Smoke’s Poutinerie’s receives a dispatch from its namesake celebrating Ryan Smolkin’s legacy and CFA Lifetime Achievement Award win
Smoke’s Poutinerie issued the following dispatch from its namesake, following the late Ryan Smolkin’s Legacy Achievement Award win at the 2024 CFA National Convention:
Hey World, it’s Smoke… test…test… can you read me? I’m reaching out to share a moment of deep pride and profound emotion as I celebrate a tremendous milestone in the legacy of my dear pal, Ryan Smolkin. On April 8th, at its annual Recognition Awards Luncheon in Montreal, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) posthumously honoured Ryan with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition not only of a business pioneer but of a man who lived with unbridled passion and infectious enthusiasm! The peeps at the CFA called Ryan a “pillar of the franchise community,” and let me tell you, they totally nailed it. This guy was a tornado of energy, sweeping everyone along, on his quest for GLOBAL DOMINATION, but this award isn’t about the numbers; it’s about the heart, the laughs, and the sheer rock ‘n’ roll he brought to the franchising world, he believed in pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and living life to the fullest, whatever the consequences… an inspiration to entrepreneurs and franchisors alike… one who has forever changed the landscape of Canadian franchising.
Ryan was the thunderous heartbeat of Smoke’s Poutinerie. His dream was always more than fries, curds, and gravy, he was a rockstar in disguise, with his plaid shirt, fur hat, Converse, and aviators, his heart as big as his appetite and his philosophy was simple… entertain, engage, make memories, and make an impact with every encounter, he was all about relationships, giving back, through charity events, supporting local communities, or just lending a helping hand or bit of advice to anyone who needed it, spreading joy, and making a difference. This Lifetime Achievement Award is a tribute to his success in not just achieving but surpassing these aims. This award underscores what Ryan always believed—that a life lived with joy is a life remembered. His zeal for life and dedication to spreading this joy through every encounter has left an indelible mark not only on the franchise world but in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
You couldn’t be around Ryan without cracking a smile or busting a gut laughing. He had a knack for turning even the most mundane moments into something unforgettable. And let me tell you, those moments are what made Smoke’s Poutinerie more than just a restaurant; it was a stage where laughter reigned, and everyone was part of the show. And as Smoke’s Poutinerie continues its quest for GLOBAL DOMINATION, his spirit rides on with us, and his dreams continue to inspire every path we pave.
Ryan, my friend, here’s to you, forever chief entertainment officer in our hearts and the heart and soul of our rockin’ family. Let’s celebrate this monumental achievement. As the plaid banner of Smoke’s Poutinerie waves on, with each new location’s sign flickering on for the first time, with each poutine served, and with every smile we bring to a fan’s face, we honour your enduring legacy. This award is truly a testament to your life’s work—a life lived with a fierce passion to entertain and connect people through the universal language of food. The CFA got it right, pillar of the franchise community… well done brother!
We’re here to keep the amps cranked to eleven in your honor. As the guitars wail in the distance, I raise a toast to you, Ryan. May your laughter echo through the halls of eternity. Rock on, my friend. Rock on.Congrats on the Lifetime Achievement Award with all my love and a WOW-sized Poutine in your honour.
Smoke
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