At its 64th annual convention in Phoenix this month, the International Franchise Association (IFA) named Ed Taliaferro, owner of Rose City Pizza, LLC, which operates 26 Papa Johns restaurants spanning across Washington and Oregon, as a 2023 Franchisee of the Year.
Through a history of leadership and a profound dedication to his business and community, Ed, along with his fellow franchisees and partners Matt Edwards, Jesse Smith and Dave Edwards with Cascade Dining, have made exceptional contributions to Papa Johns and to the franchise industry overall.
Since opening his first Papa Johns restaurant in Salem, Oregon in 1998, Ed has built a network of restaurants across the Pacific Northwest. Throughout Ed’s career, those around him have witnessed and benefited from the genuine care Ed demonstrates for his team. Several colleagues who started their journey with him in 1998 have since become trusted partners, a testament to Ed's mentorship and their lasting trust in his leadership.
A defining characteristic of Ed's leadership is his composure in the face of challenges, while ensuring that the diverse perspectives of all team members are given a voice. Ed has helped other Papa Johns franchisees grow successful business through his leadership on the Papa Johns Franchise Advisory Council and as President and Treasurer for the Seattle Franchisee Marketing Co-Op.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed's philanthropic endeavors have left an undeniable mark on the community. Among other efforts to support causes important to him, Ed has helped raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and supported survivors of a mudslide in Oso, Washington through the Salvation Army.
Ed also forged Papa Johns partnership with Toys for Kids in Seattle, a charitable organization that provides holiday gifts for children of unhoused families and those facing challenging circumstances. In 2022, Toys for Kids named Ed as their Partner of the Year.
Through his impressive growth as an owner-operator, his dedication to community and his support and empowerment of his team members and partners, Ed continues to inspire all of us in the Papa Johns family.
