Merle Wayne Leonard believes that his military training has helped him be a successful Huddle House franchise owner — discipline, work ethic, and a team mentality have gone a long way toward the health of his business and his relationship with his son, Matthew, who works in the franchise with him.

The 73-year-old and his 37-year-old son own Huddle House franchises in Blairsville and Clayton, Georgia, and they manage a franchise in Robbinsville, North Carolina.

The Leonards earned a “Best of the Best” Franchise award; their Robbinsville location was one of those named the top five stores among Huddle House franchisees this year. Wayne says he is honored to receive the award with his son and thinks they “make a great team.”

Huddle House is a 24-hour, Southern-inspired family restaurant franchise known for serving affordable, unapologetically homestyle food in a warm, friendly environment. Huddle House locations are often beloved gathering places in their communities, places where residents and travelers can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner any time of the day or night. With more than 400 restaurants open and under development, the 51-year-old franchise is growing well beyond its original core market in the Southeast and into markets in the Midwest and Northeast.