Pancheros announced Adam Kaufman as the recipient of the 2014 Franchisee of the Year Award. Based in Columbia, Missouri, Adam was lauded for maintaining a superior level of service at his location and achieving double-digits sales growth within the first 18 months of opening.

Adam opened his first Pancheros restaurant in Missouri almost two years ago and plans to open two additional locations by the end of the year. Having grown up in Iowa, Adam has been familiar with Pancheros since its inception in 1992. Adam’s dedication shines through his work ethic, working side-by-side with his employees on a daily basis. This devotion highlights his incredible pride and enthusiasm for the business, exemplified by his restaurant’s cleanliness, operational efficiency, and his own willingness to do whatever is necessary to make his guests’ experience one-of-a-kind.

“Adam is a prime example and role model for Pancheros at every level, including the corporate support staff, other franchisees, and even his own employees,” says Rodney Anderson, president of Pancheros Mexican Grill. “His commitment not only to his own but also his employees’ success is a trait that speaks volumes about his passion for the brand and for the people that make the brand.”

“Without my dependable, reliable and friendly employees, our location would be nowhere near what it has become today,” Kaufman says. “I have held a love for Pancheros and seen the company grow from when I was young and it has been an amazing journey to be a part of it.”