How Harlem Shake^® Drives Community Impact Through Locally Rooted Events

Every June, Harlem Shake^® turns up the energy on Lenox Avenue with one of its most beloved traditions: the Mr/Miss Harlem Shake^® competition. This year’s event was no exception! It brought out the very best of Harlem, from stylish self-expression and good vibes to a crowd full of love for their neighbors, all fueled by burgers, shakes, and community pride. 

But Mr/Miss Harlem Shake^® isn’t just about fun times and photo ops (though there were plenty of those). It’s about community impact and what Harlem Shake^® stands for: being a part of the fabric of the neighborhoods we serve. 

A Community Event That’s More Than Just a Contest 

Each year, the event invites locals to compete for the title of Mr/Miss Harlem Shake^®—a lighthearted, spirited competition celebrating charisma, creativity, and connection to the community. Contestants range from artists and entrepreneurs to everyday residents who simply love Harlem and want to represent their home with pride. The winner is voted on by Harlem Shake^® customers, giving the community a direct role in choosing the face that best represents their neighborhood spirit. 

Beyond the crown, the event provides a platform for local talent, fosters real community connections, and draws foot traffic to the heart of Harlem. On top of a $1,000 cash reward and a year’s worth of free burgers, the winner also receives $500 toward the charity of their choice, turning their spotlight into an opportunity to give back. It’s a perfect example of how Harlem Shake^® doesn’t just serve the neighborhood; we celebrate and invest in it. 

Meet Tanasia, Miss Harlem Shake^® 2025! 

At this year’s Golden Cup Ceremony, where we celebrate all of the contestants and announce a winner, we were proud to crown Tanasia as Miss Harlem Shake^® 2025! Tanasia, a 28-year-old entrepreneur from Harlem, is a true embodiment of Harlem pride and cares deeply about the community.  

Tanasia’s commitment to honoring Harlem’s legacy while inspiring its future makes her the perfect representation of our brand and what we stand for. With her $500 prize directed to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, she’s keeping Harlem’s stories alive and thriving for generations to come. 

Why This Matters to Franchisees 

For potential franchise partners, this event is more than just a local tradition. It reflects one of the key pillars that differentiates Harlem Shake^® in the food franchise space: genuine, ongoing community engagement. 

Unlike cookie-cutter chains, Harlem Shake^® empowers franchisees to become a part of the local story. That means hosting meaningful events, building authentic relationships with customers, and fostering loyalty in a way that big-box brands simply can’t replicate. Events like Mr/Miss Harlem Shake^® are not just fun, but are a business driver. They increase foot traffic, create buzz on social media, and build long-term brand affinity. 

Owning a Harlem Shake^® Means Owning a Piece of the Culture 

When you join Harlem Shake^® as a franchisee, you’re not just opening a restaurant. You’re stepping into a role as a community connector. Our brand DNA is built around Harlem’s rich cultural legacy: something we honor through our food, our design, and events like Mr/Miss Harlem Shake^®.  

From our local events to our neighborhood initiatives, Harlem Shake^® proves that doing good for your community is also good business. We’re proud to build spaces that feel like home – full of flavor, history, and heart. 

Ready to Bring the Harlem Shake^® Spirit to Your Neighborhood? 

If you’re a values-driven entrepreneur who believes in the power of food to bring people together, Harlem Shake^® offers a franchise opportunity unlike any other. Let’s shake things up—in the best way. Contact us today to bring the vibrancy and life of Harlem Shake^® to your community. 

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