Chad serves as the CEO of Fresh & Healthy Brands. His vision, experience and dedication help to ensure their continued growth and success. The brands are operating in twenty-four countries including Canada and expect to double in size by end of 2014.
Chad began his career managing a small finance company in 1991, before developing a successful franchise brand in the entertainment business with operations across Canada. As president he managed the entire expansion process and built over 100 franchised stores in less than 10 years.
Seeking new areas of opportunity that matched his own for unique and successful food and beverage opportunities, Chad began researching the food crazes across Canada and America, and became convinced of the viability of the concepts. He launched his first location in 1997, and began franchising his concepts in 2000.
Experience in dealing successfully with many different domestic and international business cultures makes Chad an especially effective leader for Fresh & Healthy Brands. His strengths are business and market development, franchising, finance, legal, operations and supplier relations with a vision for strategic planning and establishing solid relationships.
BeTheBoss.ca: Tell us about the Marilyn Monroe Cafe concept.
Chad Parker: The concept offers delicious and healthy foods, including smoothies, oatmeal, brewed coffee, premium espresso and a nice selection of teas. The restaurant pays homage to one of the most iconic movie stars who ever lived.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with Marilyn Monroe Cafe?
CP: Fresh & Healthy Brands became involved with Marilyn Monroe Café in June 2012 and the first Marilyn Monroe Café opened in November of 2012 in Toronto’s affluent lakefront suburb of Oakville. The interior is unlike any café you’ve seen; the furnishings represent the mid-20th century modern look. Furnishings by several prestigious designers are incorporated inside the restaurant, such as Philippe Starck with Dedon, Eero Saarinen with Knoll, Diesel with Foscarin, and Tom Dixon.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining Marilyn Monroe Cafe?
CP: I began my career managing a small finance company in 1991, before developing a successful franchise brand in the entertainment business with operations across Canada. As President I was involved and help manage the entire expansion process and built over 100 franchised stores in less than 10 years.
Seeking new areas of opportunity that matched my own for unique and successful food and beverage opportunities, I began researching the food crazes across Canada and America, and became convinced of the viability of our franchise concepts. I launched my first restaurant in 1997, and began franchising our concepts in 2000. We now own and/or operate in twenty four countries and have over 300 locations already in operation with 37 already scheduled for 2013.
BTB: What are some of the advantages in being a Marilyn Monroe Cafe franchisee?
CP: Join an upcoming industry leader with an already established brand name serving the most popular hot beverage in Canada. The company is managed by experienced food and franchise people who have owned and operated other successful franchise brands. Our commitment to high standards and exceptional service and superior support will provide our franchise partners with the edge needed to succeed.
BTB: Who is your ideal franchisee?
CP: A person or group who is able to follow the franchise system and provide the highest quality and exceptional service to every customer.
BTB: Tell us a little about the Coffee Market?
CP: Coffee is the most popular hot beverage in Canada with a total of 14 billion cups consumed annually. An estimated 64% of Canadians drink coffee each day, with 86% of adult coffee drinkers consuming the beverage in the morning or for breakfast. Coffee is also the top beverage in the Canadian foodservice category.
BTB: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
CP: Make sure you share the same passion and ideals of the Franchisor or Brand and are prepared to follow the franchise system.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that Marilyn Monroe Cafe would be a great opportunity for someone?
CP: There are very few brands that can match the recognition of Marilyn Monroe, customers will know the brand and be attracted to it and the level of food and beverages is unmatched in the industry.
