Lawrence J. “Doc†Cohen, multi-unit owner of multiple Global Franchise Group brands including Great American Cookies® and Pretzelmaker®, has become the first franchisee ever to be inducted into the International Franchise Association (IFA) Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame designation is the oldest and most prestigious award conferred by the IFA and recognizes significant contributions to the advancement of franchising and to the IFA and the franchising community.
Cohen received the award during a special ceremony held at the 2011 IFA Convention earlier this month in Las Vegas.
The IFA, the oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide, acknowledges only a select few with induction into the Hall of Fame. Past inductees include Ray Kroc (McDonald’s® Corp.); Frank Carney (Pizza Hut®); Dave Thomas (Wendy’s®); Col. Harland Sanders (KFC® Corp.); and Frederick A. DeLuca (Subway® Restaurants).
“I am deeply honored to join the roster of franchising pioneers who are members of the IFA Hall of Fame,†said Cohen. “The IFA is the strongest advocate for the franchising industry and a valuable resource for all of its members and I am proud to be affiliated with such a vital and important organization.â€