270 franchisees presented Farid with individual letters expressing opposition to corporate policies and practices that they considered to be harmful to their individual franchised businesses. The franchisees formed an association known as "EA Independent Franchisees Association, LLC", or "EAIFA" and hired an attorney to represent them in possible litigation. On September 20, 2010 the group filed a lawsuit in federal court on behalf of 170 franchisees, alleging that several changes the company made in its franchise agreements were unfair or violated contractual obligations to the franchisees. Edible Arrangements International, responded to inquiries about the lawsuit by saying that they strongly disagreed with the accusations and would vigorously defend the complaint. The company subsequently initiated a motion in the courts to dismiss the case, but this attempt was denied by a District of Connecticut judge on July 19, 2011 and the franchisees were granted authority to pursue the case on all claims. The lawsuit was amicably settled in 2013. Awards and recognitions In 2009 Tariq was recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by the International Franchise Association. In 2009 Tariq was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. He spoke at the 3rd Leadership Summit held by the council for the advancement of Muslim Professionals and at the Small Business Summit held by The New York Times. He is one of the top 5 wealthiest Pakistani Americans. References External links Tariq Farid Official Website Edible Arrangements The Boss: Bouquets That Bear Fruit, by Tariq Farid, as told to Patricia R. Olsen. The New York Times, November 8, 2009, page BU9 of the New York edition. How I Built This Podcast: Tariq Farid (audio interview) 1969 births Living people Pakistani emigrants to the United States 21st-century American businesspeople American Muslims Businesspeople from Connecticut People from East Haven, Connecticut People from Sahiwal American people of Pakistani descent