CiCi's Pizza Honors top-performing operators at annual conference

COPPELL, Texas—Franchisees and managers of 600-unit CiCi's Pizza were recognized for outstanding achievements as part of CiCi's annual conference.

According to a news release, more than 600 CiCi's franchisees and their families as well as corporate personnel gathered for the annual meeting that took place at the Royal Pacific Resort and Hotel in Orlando.

"We are pleased to recognize these extraordinary franchisees and managers who propelled CiCi's Pizza to an outstanding year in 2005. Their efforts in creating a great environment for our employees and consistently providing an excellent dining experience for our guests have contributed to our success in the quick casual industry," said Craig Moore, president chief executive of CiCi's Pizza. "Their exceptional performance has helped us gain momentum as one of the top 25 highest-performing brands in the nation."

Single-unit Team of the Year: Carlos Laya: Miami

Multi-unit Group of the Year: Karl Busch: El Paso, Texas

Manager of the Year: Wade Vestal: Tyler, Texas

Gilbert Sanchez: El Paso, Texas

Operator of the Year: Mike Tolleson: Mesquite, Texas

Investor Partner of the Year: Pat Williamson: Denver

Norman Winton: multiple markets

Market of the Year: Fred Rush: South Texas/New Mexico

Coach of the Year:

Jeff Hetsel: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Rob Shuffield: Harrisonburg, Va.

Steve Haskins: Ft. Worth, Texas

Jay Dean: Richmond, Va.

Bryan Jones: Detroit, Mich.

Turnaround Award: Awarded to the best turnaround operation of the year.

Mike Schaeffer: Dallas

WOW Story of the Year: Awarded to an operator who best demonstrates CiCi's values and goes to extraordinary lengths to make guests feel special.

Bill Hayes: Lake Jackson, Texas

Rising Star: Awarded to a new franchisee with fantastic results in sales and operations and a team that brings CiCi's culture to guests.

James Lindeman: South Bend, Ind.