Happy Joe’s Franchising

Brian Smith spent more than 20 years in the software world, helping major retailers solve big problems. But after two decades behind a screen, he started thinking about what was next. That’s when an old favorite came to mind —&nbsp;<a href="https://happyjoesfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-this-minnesota-dad-is-bringing-happy-joes-to-the-twin-cities-2729951" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream</a>.“I grew up in Northeast Iowa, so&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/happy-joes">Happy Joe’s</a> was just part of life,” Smith said. “The taco pizza really stuck in my mind for a long time.”&nbsp;Smith recalls visiting a local pizza restaurant post-COVID and immediately noticing how disorganized it was. There were no menus, the fountain machine wasn’t working and several key ingredients were missing, limiting what could be ordered. Despite the dysfunction, the place was still operating and he realized there was a real opportunity in the area for something better.&nbsp;“I thought, ‘If this place can be this dysfunctional and yet still be successful, I have to give it a shot,’” he said. “So I decided to go ahead and reach out to Happy Joe's. One thing led to another, and it made so much sense to do.”&nbsp;As the latest area developer for Happy Joe’s, Smith is planning to open six locations around the Twin Cities, starting with one of his own. The goal is to bring something to the area that he says is currently missing — a go-to place where families can slow down, have fun and share a great meal.“Every Friday during the school year, we do pizza and movie night,” he said. “But when it comes to going out for pizza, there just isn’t a place around here that feels like a destination. That’s what Happy Joe’s brings — great food, yes, but also a fun atmosphere that you actually want to spend time in.”The idea really clicked after a family visit to the Happy Joe’s in New Ulm, Minnesota. It was his wife and kids’ first time experiencing the brand — and they were hooked.“I could not drag my kids away,” Smith said. “They were loving it, just naturally enjoying themselves. That’s when I knew this was the right move.”Beyond the food and family appeal, Smith says the variety on the menu also sets Happy Joe’s apart. “Of course, there’s the taco pizza, but there are some really fun, unexpected items too. It’s not your standard pizza shop.”Throughout his journey so far, Smith says the support from the Happy Joe’s corporate team has been “tremendous.”“This is a new industry for me, and I’ve leaned a lot on their experience — especially Tom’s,” he said, referring to CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasasacco/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-this-minnesota-dad-is-bringing-happy-joes-to-the-twin-cities-2729951" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tom Sacco</a>. “Being able to really get direction and constructive commentary and feedback from him has been invaluable. Everybody's just awesome to work with.”Smith hopes to have the first location up and running by early 2026. After that, he’ll work on bringing additional stores to life, either himself or by partnering with other franchisees.“I’m excited to bring in that family experience and environment, and to be able to provide something that people want to go to and enjoy,” Smith said. “For people to be able to take that moment with their family, that’s more than just pizza.”&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/happy-joes.">https://1851franchise.com/happy-joes.</a>&nbsp;

Why This Minnesota Dad Is Bringing Happy Joe’s to the Twin Cities

Why This Minnesota Dad Is Opening Happy Joe’s In the Twin Cities

1851 Franchise

With roots in Iowa and a passion for creating family-friendly spaces, Brian Smith is set to open six Happy Joe’s locations around Minneapolis.

why-this-minnesota-dad-is-bringing-happy-joes-to-the-twin-cities

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a Happy Joe's Franchise

A Revitalized Legacy

The Test of Time

Executive Q&A

Learn

Download Brochure

Visit Website

HAPPY JOE’S FRANCHISING

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

Why Texas Is the Perfect State To Open a Happy Joe’s Franchise

How Happy Joe's Training Program Sets Franchisees Up for Success

HAPPY JOE’S FRANCHISING MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT HAPPY JOE’S FRANCHISING

CONTACT HAPPY JOE’S FRANCHISING

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

Your desired franchise location(s)?

How did you become acquainted with Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream?

Please share with us any relevant business experience.

Select your approximate net worth

Liquid assets available for a Happy Joe's investment

Additional information, questions, or comments

Have you ever owned your own business?

Will you be devoting full time to this business venture?

Happiness starts with a simple hello, so reach out today!

Why Jake Fee and His Wife Decided To Keep the Happy Joe’s Tradition Alive in Crookston, Minnesota

why-jake-fee-and-his-wife-decided-to-keep-the-happy-joes-tradition-alive-in-crookston-minnesota

Happy Joe’s: A Proven, Resilient Business Model That Stands the Test of Time

happy-joes-a-proven-resilient-business-model-that-stands-the-test-of-time

Why This Minnesota Dad Is Bringing Happy Joe’s to the Twin Cities

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS