Penn Station’s Triple Win: A Blueprint for Franchise Success

CINCINNATI, OH – April 06, 2026 – While known for its grilled-to-order cheesesteaks and fresh-squeezed lemonade, Penn Station East Coast Subs is proving its recipe for success extends far beyond the kitchen. The fast-casual franchise has recently secured a trifecta of prestigious industry awards, signaling a strategic mastery of the core pillars that support sustainable growth: innovative employee training, robust franchisee partnerships, and operational excellence recognized on a global scale. The collection of honors—a 2026 MVP Award from Training Magazine, a “Highly Commended” recognition at the Global Franchise Awards, and a Franchisee of Excellence Award for two of its top operators—paints a picture of a brand that is meticulously building its future by investing deeply in its people and systems.

The Digital Edge in Training and Development

At the forefront of Penn Station’s recent accolades is the 2026 MVP Award from Training Magazine, a highly respected honor in the corporate learning and development space. The award specifically recognized “The Penn Station Training Platform,” the company’s proprietary, in-house digital system. This isn't just another online manual; it’s a sophisticated platform that centralizes training under one digital umbrella, leveraging gamification and high-tech tools to create a more engaging, learner-focused experience for franchise owners and their teams across more than 320 locations.

In an industry where consistency is paramount, this platform provides a crucial advantage. It streamlines what was once a labor-intensive process, enables real-time feedback, and ensures that systemwide rollouts, from new menu items to operational procedures, are executed seamlessly and uniformly. The MVP Award's rigorous evaluation considers not just the scope of programming but also its alignment with business objectives and its measurable impact on performance. For Penn Station, this investment in human capital is foundational. New franchise owners and their key staff undergo a comprehensive program that includes 25-30 hours of classroom instruction and an intensive 202-209 hours of on-the-job training. This digital platform enhances that foundation, ensuring continuous learning and skill reinforcement long after the initial training period ends.

While competitors like Jersey Mike’s also utilize gamified e-learning, Penn Station’s decision to build and manage its platform in-house gives it a unique agility to tailor content and respond to the specific needs of its system, a key factor in its award-winning approach.

A Blueprint for Partnership and Excellence

Beyond technology, Penn Station’s success is profoundly human-driven, a fact highlighted by the Franchisee of Excellence Award from Franchise Business Review. This distinction, granted to only 50 franchise owners annually across all industries, was awarded to multi-unit operator Eric Fairbanks and his managing partner, Sait Perez. Their story offers a compelling case study in the effectiveness of Penn Station’s unique “Managing Owner Program.”

Fairbanks, who owns nine locations across North and South Carolina, has leveraged this program to build a scalable and sustainable operation. The model encourages multi-unit owners to partner with dedicated managers who hold an ownership stake, fostering a deep sense of shared accountability and creating a clear pathway for career advancement. Perez oversees the day-to-day operations, allowing Fairbanks to balance market expansion with operational consistency and a strong team culture. This structure is a powerful engine for growth, empowering talented individuals within the system to become business owners themselves.

“This award really belongs to our team,” said Eric Fairbanks. “I started in this business as a delivery driver, so I know firsthand how important it is to feel supported and valued. Through our partnership model and our focus on people, we've built something that's bigger than any one location. It's a culture our teams are proud to be part of.” His journey from driver to multi-unit franchisee, supported by the brand’s structure and targeted growth incentives in markets like North Carolina, exemplifies the aspirational, ground-up success the company champions.

Global Recognition and Strategic Ambition

Rounding out its trio of honors, Penn Station earned “Highly Commended” recognition in the Best Food & Drink Franchise (Single Market) category at the Global Franchise Awards. This accolade is particularly significant as 2026 marked the first year the awards expanded eligibility to U.S.-only brands, placing Penn Station in a highly competitive international field. The award validates the brand’s strength and leadership within the crowded fast-casual dining sector.

These awards are not merely decorative; they are markers of a brand executing a deliberate and ambitious growth strategy. Penn Station aims to nearly double its footprint from over 320 locations to 650 within the next five to seven years, targeting key markets across 15 states. That a significant portion of this growth is driven by existing franchisees reinvesting in new locations speaks volumes about their confidence in the system’s unit economics and operational support. With an average unit volume reported at $777,644, the model presents a compelling financial proposition.

“Across the board, these awards reflect the strength of our people and the systems that support them,” said Craig Dunaway, COO of Penn Station East Coast Subs. “From investing in innovative training tools to supporting franchisees who lead with integrity and operational excellence, we are intentional about building a brand that grows the right way—with strong culture, strong partnerships and long-term vision.”

This intentional growth is timed well with market trends. As fast-casual consumers demand greater value, quality, and digital engagement, Penn Station has responded with its made-to-order promise and the 2025 launch of “Penn Station Rewards,” a points-based loyalty program. By integrating award-winning training, a proven partnership model, and a clear strategic vision, Penn Station is demonstrating that its formula for success is about much more than just a great sandwich.