If there were a manual on how to be a successful family of franchisees, the Bergeson family would most likely be the authors. In 2010, the family of four started looking into franchises in greater Madison, Wisconsin because of the strong presence of families in the area. Randy Bergeson and sons Lucas and Josh came across the MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes franchise opportunity and were immediately attracted to the brand’s quality of product and dedication to family values.
“We wanted to own a business where families and people of all ages could come and have a great time. We loved MOOYAH because not only was the product great, but so was the atmosphere,” Randy said.
In April of 2015, Randy and his two sons opened up their first MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes location in Fitchburg.
“I said, if we’re going to do this, we are going to own our market,” Randy said.
And so they did.
The family had success off the bat with their location in Fitchburg, and Lucas and Josh began playing a major role in the family business. Guests were thrilled by the quality of the product and the consistency of the service. Due to the great reception in Fitchburg, the Bergesons wanted to continue growing with MOOYAH, and set their sights on a new location in Madison proper, which opened in November of 2015.
“We learned very early on what each of our strengths and weaknesses are, so by default we each have very well-defined roles. We are very fortunate that where one of us is weak, the other is strong, which gives us great balance,” Randy said.
The family loved how MOOYAH’s values aligned with their own family values and the support they received as franchisees. Just as Randy found support through leaning on his sons through stressful times, he found the same comfort through the corporate office. Day or night, the corporate team is always just a phone call away and has played a major role in helping the Bergeson family succeed.
“I knew [MOOYAH] would be something fun to do with my dad and brother,” Josh said. “It is a lot of hard work, but I’m blessed because I get to work alongside the man who taught me the value of hard work and why it’s important. We win together, as a family.”
The Madison location turned out to be another Bergeson “win” and now the family of franchisees is finalizing a lease for their third MOOYAH location in Sun Prairie.
“The Bergesons are a perfect example of the type of franchisee that we’ve been most successful with,” said Jordan Duran, director of franchise sales for MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. “This family is engaged with our brand, and is very involved in the local community through volunteer work in their church and in the local schools. They treat their guests like they treat each other – as family.”
So, what’s their secret? The Bergesons credit their success to the MOOYAH brand, and that they took their time to find a franchise that not only matched their core values but also had room for growth. Bergeson says the MOOYAH brand is still evolving, and that gives franchisees a great opportunity to grow their businesses. He says the mix of the opportunity itself and going into business with his sons created a recipe for success.
“I would have never seen the talent and commitment my family has if we didn’t do this together. I am in awe every day,” said Bergeson. “The other part of being in business with your family is that I know I have people who I can trust with every aspect of the business and we are all working towards that common goal.”