Edo Japan is pleased to announce this year's recipient of the Franchisee of the year 2003. Congratulations go out to Leokadia Pandyra and Krystyna Sadowy of North Hill Mall in Calgary, Alberta.

The President's Award is presented each year to the franchisee that exemplifies the best in Edo Japan. The Operations Team reviews store operations from the entire year with a detailed look at the following criteria: customer service, store cleanliness, QSC scores, execution of marketing programs, sales growth, and development of their team of employees. In summary this award is presented to a franchisee that acts as an ambassador of the Edo Japan system.

Leo and Kystyna are sisters who immigrated to Canada from Poland together with their husbands and children in 1990. The sisters began their life in Canada by going to school to learn English; soon Leo was working for a major bank while Kystyna worked in a coffee shop. Both had the desire to own and operate their own business so together with their husbands, Jan and Leslaw, they purchased a Mrs. Vanelli's franchise in North Hill Mall in 1992. At the same time they managed a corporate store for Mrs. Vanelli's in Chinook Mall. In 2000 the sisters left behind Mrs. Vanelli's and purchased the existing Edo Japan location in North Hill Mall. Their decision was based on a desire to sell fresh, healthy food that they knew was what the public wanted. They saw a bright future as owner/operators with the Edo Japan system.

From the first day operating their Edo Japan store these two focused, hard working ladies knew the formula for success would be excellent customer service, serving only the best quality food and treating their staff as members of a team. This focus has served them well, North Hill Mall consistently scores the highest QSC numbers in the region and their performance on Snapshots is always excellent. A key factor in their ongoing success has been their ability to build sales; in the four years since purchasing the store annual sales have increased an incredible 62%, with early results in 2004 looking excellent for even more growth. “Our sales really started to grow with the introduction of the new Menu board Program and the 7 Combo Meals”, says Kystyna. “The targeted promotional programs have also helped us to increase our sales”.

Leo and Kystyna operate their store as a team, everyone backs each other up and the work environment is friendly and supportive. Allowing team members to use their personal strengths leads to success; great cooks on the grill and Leo and Kystyna greeting and handling every customer as cashiers and Edo Ambassadors. “People like great food and service and they will always come back”, according to Leo, “If our customers are happy then we are happy.”

When asked what winning The Presidents Award meant to them the sisters agreed that it was very gratifying to be recognized for all their hard work. They proudly display the glass crystal trophy and love it when customers comment on the award to them. Leo and Kystyna are very proud of their business, their team and the award - they have worked hard to achieve the vision they have for their lives, their families and their success in partnership with Edo Japan.

Tom Donaldson presented Leo and Kystyna with the Presidents Award trophy and a cheque for $1000.00 at the North Hill Mall this March. The entire Edo Japan team extends a big, congratulations to Leo, Kystyna and their team! We wish them continued success in their commitment to operational excellence with their business.