India's Ashwin Dhanuka chosen by Subway as franchisee of the year

Subway has presented its franchisee of the year awards to the overall winners of the multi-unit and single unit owner categories from North America and the chain's international emerging and developed markets.

Selected from among the chain's more than 15,000 franchisees from around the world, the six recipients are: Ashwin Dhanuka of Mumbai; Saeeda Rehman Malik of London; Lee Jamieson and Tom Jamieson of Bakersfield, California; Lana Vieira Martins of Brasilia, Brazil; Hazel Johnstone and Mark Johnstone of Toowoomba, Queensland Australia; and Jonathan Feld of New York.

As a Subway franchisee of the year, Dhanuka was facilitated for his accomplishments in building sales and increasing profitability while also achieving excellent store evaluations. He was selected from among the chain's more than 4,000 international franchisees.

"We are a family run business. No doubt, being named franchisee of the year is something to be proud of and it feels nice to be appreciated by such a big family as Subway,'' says Dhanuka. ''It is significant, in the sense, that I know I must be doing something right!" Attracted by the chain's reputation of offering a healthier alternative to traditionally fatty fast food, Dhanuka first became a Subway franchisee in January of 2005.

"I was an HR consultant and a part time fitness trainer and dietician. My keen interest in the fitness industry coupled with the fondness of Subway subs, which I had in Australia and the US, encouraged me to become part of the Subway team."

Dhanuka presently owns one location that he operates with his father and '13 excellent employees.' He also has plans to become a multi-unit owner with three additional Subway locations in the near future.

With more than 31,000 locations in 90 countries, including 150 in India, the Subway restaurant chain is the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise. Headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, the Subway restaurant chain was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. That partnership, which continues today, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey - one that made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business. The Subway brand has been honored as the number one franchise opportunity in Entrepreneur magazine's ''Annual Franchise 500'' listing for 16 of the past 22 years, and was ranked ''Top Global Franchise'' for 2009.

Competing among 75 regional finalists from around the globe, the Franchisees of the Year are honored for accomplishments such as adding new stores, building sales and increasing profitability while also achieving excellent store evaluations.