New York, New York, Monday, June 2, 2025:- The International Franchise Expo (IFE) 2025 concluded spectacularly at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, marking a resounding success and setting new benchmarks for franchise expos worldwide. Held from May 29 to May 31, 2025, the event showcased innovation, collaboration, and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, prominently highlighting Latino and African American franchise communities.
Some of the franchise brands from Puerto Rico Participating at IFE2025.
One of the key highlights of the event was the Latino Franchise Association (LFA) Pavilion, organized in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Franchise Association. This dedicated pavilion featured a diverse range of dynamic Latino and Puerto Rican-owned franchise brands. The exhibiting brands captured significant attention, showcasing their unique concepts, robust business models, and growth opportunities for prospective franchisees.
The Rhoslyn Florist Franchise TEAM participating in the International Franchise Expo 2025.
Ricardo Rivera with two of the brands from Puerto Rico interacting with attendees at The International Franchise Expo 2025.
Brands represented included popular eateries such as Wings & Fries Co, Tijuana’s Bar & Grill Restaurants, Rhoslyn Florist Franchise, Charlies Oriental Flavor, and Mofonbowl Restaurant. Each brand brought forth unique offerings—from juicy chicken wings, delightful Tex-Mex and Oriental cuisine to traditional Puerto Rican mofongo, and exquisite floral arrangements—reflecting the diverse entrepreneurial creativity within the Latino community.
Rafael Alvarez, CFE during his Educational Presentation at the International Franchise Expo 2025 in New York City.
Educational sessions and seminars were another cornerstone of the expo. The highly anticipated “El Progreso of Latinos in Franchising Conference” delivered powerful insights, spearheaded by two renowned Certified Franchise Executives (CFEs): Ricardo Rivera, President of The Puerto Rico Franchise Association, and Rafael Alvarez, CEO & Founder of The Latino Franchise Association. Their dynamic presentation, the only session conducted in Spanish, offered valuable perspectives on the thriving landscape of Latino franchising, emphasizing best practices, overcoming challenges, strategies for scaling successful franchise operations, becoming franchisees, and converting Latino-owned businesses into franchise brands.
Ricardo Rivera, CFE during his Educational Presentation at the International Franchise Expo 2025 in New York City.
In addition to the Latino-focused sessions, attendees benefited from an extensive array of educational opportunities covering franchise development, financing, legal issues, and operational excellence. These seminars provided actionable knowledge for entrepreneurs at all stages of their franchise journeys.
A historic highlight of the expo was the official launch of the African American Franchise Association (AAFA). This milestone event was enthusiastically celebrated and featured an impressive lineup of speakers. Clem Yeboah, CEO of AAFA, Arnold Dixon, President, Christine Parker, VP of Ecosystems & Economic Development, Barima Yehoah, COO, Timothy Cray, VP of Government Affairs, Ivan Jimenez, CFO, and Devon McKnight, Chief Revenue Officer, shared compelling narratives and strategies aimed at empowering the African American entrepreneurial community through franchising. Additionally, Gregory Ugwi, Co-Founder of WeFranch, assembled a compelling panel presentation, “African Americans in Franchising,” featuring notable franchisors such as Kika Wise (KIKA Stretch Studios), Eric Roy (Surf’s Up), and Francine Holt (Holt Computer Training).
The African American Franchise Association Executive Committee and Panelist during the Official Launch at IFE2025.
Martin Joksimovic, President of MFV Expositions, expressed his appreciation stating, “The support and significant contributions from the Latino Franchise Association and the African American Franchise Association have been pivotal in making IFE2025 an unprecedented success. Their efforts demonstrate the importance of diversity and inclusion in franchising.”
Rafael Alvarez, CEO & Founder of the Latino Franchise Association, remarked, “The remarkable turnout and engagement at this year’s expo highlight the extraordinary growth and potential within the Latino franchise community. We’re proud to continue empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth.”
Ricardo Rivera, President of The Puerto Rico Franchise Association, added, “Participating in IFE2025 and showcasing Puerto Rican franchises to the world is immensely rewarding. We’re committed to continuing our mission of advancing Puerto Rican entrepreneurs through franchising.”
Overall, the International Franchise Expo 2025 delivered immense value, networking opportunities, and inspiration to thousands of attendees, solidifying its reputation as a premier event for the franchise industry. The diverse showcase of Latino and African American brands underscored the importance and power of inclusivity, diversity, and representation within the franchising world.
Rafael Alvarez, CFE (Certified Franchise Executive), is a prominent leader in the Latino franchising sector. He is the CEO and Founder of Latinx Franchise Brands, Inc. and the Latino Franchise Association.
He is best known for founding ATAX Franchise, the first Latino-owned tax preparation franchise in the U.S., which he started in 1986 with just $200, two computers, and a fax machine. His contributions to franchising and Latino entrepreneurship have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including:
-The NYC Cristal Apple Award (2007) by Mayor Michael Bloomberg
-The Red Beret Award (2011) from Curtis Sliwa & The Guardian Angels
-El Award (2012) from El Diario La Prensa
-USA Today’s Top 50 Franchises for Minority (2013)
-Franchise Business Review Best of the Best Franchises (2014)
-Ronald E. Harrison Diversity Award (2015) by the International Franchise Association
Beyond ATAX, Rafael is also the CEO & Publisher of Franquicias Magazine, host of the Mister Franquicias Podcast, and co-founder of multiple franchises, including Rhoslyn Florist Franchise and Little Home Repair Franchise. His mission is to empower Latino entrepreneurs and expand franchise opportunities within the Hispanic community.
