Penn Station East Coast Subs Achieves Industry Awards for Excellence

Penn Station East Coast Subs, a popular fast-casual sandwich franchise, has recently received high praise within the industry, as it celebrates three significant awards. These recognitions not only highlight the company's commitment to quality but also underscore its strategic focus on employee training, franchisee support, and operational excellence.

The first of the accolades is the prestigious 2026 MVP Award from Training Magazine. This award honors companies that provide exceptional employee training and development programs. Penn Station’s achievement stems from its innovative Penn Station Training Platform, a digital system that consolidates training across its franchise locations.

Developed in-house, this platform employs advanced online tools and gamification techniques to enhance learning experiences for franchise owners and their teams. The streamlined training process allows for real-time feedback and consistency, which is critical when introducing new menu items or operational changes across its nationwide outlets. The evaluation process for the award is rigorous, considering factors such as financial investment in training, program scope, alignment with business objectives, and measurable outcomes.

Craig Dunaway, the Chief Operating Officer of Penn Station East Coast Subs, commented on the awards, saying, _“These awards reflect the strength of our people and the systems that support them.”_ He further emphasized the brand’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and operational integrity.

In addition to the MVP Award, Penn Station received accolades at the Global Franchise Awards held during the IFA Conference in Las Vegas. The company was honored with Highly Commended recognition in the Single Market category for Best Food & Drink Franchise. This year marked a significant change in the awards as they expanded eligibility to include U.S.-only brands, making this acknowledgment particularly impressive amidst stiff competition.

Moreover, franchisees Eric Fairbanks and Sait Perez were honored with the Franchisee of Excellence Award by Franchise Business Review. This award is given to only 50 franchise owners each year who exemplify exceptional performance and operational success. Fairbanks operates nine Penn Station locations across North and South Carolina. His partnership with Perez, who manages the daily operations, illustrates a successful model of business growth balanced with maintaining strong operational consistency and a vibrant team culture.

Reflecting on the award, Fairbanks shared, _“This award really belongs to our team. I started in this business as a delivery driver, so I know firsthand how important it is to feel supported and valued.”_ He emphasizes that through a focus on partnership and teamwork, they have built more than just a franchise; they have created a community that all team members can take pride in.

The collective achievements of Penn Station East Coast Subs reinforce its dedication to nurturing talent, empowering its franchisees, and enhancing its presence within the communities it serves. With these awards, Penn Station aims to continue its trajectory of growth and excellence in the fast-casual dining sector.

For anyone interested in exploring the Penn Station experience, whether through their grilled hot subs, fresh-cut fries, or handcrafted lemonade, you can find a location near you by visiting www.penn-station.com.

About Penn Station East Coast Subs

Founded in 1985 by Jeff Osterfeld, Penn Station East Coast Subs has been delighting customers for over four decades with a menu featuring award-winning subs and fresh ingredients. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the brand has established itself as a community staple in various states, including Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, with rapid expansion into North and South Carolina as well as Michigan. With over 320 locations across the country, Penn Station is recognized as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the USA, proudly appearing on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list.