32° A Yogurt Bar - Franchise Q & A

Franchise Gator recently sat down with Jeny Buha of 32 A Yogurt Bar to talk about her company's franchise opportunity and what sets them apart from others in the Frozen Yogurt industry.

How was 32 A Yogurt Bar originally conceived and started? 

While on a trip, the President of our company, Jeff Pizitz, ran across a self-serve frozen yogurt shop.  The line was out the door and the temperature outside was in the 30s.  After visiting additional shops in California and Florida, 32 was founded in 2010.

What was the original vision for 32?

Our original vision has not changed from inception:  Serve the highest quality products in a friendly and clean environment with the most superior customer service.

What do you believe is the single most important factor when choosing a franchise? 

Franchising is like a marriage.  Because of this, ensuring that the franchisor and people behind it have the same vision for the business is of the utmost importance.  Additionally, it is very important to make certain that the assistance needed with respect to operations, food costs. Marketing, etc. are in place to provide to the new franchisee.

Why should someone choose 32 over other similar franchises? 

First, our company has a proven track record in franchising having been a franchisee ourselves we have the experience and expertise to share with our franchisees. 

Second, we do not charge mark-up on any of our goods and services.  We have procured contract pricing that will be shared with our franchisees, for example, food and supplies.  Different from some other opportunities, we do not make income from our franchisees purchases.  We work to save them money on these items as well as others. 

Third, our entire focus is on our franchisee's success.  From training, marketing assistance to food costing and inventory control, we help you every step of the way.

What makes the FROYO industry attractive? 

The products we serve can be focused both to the health-conscious and those seeking a more decadent treat.  The simplicity of the store-level operations, low overhead and the self-serve aspect make our industry very attractive.

What types of qualities do you look for in potential franchisees?

Passion to to be an entrepreneur

Desire to deliver superior customer serve

As well as some level of business acumen

What do your franchise fees and royalties cover? 

Our franchise fee covers the expenses necessary to prepare our new franchisees for the beginning of their journey to business ownership.

How do territories work for your franchisees? 

We provide a 5-7 mile radius around each of our stores where we will not open another so as not to cannibalize any store.

Why has your franchise model been successful?

It has been successful because of the team we have in place to work with our franchisees, the simplicity to run the operation as well as the low overhead and low payroll costs.

What is your favorite advice for new franchisees to help them succeed? 

Location, location, location!!!

What would you tell potential franchisees that may be nervous about the financial burdens of starting a franchise?

Prepare a business plan so that you can see the potential of the business as well as the income potential.  Do not get scared off by the total initial investment, with proper marketing and operations there is great opportunity for success.

On average, how long does it take to start a new franchise from the franchisees point of view?

4-6 months

What was your background and experience before founding this franchise? 

Our company has been in the retail industry since the late 1800s.  We started in the department store industry, which we are still in, moved into franchising as the largest franchisee of Great American Cookies in the US.  We have the experience and expertise that we are excited to share with our franchisees!