Tierra Encantada Multi-Unit Franchisees Named 2026 IFA Franchisees of the Year Amid Northern Virginia Expansion

Entrepreneurs Mustafa Durrani and Zargham Amid earn national recognition after growing Tierra Encantada from one Northern Virginia center to three, with a fourth location underway and continued expansion planned 

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tierra Encantada, the Leader in Spanish Immersion Early Education®, is thrilled to announce that the International Franchise Association (IFA) has named its Northern Virginia multi-unit franchisees, Zargham Amid and Mustafa Durrani, to the list of Franchisees of the Year for 2026. They've been selected for their excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others.

The national recognition comes as Zargham and Mustafa continue expanding Tierra Encantada throughout Northern Virginia. Since opening their first center in Alexandria in 2022, the franchise partners have grown to three locations, signed a lease for a fourth and are planning for further growth throughout the market.

"We're incredibly honored to be recognized as IFA Franchisees of the Year," said Zargham. "Building with Tierra Encantada has been an incredible journey, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work of our teams, and the trust families place in us every day. We're proud of what we've accomplished so far and even more excited about what's ahead as we continue growing Tierra Encantada's presence across the Northern Virginia communities."

Mustafa and Zargham were nominated for their strong growth and commitment to the brand's mission. With plans of expanding several additional locations across the Virginia market, they are a tremendous representation of the committed and ambitious franchisees Tierra Encantada looks for. Alongside their growth, Mustafa and Zargham have remained focused on supporting their teams, serving local families and communities, and delivering an exceptional experience at each center.

"Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about – individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves," said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. "Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities, and support other franchisees, all while exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising. We are proud to recognize these individuals with one of IFA's highest honors and celebrate their commitment to making a difference both within their business and to those around them."

Top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries and communities around the country were honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit Sept. 14-16, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

To learn more about Tierra Encantada franchise opportunities, visit.tierraencantadafranchise.com.

About Tierra Encantada

Tierra Encantada is the Leader in Spanish Immersion Early Education®. Since 2013, the company has provided a premium early education experience for children ages six weeks through six years by combining full Spanish immersion, a play-based STEAM curriculum, globally inspired scratch-made meals, and intentionally designed learning environments that support the development of the whole child. Recognized by Entrepreneur, Inc., the Financial Times, and other national organizations, Tierra Encantada is one of the fastest-growing early education brands in the United States, with corporate and franchise locations open or in development across 15 states. Learn more at tierraencantadafranchise.com.

*See Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document for important details regarding financial performance representations.

About The International Franchise Association:

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

Contact: Ashlyn Jensen, Franchise Elevator PR, [email protected]

SOURCE Tierra Encantada