Minority Franchise Association (MFA)

What Is the MFA?
The MFA is the Minority Franchise Association of Burger King Corporation. It is composed of African American Burger King franchisees.Historical Overview

The MFA was originally organized in 1974 to facilitate the improvement of common business objectives of minority Burger King operators. The association was organized under the direction of William McGhee with the approval and cooperation of the Burger King Corporation.

The initial organizing group consisted of fifteen (15) members, but today has grown to over 70 franchise groups. The strong leadership of the MFA was continued in 1980 when Pettis Norman was elected president of the association. Under his leadership, the MFA, together with the very critical support of the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, was able to achieve a major milestone; that was the signing, as of April 18, 1983, of the "Covenant". The signatures to this document were Operation PUSH, Inc., Burger King Corporation, and the Minority Franchise Association.

The Covenant reflects the essence of cooperation among the three participants and a dedication to improving minority business opportunities in a variety of areas, including but not limited to opportunities for franchisees, procurement opportunities, opportunities for minority professionals (including accounting and legal), and other business relationships, such as minority owned banking facilities.

In 1984, Samuel Tidmore was elected president and Brady Keys, Jr. was elected vice-president. This dynamic duo continued the major thrust to improve the objectives of minority participation with Burger King Corporation. The emphasis and focus was to increase Black and other minority involvement in all phases of operations relative to the Burger King system. The Covenant Review Council was originally formed in order to establish and assist in the facilitation of the agreed upon goals for African American owners.

Gilbert Bland was elected president in 1988. He was very instrumental in the preservation of the mission for the Minority Franchise Association. Trailblazing the path within the Covenant Review Council, Gil ensured proper monitoring of all minority activities. To expand the involvement for all minorities, the MFA agreed to participate in the newly formed Diversity Action Council (DAC). This council was a collaborative effort initiated by the MFA, Operation PUSH and Burger King Corporation to unify the participation of all minority interests. Concurrently with the creation of the DAC, the MFA was placed on the executive committee of the National Franchise Association (NFA) and all standing committees.

In 1992, Bruce Taylor was elected president of our organization. Bruce served the organization by enhancing the development process of the DAC. He also was very instrumental in expanding the role of the Diversity Department of Burger King. During his tenure as President, Burger King was successful in achieving employment and procurement goals; this was a first. This accomplishment was recognized by national organizations across the country.

Who Can Enroll:
Any approved African American Burger King franchisee can join. It is the goal of the MFA council to have every African American operator as an active and fully participating member. We request that each member is also a participant with the NFA if conditions allow.

Mission Statement:
The MFA is committed to the meaningful creation of opportunities for African American people and their continued enhancements and involvement within Burger King Corporation. While the MFA is most concerned with creating and enhancing opportunities for franchisees and prospective franchisees, both by facilitating opportunities and creation of information to assist the operational development of these entities, the MFA is also committed to creating business opportunities for African Americans in all phases of operations related to the fast food industry, including but not limited to minority-owned banking, accounting, and the professional facilities and for providers of service. The principal mission of the MFA is to ensure that its members obtain every opportunity to profitably manage and operate their businesses.

Contact Information:
Minority Franchise Association
c/o Valerie Daniels-Carter
6933 west Brown Deer Road
Milwaukee, WI 53223
(414) 365-9003
(414) 365-9467 fax
dmorgan@vjfoods.com

MINORITY FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION
Executive Team Members:

President
Valerie Daniels-Carter
V & J Holding Companies, Inc. - Milwaukee, WI

1st Vice-President
Vernon Duckrey
Duckrey Enterprises, Inc. - Marlton, NJ

2nd Vice-President
Harold Patrick
Pride Restaurant Group – Birmingham, AL

Secretary
Roland Marshall, Sr.
Marshall & Marshall Management Corp. – Lansing, MI

Treasurer
Pamela Grant
Sparks Enterprises – Orinda, CA

Assistant Treasurer
Janie Forney
JDF Enterprises - Meza, AZ

Parliamentary
James Jackson
J.A. Jackson - Houston, TX

Membership Secretary
Roland Marshall
A & R Enterprises - Lansing, MI

Past President
Bruce Taylor
The Taylor Group - Hindsdale, IL

Central & Lakes Region Representative
Jeffrey Thompson
Dublin, OH

Western Region Representative
Ella Avery-Smothers
Progressive Management Systems, Inc. - Los Angeles, CA

Southern Region Representative
Robespierre St. Juste
St. Juste Management Corporation - San Antonio, TX

Eastern Region Representative
Clyde Younger
Younger Corporation - Watertown, MA