Restaurant Raves

Sam Hamra, second from left, owner of Wendy’s of Missouri, receives the Wendy Award at the Wendy’s International Convention on Jan. 30 in Orlando, Fla. Presenting the award are, from left, Wendy’s International CEO & President Kerri Anderson, Senior Vice President Ed Austin and Chief Operations Officer Dave Near. The award is presented to the top franchisee in each of the company’s five regions, based on operational standards, commitment to training, and work to rebuild and remodel existing stores. Wendy’s of Missouri was chosen from the southern regions, which includes 120 franchisees and 1,900 restaurants in 14 states. Hamra operates 24 Wendy’s restaurants, including eight locations in Springfield and locations in Branson, Ozark, Nixa and Lebanon.