James E. “Jimmy” Williams Jr., president and CEO of Estel Foods Inc., has been named a 2026 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association.
Williams’ company owns and operates McDonald’s franchises in Illinois and Missouri. He was among 89 franchise owners honored for community involvement, workforce development, helping fellow franchisees and demonstrating entrepreneurial leadership, according to the association.
Williams, The St. Louis American’s 2024 Person of the Year, also received the Fred Turner Golden Arch Award in 2022, McDonald’s highest recognition for a franchisee.