Lawrence J. “Doc” Cohen, multi-unit owner of Global Franchise Group, has become the first franchisee ever to be inducted into the International Franchisee Association (IFA) Hall of Fame. Cohen owns several Great American Cookies and Pretzelmaker franchises, as well as TCBY locations.
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. Cohen received the award during a special ceremony held at the 2011 IFA Convention earlier this month in Las Vegas.
“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.”
Cohen, founder and CEO of Houston-based Cookie Associates, opened his first Great American Cookies store in Lafayette, La., in the late 1970s. His initial entry into franchising eventually grew into a network of more than 35 Great American Cookies units in seven states. Today, Cookie Associates operates multiple franchise brands such as Great American Cookies, Pretzelmaker, Coffee Beanery and TCBY.
Cohen has served in multiple IFA leadership positions including treasurer and chairman of the Board of Directors. He also has chaired the IFA’s Franchise Advisory Council, Convention Planning Committee and FranPAC, IFA’s political action committee.
Additionally, he served as trustee for the IFA Educational Foundation Inc. and was the first franchisee ever to earn the designation of “Certified Franchise Executive” given by the Foundation.
In addition to the IFA Hall of Fame, Cohen is the recipient of other awards including three “Franny Awards” (honoring Franchisee of the Year) from Great American Cookies and the IFA, and has been named Franchisee of the Decade twice by Great American Cookies.
Past inductees of the IFA’s Hall of Fame 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).
