Filling a Community Gap: The Barlows’ Frozen Yogurt Franchise Success
Ken and Sarah Barlow’s journey into franchising began with a simple family moment that revealed a larger business opportunity. Their young daughter expressed a desire to “make her own ice cream” — a wish that highlighted a glaring absence in their hometown of Forest Acres, South Carolina: no self-service frozen yogurt shop. Recognizing this gap, the couple saw not only a chance to meet a local need but also to create a joyful, community-centered gathering place.
In early 2024, the Barlows decided to invest in a 16 Handles franchise, a popular self-serve frozen yogurt brand known for its wide variety of flavors and toppings. After careful research and thoughtful planning, they opened their store in June 2025. Remarkably, within just six months, their location achieved $1 million in sales, demonstrating both the strength of their business model and the community’s enthusiastic response.
The Decision-Making Process Behind Franchising
For Sarah, the decision to pursue franchising was gradual rather than sudden. “There wasn’t really one dramatic moment where we just woke up and decided to do it,” she explains. Instead, it was a series of conversations, extensive research, and engagement with the 16 Handles franchise team that helped build their confidence. They carefully reviewed financials, understood the operational model, and aligned the brand’s vision with the local market’s needs.
Ken adds insight into their initial assumptions about franchising. They expected a smoothly run business model due to the corporate structure. However, they quickly learned that owning a franchise still demands hands-on management, flexibility, and problem-solving skills. “Franchises are still operated by people,” Ken notes, “and you can’t just put things on autopilot.” This candid reflection underscores the reality that franchising combines the benefits of an established brand with the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Strategies for Rapid Growth
The Barlows attribute their swift success to two primary factors: location and community engagement. Selecting a prime spot in a busy shopping center with heavy foot traffic ensured consistent visibility and accessibility. This strategic choice was crucial in quickly building brand awareness and attracting a steady stream of customers.
Equally important has been their commitment to embedding their business within the local community. Hosting over 70 fundraising events for nonprofits and supporting local sports teams, schools, and arts organizations have fostered strong relationships and customer loyalty. Ken emphasizes that these community partnerships are not merely “nice to have” but have directly influenced revenue growth and customer retention.
Advice for Aspiring Franchisees
Ken and Sarah’s journey offers valuable lessons for those considering franchising. The first step is thorough financial preparation: understanding all costs involved, including franchise fees, build-out expenses, and working capital. “We looked at what we could realistically invest and talked with lenders,” Ken says, highlighting the importance of solid financial groundwork.
Research is equally vital. The Barlows recommend engaging extensively with franchise teams, current franchisees, and industry resources to gain a realistic understanding of daily operations and challenges. They caution potential franchisees to be patient, as the process from discovery to opening is often longer and more complex than expected.
Reflecting on Their Journey
Looking back, Sarah advises their past selves to trust their instincts and practice patience. They faced many unknowns and moments of doubt before signing the franchise agreement, but their diligent research and preparation laid a strong foundation. She reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that delays and obstacles are normal parts of building a business.
Most importantly, the Barlows emphasize that the hard work and long hours have been worthwhile. Seeing their store become an integral part of the Forest Acres community, supporting local organizations, and becoming a favorite destination for customers has been deeply rewarding. Their story exemplifies how thoughtful franchising, combined with community focus, can lead to both business success and meaningful local impact.
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