The National Retail Association (NRA) has named the 2019 winners of the prestigious Franchisee of the Year Award at their annual Sydney gala, which was held back in September.

Greg Stevens and Annie Li, owners of Michel’s Patisserie Toronto store, were crowned for their ongoing commitment to going above and beyond their customer’s expectations.

The NRA said that their success needed to be recognised and was largely down to their outstanding business practices and interactions with consumers.

Greg and Annie have been with the brand for the last seven years and are known for their consistent customer service and in hosting a steady stream of high profilers through their doors, which have included Premiers and Ministers.

Greg Stevens said the business has a promise to customers that guides their business in everything they do.

“Our promise has always been dedicated to promoting the Michel’s Patisserie brand, building a strong team and encouraging them to actively engage with our customers which would give everyone a sense of belonging to our business,” he said.

“Annie and our team have strived for continuous improvement and have focused on making ourselves attractive to new customers and their buying behaviours along with providing competitively priced products amongst the competitive retail market.”

Greg and Annie have long been personalities in their community touting their love for the trade, the value of the Michel’s Patisserie brand and their loyal staff and customers.

“We’re really proud of this award – the sixth major business award, and once we’ve taken some time to drink it all in, we’ll continue looking at ways to reshape the industry for greater outcomes again,” Greg said.

Michel’s Patisserie General Manager, Sean Fitzgerald, says that the brand team has been working closely with franchisees like Greg and Annie to elevate their visibility with customers.

“Our team has been inspired by Greg and Annie for many years and it has been very rewarding to see them acknowledged on a national stage by the NRA,” Sean said.

Sean said that product and marketing initiatives have helped the Michel Patisserie franchise grow, but it’s the people behind the counters who bring the company to life.

“On behalf of the whole network, congratulations Greg, Annie and team Michel’s Patisserie Toronto for your outstanding contribution to industry and the Michel’s Patisserie brand. We couldn’t be prouder of you all,” Sean said.

The National Retail Association’s Awards for Excellence event was held in Sydney on 4 September 2019.

IMAGE | Toronto Michel’s Patisserie franchisees; Greg Stevens & Annie Li (left-right).