Description

In this episode, Cliff Kennedy, CEO of Frios Gourmet Pops, shares how he went from being a franchisee to acquiring the entire brand, rebuilding the company from the ground up, and transforming it into a mobile-first dessert empire

Interested in

We unpack:

• Why Frios’ product was great, but the company was broken

• How COVID forced a shift from brick-and-mortar to mobile trucks

• The economics of a mobile dessert franchise (events, wholesale, and B2B)

• Why Cliff walked away from a massive CPG opportunity after taking a big swing

• How Frios scaled with limited capital, grit, and relentless focus on franchisee success

This is a raw, honest look at entrepreneurship: the wins, the near-misses, and the decisions that define long-term success.

If you’re interested in franchising, consumer brands, or building a business around real-world experiences, this episode is for you.

GET IN TOUCH:

Interested in buying a franchise?
https://www.empirespod.com/buy-a-franchise

Are you a multi-unit franchise owner considering selling your business? https://www.fdcapitalgroup.com/ 

Partnership Opportunities

https://www.empirespod.com/about#about-footer

🧠 Key Topics / Takeaways

• Franchisee → Franchisor transitions

• Mobile vs brick-and-mortar business models

• Franchise economics without item 19 hype

• Manufacturing + franchising under one roof

• Why focus beats chasing every growth opportunity

Building a business that prioritizes lifestyle + happiness