Past Winner Stories
Ritter's Frozen Custard
www.ritters.com
"Once I'm committed, I keep a positive view. When I hit bumps in the road, I keep moving forward and I don't look back."
After 34 years in the motion picture industry, John Ritter was looking for a new venture. One of Ritter's sons reminded him that he'd always wanted to own an ice-cream store. Ritter had scooped ice cream in high school and now made ice cream in a "batch freezer," which required it to be packaged and frozen as soon as possible. He liked the idea of making a fresh product, so he set out to research the process.
Ritter decided on frozen custard and began working on ways to deliver the custard to the customer. He determined that there was a need for a wholesome, family oriented atmosphere where customers could enjoy their high-quality treat while spending time together. He struck a deal with a local bank for financing, and by the third year, franchising looked to be the course for Franklin-based Ritter's Frozen Custard. In 1995, the first franchise opened, and 18 more followed by the end of 1999.
With 18 franchises and two company stores, Ritter found the rapid growth had become overwhelming. Problem solved: He brought on an employee with more than 20 years of franchising experience to help shoulder some of the load.
With another eight to 10 shops planned for 2000, Ritter's Frozen Custard is well on its way to offering high-quality frozen custard in several markets nationwide.
After 34 years in the motion picture industry, John Ritter was looking for a new venture. One of Ritter's sons reminded him that he'd always wanted to own an ice-cream store. Ritter had scooped ice cream in high school and now made ice cream in a "batch freezer," which required it to be packaged and frozen as soon as possible. He liked the idea of making a fresh product, so he set out to research the process.
Ritter decided on frozen custard and began working on ways to deliver the custard to the customer. He determined that there was a need for a wholesome, family oriented atmosphere where customers could enjoy their high-quality treat while spending time together. He struck a deal with a local bank for financing, and by the third year, franchising looked to be the course for Franklin-based Ritter's Frozen Custard. In 1995, the first franchise opened, and 18 more followed by the end of 1999.
With 18 franchises and two company stores, Ritter found the rapid growth had become overwhelming. Problem solved: He brought on an employee with more than 20 years of franchising experience to help shoulder some of the load.
With another eight to 10 shops planned for 2000, Ritter's Frozen Custard is well on its way to offering high-quality frozen custard in several markets nationwide.