The Rose Group Named Top Franchisee by Applebee’s

The Rose Group, franchisee of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, received top honors at the 2019 Annual Applebee’s Conference in Beaver Creek, Colorado, which celebrates franchisee success in philanthropy and hospitality. The Rose Group’s commitment to charitable causes also earned them national recognition as the Gold winner of the International Franchise Association’s “Spirit of Franchising Award.”

For the third time in five years, The Rose Group was awarded the exclusive ‘Operator of the Year’ and ‘Franchisee of the Year’ titles at Applebee’s Annual Awards Ceremony, in addition to receiving awards honoring The Rose Group’s top team members and Applebee’s locations.

The Abe Gustin ‘Franchisee of the Year’ Award was named for the man who helped build Applebee's into one of the nation's most iconic brands in casual dining. It is given to franchisees who have achieved the highest standards possible for the Applebee's brand, restaurants and guests. The Rose Group demonstrated steadfast commitment to making the brand better, unyielding integrity, commitment to people, culture and guest satisfaction and their partnership in building a great brand.

The ‘Operator of the Year’ Award was presented to Bonnie Lippincott, The Rose Group’s executive vice president & chief operating officer. Ms. Lippincott was recognized for “embodying the brand values every day, championing a culture of high standards and accountability and presenting a passion for her people and the brand that drives astonishing results.”

“We are the only franchisee ever recognized with both the Operator or the Year and Franchisee of the Year awards in the same year – and we did it 3 times!” stated Ms. Lippincott. “Our consistent execution and commitment to being the best was recognized as the best in the country,” she added proudly.

Spirit of Franchising Award

The Rose Group’s devotion to philanthropy was nationally honored as the Gold winner of the “Spirit of Franchising Award” presented by the International Franchise Association (IFA). The award recognizes charitable or community support programs that “embody the spirit of giving back to his or her local community.”

The Rose Group’s award includes a $5,000 contribution by IFA to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), to which The Rose Group is a founding supporter. The Rose Group began their relationship with ALSF in 2005, with 67 restaurants participating in that year’s fundraising promotion. Based on their example, there are now over 1,100 Applebee’s restaurants nation-wide participating. This year Applebee’s locally and across the nation raised $1.5 million for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, bringing the fifteen-year total to over $11 million.

The Spirit of Franchising Award also recognizes The Rose Group’s dedication to fundraise within their local communities, and their culture of supporting their own employees in need of financial assistance. “Each year, our restaurants and our employees raise between $1.3 and $2 million for local charitable organizations,” notes Cathi Chuck, The Rose Group’s vice president of marketing and public relations. “Since 2010, we’ve raised over $14.5 million in fundraising and in-kind support to community nonprofits and organizations.”

The Rose Group’s charitable support also extends to their employees through ‘The Rose Fund,’ a 501(c)(3) charity that was established to provide assistance to employees that find themselves in a financial crisis brought on by catastrophic life events. In the past year the fund raised over $34,900 in employee and company contributions and distributed over $50,100 in assistance.

“From the moment The Rose Group opened its doors, we’ve made it a priority to be involved in the community,” says Ms. Chuck. “We are extremely proud that our fundraising programs help so many local groups and individuals.”