If you hear “Hey, Mom!” at a Papa Murphy’s Pizza or sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt store in the Houston area, it may not be coming from a customer. It is just as likely being said behind the counter, as Jonathan Brown and his mother, Judy, own the neighboring franchise stores in the Shops at Oak Forest shopping center.
The mother-son entrepreneurial team has taken an unconventional path to ownership of their two small businesses, but have flourished along the way while being a popular presence in the community. Guided by the franchise system and a natural ability to connect with customers, the two have overcome a relative lack of experience in the field to run a pair of successful businesses.
Five years ago, Jonathan Brown was fresh out of college and working at a television station in Tyler, TX. After initially wanting a career in sports broadcasting, Jonathan realized he needed a new direction. He started doing research into franchising and quickly decided it was an area he wanted to pursue, and needed to find an exceptional product that he believed in.
As he explored options for a new career, Jonathan would talk to his mother for advice. Judy Brown had mostly been a stay-at-home mom while also operating two home-based businesses. As Judy encouraged her son to purchase a franchise, their conversation turned to them becoming business partners. Although neither one represented the typical franchise candidate from an age or experience perspective, they felt the timing was right and that owning a franchise together would be a perfect opportunity.
After a lengthy buildout process filled with permitting delays and problems with their contractor, the Browns opened their Papa Murphy’s store in 2013. They credited the franchise system that provided the guidance and resources as an important part of getting their business up and running.
“As first-time business owners, the assistance we received from franchising was invaluable,” said Jonathan. “Any time we had a question or needed advice, we could go to the franchisor or contact other franchisees for support.”
The Browns learned many lessons in their first several years of ownership, which included attracting customers, building their business, and hiring good employees. They first needed to introduce Papa Murphy’s concept of take-and-bake pizza to area residents, as the franchise was new to market. From there, Jonathan and Judy made sure to provide excellent service and build relationships through various community outreach programs. They also created a fun and productive work environment with a family feel they could share with their customers.
With growing confidence after the first few years, Jonathan contemplated opening another franchise. Right around that time in the summer of 2016, the sweetFrog frozen yogurt shop two doors down from their Papa Murphy’s suddenly closed. Jonathan and Judy quickly turned their attention to acquiring the space, and felt it was an easy decision given its location and popularity in the community. The Browns reopened the sweetFrog store in late September.
“It was a great feeling to be able to bring back such a favorite local establishment,” said Judy. “The neighborhood was not happy when the store closed, and we heard about it nearly every day. Since reopening, the joy this store has brought to people of all ages, and the thanks we continually receive from the customers, has been an amazing experience. We feel so fortunate to be involved in another terrific franchise with a delicious product that is the ultimate treat.”
The first several months of operating both franchises were a busy time, from learning about the sweetFrog system and getting the store operationally functioning while making sure there was no drop off in performance of the Papa Murphy’s store. After a hectic first few months learning to manage both locations, the Browns have settled into established roles with each store. Jonathan oversees daily operations, hiring and managing employees and ordering inventory while Judy handles the stores’ administrative side along with the local marketing and community outreach.
Owning two food service franchises in the same shopping area with a similar customer base allows the Browns to cross-promote each business or use additional staff at either store for special events or busier periods. They will often give away in-store coupons offering discounts at the other establishment later that day. This not only serves as a nice benefit for customers but helps drive business to each location, particularly during slower times. As the Browns develop more relationships with local organizations, they are seeing an increased number of groups wanting to do events and fundraisers with both stores.
“Coming to work is a wonderful experience,” said Judy. “We have two great products, franchise system support, and a loyal customer base we genuinely enjoy interacting with every day. Plus, I get to work with my son, Jonathan, and our awesome employees who keep me young at heart!”
If you’re interested in owning your very own sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt franchise, please visit http://sweetfrog.com/franchise.
