Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin' Brands Inc., parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, has announced the winners of its fifth annual Franchisee & Enterprise Awards. The awards were created to recognize the best performers within the global Dunkin’ Brands system, including franchisees, partners/licensees and vendors.

"This year's honorees are an exceptional group of leaders who consistently raise the bar and set new standards for our business," said Nigel Travis, Dunkin' Brands CEO and Dunkin' Donuts president. "We applaud their dedication to excellence and commitment to growing our brands."

The 2010 Dunkin' Brands Franchisee & Enterprise Awards were given to the following franchisees, partners/licensees and vendors:

• Dunkin' Donuts Franchisee of the Year: Jerry and Sophia Fives, Northeastern Pennsylvania.
• Baskin-Robbins Franchisee of the Year: Varuzh Tirityan and Vahe Asatryan, Pasadena, Calif.
• Dunkin' Donuts Developer of the Year: Edward Wolak, Scarborough, Maine.
• Dunkin' Donuts Operator of the Year: Dan Costa, Mike Costa and Mark Pesce, Acton, Mass.
• Baskin-Robbins Operator of the Year: Jiyoung Bin, Greenville, N.C.
• Baskin-Robbins Combo Operator of the Year: Sam Panjwani, Burbank, Ill.
• Dunkin' Donuts Partner/Licensee of the Year: Golden Donuts Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Baskin-Robbins Partner/Licensee of the Year: B-R 31 Ice Cream Co., Tokyo, Japan.
• Dunkin' Donuts International Developer of the Year: Konstantin Petrov, Moscow, Russia.
• Baskin-Robbins International Developer of the Year (1-50 stores): Shaaxi Stellerich Food & Restaurant Co., Xi'an, China.
• Baskin-Robbins International Developer of the Year (50+ stores): B-R Korea Co. Ltd.; Seoul, Korea.
• Baskin-Robbins International Innovator of the Year: Americana-Kuwait Food Co., Safat, Kuwait.
• Supplier/Agency of the Year: Harlan Bakeries, Avon, Ind.
• Philanthropist of the Year: Joe Prazeres, Warren, R.I.

Dunkin’ Donuts searching for Iowa franchisees

Potential future honorees could exist in the Hawkeye State. Dunkin’ Donuts is looking for franchisees to open restaurants in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City, Iowa.

Dunkin' Donuts' development throughout Iowa is part of a steady and strategic growth strategy, which includes expanding in existing markets while entering new cities.

To help fuel the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City expansion, special development incentives are available which include reduced royalty fees for three years and an extra $10,000 in local store marketing for stores that open on time.

For those interested in franchising, Dunkin' Donuts is seeking candidates that meet a specific franchisee profile to help build its brand and business. Ideally, franchisees should possess a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $250,000.

Financial qualifications will vary by market and quick-service restaurant experience is highly preferred.
In 2010, the company opened 574 net new locations worldwide and 226 new signed franchise commitments in the U.S.

For the year, Dunkin' Donuts opened 206 net new restaurants in the U.S. and signed multi-unit development agreements in 29 markets.