TODD BERTAGNOLE’S STORY

Eight years ago, Todd came into TCBY as a seasoned franchise owner. With a background in QSR business management and the owner (along with his brother) of four Subway franchises, Todd really knew how to evaluate franchise and food service opportunities.

So what attracted him to TCBY? Todd says it was pretty simple: the opportunity to extend his audience into the evening hours (Subway is mostly a lunchtime business), and the opportunity to offer healthier snack options. Todd recognized early on the trend towards healthier, more nutritionally conscious eating. He had seen it in his Subway business, and felt that the TCBY was a way to attract an even larger audience. Eight years later, his hunch has really paid off. Today Todd owns two TCBY stores, and takes satisfaction in providing his customers with a convenient snack or light meal. “My customers don’t even have to think about TCBY,” says Todd. “They don’t have to decide between convenience and smart eating, because they know a cup of yogurt and fruit topping is quick and healthy.”

Still, with all of his experience, there were a few things about owning a TCBY franchise that surprised Todd. As he recently stated “I’m still amazed at the amount of opportunity we have. We’re really sitting in a golden spot. With all of the frozen yogurt competitors out there, we still have the best tasting product and the most loyal customers. We’re in the perfect position to capture the edge that everybody is looking for.” Maybe that’s why Todd plans to open even more TCBY stores. And he says that the power of the TCBY brand is a huge part of both his past success, and his future opportunities.

Todd is the first to admit that being a franchise owner is hard work, and it’s not always smooth sailing. But as he says “Change is good, and doesn’t come without some frustration. It’s being able to channel the energy and passion into a bigger opportunity that keeps me focused, and knowing that by helping to build TCBY into a powerhouse, I’m ensuring my own success.” Todd also puts some of that energy to use as head of the Franchise Association Board, where he appreciates the partnership he has with other franchise owners and the corporate team.

So, looking back over the past eight years, how would Todd summarize his experience? “I absolutely made the right decision with TCBY. I believe in the product, I believe in the brand, and I believe in the huge opportunity that’s before us.”