Inspire Brands franchisee Roz Mallet is the 2024 International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Franchisee of the Year. Roz is President and CEO of PhaseNext Hospitality, a company she founded in 2009 with a focus on operating non-traditional restaurants. Nearly 15 years later, Roz is an award-winning multi-brand franchisee who owns 10 restaurants, eight of which are in airports.
“My career as an entrepreneur in the franchise space – especially in non-traditional operations – has been challenging, complicated, but also very exciting,” shares Roz. “During the great recession in 2008, I was attracted to the idea of a captive audience. And while we took a hit during COVID, the recovery in airports has been steady and predictable. It’s as I’ve always known: people will always travel by air.”
Today, Roz owns and operates Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings sports bars and GO locations. “I franchise three Inspire brands that all have operating platforms that work incredibly well in non-traditional spaces. They allow for size adjustability and design innovation, along with menu flexibility, like breakfast items for the early traveler.”
As a leader in the industry, Roz continues to receive recognition and make headlines and recently won an International Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s (IFMA) Silver Plate Award. For her, success means doing what has never been done before. “It’s not enough to do only what is expected,” she says. “Don’t just follow the established path, blaze unexpected trails. I’ve learned over the years that my gender and ethnic background are the most visible parts of who I am, and I refuse to let society’s biases define or limit my impact on my industry.”
As only the third woman and African American to lead the National Restaurant Association as the Chair of the Board, Roz encourages others in the industry to give back, especially through mentorship. “Find great mentors, and be a mentor to others in return,” says Roz. “My proudest achievements involve the people I’ve helped to create great careers and take on larger roles in their businesses.”
Interested in franchising with Inspire? Visit inspirebrands.com/franchising for more details.
