Brand of the Year,” and an Entrepreneur 2018 “Franchise 500.” Recipient of the 2019 American Business Awards Gold Stevie Awards in Food & Beverage for Company of the Year and Achievement in Management by CEO Carl Howard.
