LAS VEGAS – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today inducted Neal Aronson, Founder and Managing Partner of Roark Capital Group (www.roarkcapital.com) into its Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame Award is the oldest and most prestigious award conferred by IFA, given to a franchisor or franchisee who has contributed significantly to the advancement of franchising and to the benefit of the franchising community. Aronson was selected for his role in shaping Roark’s franchise investments and is the only private equity leader ever inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“Throughout his career, Neal has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in franchising,” said IFA President and CEO Matthew Haller. “Under Neal’s leadership, Roark has been a private equity pioneer in franchising – offering an innovative approach with a focus on culture, values and franchisee success that has allowed franchising to reach more people and communities.”

Aronson, who founded the company in 2001, has led Roark to become the largest investor in franchise companies in the world. Today, Roark manages $34 billion of equity capital and its brands generate ~$70 billion in system revenues across nearly 68,000 locations in 50 states and 89 countries.

Roark’s investments include Inspire Brands (the owner of Arby’s, Sonic, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John’s, Dunkin’ and Baskin Robbins), Primrose Schools, Driven Brands (the owner of Maaco, Meineke, Take 5, Carstar, 1-800 Radiator and Auto Glass Now), ServiceMaster Brands, FOCUS Brands (the owner of Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s and Schlotzsky’s), Anytime Fitness, Culver’s, CKE (the owner of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s), Nothing Bundt Cakes, Orangetheory Fitness, Mathnasium, and Youth Enrichment Brands (the owner of i9 Sports, US Sports Camps and Streamline Brands), and have included Wingstop, FastSigns, and Batteries Plus, among others.

The Hall of Fame Award, given at IFA’s 63rd Annual Convention in Las Vegas, recognizes an individual’s contributions to franchising through successful franchising programs, innovative activities within franchising, and service to the International Franchise Association. These individuals are pioneers in the industry and represent the very best in franchising. Past inductees are available here.

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 790,492 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.4 million direct jobs, $825.4 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.