Drs. Juan and Whitney Fernandez have built a life around purpose — through their work as chiropractors, their devotion to their family and their service to the community. Now, they’re bringing that same heart and hustle to a new venture: a BIGGBY® COFFEE franchise in Troy, Ohio, slated to open this July.
With four children, a bustling chiropractic practice, and Juan still actively serving in the Army Reserve after 24 years of military service, life is already full. But when a small plot of land became available and a broker suggested BIGGBY® COFFEE as a good fit, the couple took a closer look — and everything aligned. They quickly realized the brand’s values, veteran-friendly model and health-conscious ingredients mirrored their own lifestyle and beliefs.
As they prepare to open their first shop, Juan and Whitney are looking beyond coffee. They're creating a space where local teens and young adults can gain real-world work experience and where customers can expect exceptional service rooted in integrity and respect. This drive-thru location will not only serve organically sourced coffee and flavoring options that are fruit based and sweetened with cane sugar — it will serve as a place where their kids, their neighbors and their team can grow and thrive.
For the Fernandez’, this franchise is more than a business — it’s a chance to build something meaningful for their family and their community, with every cup made to reflect their values.
1851 Franchise spoke with Juan and Whitney about their franchising journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE. Here’s what they had to say:
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know? What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Whitney Fernandez: As chiropractors, my husband and I were exploring additional investment opportunities when we acquired a parcel of land. Around that time, someone introduced us to BIGGBY® COFFEE, a brand we weren’t initially familiar with. After trying their coffee during our travels and learning more about their business model, we were impressed by the company's strong support for veterans, which resonated with us personally. The combination of a solid operational structure and a values-driven culture made franchising with BIGGBY® a natural fit. We saw it as a meaningful way to diversify our business portfolio while aligning with a brand we genuinely enjoy and believe in.
Juan Fernandez: We initially began exploring opportunities in real estate and acquired a small parcel of land. Our broker suggested we look into BIGGBY® COFFEE, noting that their drive-thru only model could be a perfect fit for the space. The concept immediately intrigued us.
Whitney, who’s a devoted coffee enthusiast, tried a drink called The Teddy Bear and was instantly hooked. After several visits, she agreed for us to take a closer look at the franchise opportunity.
As I reviewed the Franchise Disclosure Document, the decision started to make a lot of sense. BIGGBY®'s commitment to supporting veterans aligned with our values, and the business presented an opportunity to diversify our income and build something sustainable for the future. We also saw it as a potential place for our children to gain real-world experience, learning the value of hard work, customer service and responsibility. I gained those lessons working at Burger King during my younger years, and Whitney had a similar experience helping at her father’s ice cream shop.
Ultimately, this venture isn’t just about coffee; it’s about creating a foundation for our family's future and instilling lifelong skills and values in the next generation.
1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?
Whitney: Through our experience in the chiropractic field, we became well-acquainted with the franchise model. Our clinic operates under the MaxLiving brand, which exposed us to the importance of established systems — including training protocols, operational procedures, brand recognition and maintaining consistent standards. This background gave us a strong foundation and appreciation for how successful franchises operate.
Juan: We believe in the power of proven systems. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when a model has already been tested and refined. Of course, there’s room for creativity within the boundaries of the brand, but at the core, if the system works, you follow it.
Both Whitney and I are very process-driven. Give us a solid framework and we’ll execute it. I’ll admit, I sometimes like to push the envelope and explore alternative ways of doing things, but even I recognize the value in following a model that delivers results. Franchising — as pioneered by people like Ray Kroc — is a time-tested business strategy. It provides a clear roadmap for success, and in our view, there’s no need to deviate from something that’s already proven to work.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Juan: Prior to Whitney attending franchise training, we had a general sense that BIGGBY® COFFEE leaned toward a more natural approach. However, it wasn’t until she went through the training process that we fully understood the extent of their commitment to quality. What stood out most — and what we feel is important for others to know — is that all the coffee is organically sourced. Additionally, they have flavoring options that are fruit based and sweetened with cane sugar.
As chiropractors and owners of a natural health care practice, this focus on clean, responsibly sourced ingredients aligns perfectly with our personal values and professional philosophy. It was reassuring to find that the brand's standards reflected the same wellness-driven approach we promote in our own lives and business.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Juan: Our ultimate goal is to build a successful and meaningful business. For us, success means more than just profitability — it’s about delivering an exceptional cup of coffee and creating a loyal customer base one guest at a time. Equally important is cultivating a positive, growth-oriented work environment for our team members.
While making coffee might seem simple on the surface, as Whitney has mentioned, it’s far more complex and demanding than most realize. We aim to provide a workplace where individuals — whether they’re high school or college students, or young adults seeking new opportunities — feel challenged, supported and empowered to grow both personally and professionally. We want our shop to be a place where they can develop not just barista skills, but leadership and life skills as well.
As for the future, we’re absolutely open to expansion. However, we are mindful of the commitment and diligence required to operate successfully. Our focus is on building a strong foundation with our first location, and if all goes well — and it aligns with God’s plan — we hope to grow from there.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Whitney: Juan has served in the military for many years and continues to do so as a member of the Army Reserve. Together, we’re also raising four very active children, which keeps us grounded and focused on what truly matters — family, service and integrity.
Juan: At the core of everything we do is a deep passion for serving others. We've built a strong reputation in our chiropractic practice by being fully committed to the people we serve, and we bring that same level of dedication and heart into this new venture — even if it’s "just a cup of coffee."
We’re not just opening a coffee shop; we’re creating a local, community-centered space where people feel valued. We want to build a brand that feels homegrown, authentic and welcoming — one that reflects the same respect, care and pride we bring to every aspect of our lives.
Ultimately, we try to do our best in everything we take on, and we’re instilling those same values in our children: treat others with kindness, work with integrity, and always strive for excellence — even when no one’s watching. That’s who we are, and that’s what we hope people experience when they visit our store.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Juan: Without hesitation, I would encourage others to explore franchising — 100%. Take the time to evaluate your strengths, identify areas for growth and pursue the opportunity with intention. A mentor of mine in the real estate industry once told me, “You’re never going to regret the deals you did — only the deals you didn’t do.” That mindset has guided many of our decisions in the space.
Looking ahead 15 or 20 years from now, we believe this chapter — as hectic and unconventional as it may feel today — will be one we look back on with joy. Right now, we’re homeschooling our children, my wife is working alongside young team members in a coffee shop, and we’re both practicing doctors. It might seem a bit unconventional, but we know this experience will have long-lasting value. It’s not only creating meaningful opportunities for our family but also helping build a strong foundation for future financial stability.
In the end, we’d rather take the chance and grow from it than look back and wish we had. If we hadn’t acted, someone else could’ve stepped in and opened a shop in this ideal location — and that’s a missed opportunity we would’ve truly regretted.
About The BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchise
BIGGBY® COFFEE, based in East Lansing, Mich., was started with a single store on March 15, 1995. One year later, and on the cusp of opening a second location, Bob Fish and Michael McFall, on a handshake and $4,000, decided to franchise the concept. The brand’s cultural values of Make Friends, Have Fun, B Yourself and Share Great Coffee help coffee-lovers and the coffee-curious alike benefit from a less pretentious and fun approach to the standard gourmet cafe paradigm. Besides connoisseur-worthy drinks with names like Teddy Bear® and Caramel Marvel®, BIGGBY® COFFEE baristas provide a unique experience focused on brightening their customers’ day and supporting them in building a life they love. The “Big ‘B’” on the orange background caught on, and today BIGGBY® COFFEE has 430+ cafes across many states, including Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida.
BIGGBY COFFEE
SPONSORED
The chiropractic duo and parents of four are preparing to open a BIGGBY® location this summer, blending their passion for service, community and health in a new business venture.
Drs. Juan and Whitney Fernandez have built a life around purpose — through their work as chiropractors, their devotion to their family and their service to the community. Now, they’re bringing that same heart and hustle to a new venture: a BIGGBY® COFFEE franchise in Troy, Ohio, slated to open this July.
With four children, a bustling chiropractic practice, and Juan still actively serving in the Army Reserve after 24 years of military service, life is already full. But when a small plot of land became available and a broker suggested BIGGBY® COFFEE as a good fit, the couple took a closer look — and everything aligned. They quickly realized the brand’s values, veteran-friendly model and health-conscious ingredients mirrored their own lifestyle and beliefs.
As they prepare to open their first shop, Juan and Whitney are looking beyond coffee. They're creating a space where local teens and young adults can gain real-world work experience and where customers can expect exceptional service rooted in integrity and respect. This drive-thru location will not only serve organically sourced coffee and flavoring options that are fruit based and sweetened with cane sugar — it will serve as a place where their kids, their neighbors and their team can grow and thrive.
For the Fernandez’, this franchise is more than a business — it’s a chance to build something meaningful for their family and their community, with every cup made to reflect their values.
1851 Franchise spoke with Juan and Whitney about their franchising journey with BIGGBY® COFFEE. Here’s what they had to say:
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know? What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Whitney Fernandez: As chiropractors, my husband and I were exploring additional investment opportunities when we acquired a parcel of land. Around that time, someone introduced us to BIGGBY® COFFEE, a brand we weren’t initially familiar with. After trying their coffee during our travels and learning more about their business model, we were impressed by the company's strong support for veterans, which resonated with us personally. The combination of a solid operational structure and a values-driven culture made franchising with BIGGBY® a natural fit. We saw it as a meaningful way to diversify our business portfolio while aligning with a brand we genuinely enjoy and believe in.
Juan Fernandez: We initially began exploring opportunities in real estate and acquired a small parcel of land. Our broker suggested we look into BIGGBY® COFFEE, noting that their drive-thru only model could be a perfect fit for the space. The concept immediately intrigued us.
Whitney, who’s a devoted coffee enthusiast, tried a drink called The Teddy Bear and was instantly hooked. After several visits, she agreed for us to take a closer look at the franchise opportunity.
As I reviewed the Franchise Disclosure Document, the decision started to make a lot of sense. BIGGBY®'s commitment to supporting veterans aligned with our values, and the business presented an opportunity to diversify our income and build something sustainable for the future. We also saw it as a potential place for our children to gain real-world experience, learning the value of hard work, customer service and responsibility. I gained those lessons working at Burger King during my younger years, and Whitney had a similar experience helping at her father’s ice cream shop.
Ultimately, this venture isn’t just about coffee; it’s about creating a foundation for our family's future and instilling lifelong skills and values in the next generation.
1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?
Whitney: Through our experience in the chiropractic field, we became well-acquainted with the franchise model. Our clinic operates under the MaxLiving brand, which exposed us to the importance of established systems — including training protocols, operational procedures, brand recognition and maintaining consistent standards. This background gave us a strong foundation and appreciation for how successful franchises operate.
Juan: We believe in the power of proven systems. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when a model has already been tested and refined. Of course, there’s room for creativity within the boundaries of the brand, but at the core, if the system works, you follow it.
Both Whitney and I are very process-driven. Give us a solid framework and we’ll execute it. I’ll admit, I sometimes like to push the envelope and explore alternative ways of doing things, but even I recognize the value in following a model that delivers results. Franchising — as pioneered by people like Ray Kroc — is a time-tested business strategy. It provides a clear roadmap for success, and in our view, there’s no need to deviate from something that’s already proven to work.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Juan: Prior to Whitney attending franchise training, we had a general sense that BIGGBY® COFFEE leaned toward a more natural approach. However, it wasn’t until she went through the training process that we fully understood the extent of their commitment to quality. What stood out most — and what we feel is important for others to know — is that all the coffee is organically sourced. Additionally, they have flavoring options that are fruit based and sweetened with cane sugar.
As chiropractors and owners of a natural health care practice, this focus on clean, responsibly sourced ingredients aligns perfectly with our personal values and professional philosophy. It was reassuring to find that the brand's standards reflected the same wellness-driven approach we promote in our own lives and business.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Juan: Our ultimate goal is to build a successful and meaningful business. For us, success means more than just profitability — it’s about delivering an exceptional cup of coffee and creating a loyal customer base one guest at a time. Equally important is cultivating a positive, growth-oriented work environment for our team members.
While making coffee might seem simple on the surface, as Whitney has mentioned, it’s far more complex and demanding than most realize. We aim to provide a workplace where individuals — whether they’re high school or college students, or young adults seeking new opportunities — feel challenged, supported and empowered to grow both personally and professionally. We want our shop to be a place where they can develop not just barista skills, but leadership and life skills as well.
As for the future, we’re absolutely open to expansion. However, we are mindful of the commitment and diligence required to operate successfully. Our focus is on building a strong foundation with our first location, and if all goes well — and it aligns with God’s plan — we hope to grow from there.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Whitney: Juan has served in the military for many years and continues to do so as a member of the Army Reserve. Together, we’re also raising four very active children, which keeps us grounded and focused on what truly matters — family, service and integrity.
Juan: At the core of everything we do is a deep passion for serving others. We've built a strong reputation in our chiropractic practice by being fully committed to the people we serve, and we bring that same level of dedication and heart into this new venture — even if it’s "just a cup of coffee."
We’re not just opening a coffee shop; we’re creating a local, community-centered space where people feel valued. We want to build a brand that feels homegrown, authentic and welcoming — one that reflects the same respect, care and pride we bring to every aspect of our lives.
Ultimately, we try to do our best in everything we take on, and we’re instilling those same values in our children: treat others with kindness, work with integrity, and always strive for excellence — even when no one’s watching. That’s who we are, and that’s what we hope people experience when they visit our store.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Juan: Without hesitation, I would encourage others to explore franchising — 100%. Take the time to evaluate your strengths, identify areas for growth and pursue the opportunity with intention. A mentor of mine in the real estate industry once told me, “You’re never going to regret the deals you did — only the deals you didn’t do.” That mindset has guided many of our decisions in the space.
Looking ahead 15 or 20 years from now, we believe this chapter — as hectic and unconventional as it may feel today — will be one we look back on with joy. Right now, we’re homeschooling our children, my wife is working alongside young team members in a coffee shop, and we’re both practicing doctors. It might seem a bit unconventional, but we know this experience will have long-lasting value. It’s not only creating meaningful opportunities for our family but also helping build a strong foundation for future financial stability.
In the end, we’d rather take the chance and grow from it than look back and wish we had. If we hadn’t acted, someone else could’ve stepped in and opened a shop in this ideal location — and that’s a missed opportunity we would’ve truly regretted.
About The BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchise
BIGGBY® COFFEE, based in East Lansing, Mich., was started with a single store on March 15, 1995. One year later, and on the cusp of opening a second location, Bob Fish and Michael McFall, on a handshake and $4,000, decided to franchise the concept. The brand’s cultural values of Make Friends, Have Fun, B Yourself and Share Great Coffee help coffee-lovers and the coffee-curious alike benefit from a less pretentious and fun approach to the standard gourmet cafe paradigm. Besides connoisseur-worthy drinks with names like Teddy Bear® and Caramel Marvel®, BIGGBY® COFFEE baristas provide a unique experience focused on brightening their customers’ day and supporting them in building a life they love. The “Big ‘B’” on the orange background caught on, and today BIGGBY® COFFEE has 430+ cafes across many states, including Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida.
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