Fourth-Generation Family Business and Little Caesars, Arby’s Franchisees Sign Multi-Unit Development Deal with BIGGBY® COFFEE

BIGGBY® COFFEE, the high-energy coffee franchise that supports people in building lives they love, is growing in the Carolinas with its first multi-unit operating group, Campbell Oil. A fourth-generation, family-operated business, Campbell Oil is the parent company of 62 Minuteman Food Mart convenience centers, which the family established in 1976. Its retail arm oversees 18 Little Caesars locations, four Arby’s restaurants, and now, the three BIGGBY® COFFEE coffeehouses the family will develop in their area.

Wesley Campbell, president of Campbell Oil’s retail division, explained that the family began looking into opportunities in the coffee space after seeing just how successful coffee brands nationwide had come to be. When they found BIGGBY®, they were drawn in by both the company culture of people, love and support and the vast opportunity for growth in their market.

While they plan to open their first coffeehouse later this year, Campbell said the family has even bigger plans for long-term growth with the brand.

Campbell took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Wesley Campbell: I graduated from North Carolina State in 1998 and immediately came back into the family business. I’m now the Division President of Retail which includes 62 convenience stores, 18 Little Caesars locations and four Arby’s restaurants. 

We have seen the Growth over the last several years within the Coffee segment, so we began to focus on finding a coffee concept that would compliment our Future Growth plans.

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?

Campbell: Our first introduction into franchise agreements was in 2015, so we have almost a decade of experience with the business model. We’ve enjoyed our relationship with those brands and look forward to building something similar with BIGGBY® COFFEE.

For us, coming from a family-owned business where we have total control, we were a little nervous about the fact that our hands would be tied on some items. Even with thorough due diligence, you only know what you know. You always learn more about people and teams after you start working with them.

The good thing about franchising is that they have the playbook. All we have to do is execute the plan. That aspect can still be challenging, but I’ve always felt like our franchisor partners have listened to any concerns or challenges we’ve had, and that really matters. It’s a journey. We’re all trying to work together to make the brand the best it can be, and collaboration between franchisee and franchisor is the best way to do that.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Campbell: One of the biggest factors for us was the people we’ve spoken to with BIGGBY® COFFEE. We’re big on relationships, and we like to partner with folks who have similar values and principles. Based on meeting the team, reading more about the brand and learning about BIGGBY, I think we really align well with this brand. 

We’re big believers in our people, and we want to support them. They’re the core of our business. BIGGBY® COFFEE shares that same vision.

We’re also very excited about the potential to grow the brand! We feel like there is a ton of opportunity in our market to do so.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Campbell: Our current agreement is for three locations, but we see great potential to continue growing with BIGGBY® COFFEE. Our plans are to do three to four locations per year, but we can ramp that up if needed. 

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Campbell: Our company was started in 1948; we just celebrated our 75th anniversary last year. We now have the fourth generation back working in our business which we are really excited about. We’re just hoping to continue the tradition for generations to come.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Campbell: The biggest thing for us, and really for anyone, is to go through a thorough due diligence process. You must ensure you fully understand the brand and its values, and be sure that they fully align with you and what you’re trying to accomplish long-term. Franchising is like a marriage, so make sure you’re 100% certain before committing.

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 400+ cafes across many states, including Virginia, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida.