Mother-and-Son Duo See Success with Two BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchise Locations in Michigan

Linda and Parker Marcon are a mother-and-son duo who own and operate two thriving BIGGBY® COFFEE franchise locations in Michigan. According to Linda, working with her son has been an enriching experience. She says Parker brings a fresh perspective to the business that allows their BIGGBY® COFFEE franchise to stay dynamic and forward-thinking. The fact that he is actively involved in the business means a lot to Linda and underscores the value of their familial bond.

For Parker, working with his mother has been an incredible experience. It offers him the opportunity to be more present, flexible and supportive of his mother’s vision, and ultimately, has brought the two of them closer together while also providing them an opportunity to build a lasting legacy for their family.

While they may not have had prior experience running a business, Linda and Parker’s roots in the community, coupled with their passion for BIGGBY® COFFEE, have helped drive their overall success. Linda opened her first location in 2017 in Paw Paw and expanded in 2021 with the opening of a second location in Mattawan.

1851 Franchise recently spoke to Linda and Parker to learn more about their story of familial partnership and entrepreneurial success.

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

Linda: I worked for a local newspaper for 15 years. When I left that position to go to a nonprofit to do fund development, I had been a BIGGBY® COFFEE fan for about 15 years. One day, I had the opportunity to attend one of their discovery days for work, not even for a business opportunity, and it piqued my interest. Later that day, I went home and told my husband that I was interested. It took us a few years, but we finally pulled the trigger, and my husband will tell you that he wishes we did it a long time ago because I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in a career.

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?

Linda: I wasn’t completely familiar with it. I knew a few people who had gotten involved with franchising, but everybody’s experience is different. But I’ve come to realize that franchises provide you with a good structure. I was confident I could do it. I had managed businesses before and had responsibilities like hiring staff and financing, but I had honestly never considered opening my own franchise before we did.

Parker: When my mom first got involved, I was a sophomore in college. I had taken a few economics classes and understood that franchises have a huge corporate base behind them. But having the opportunity to work with my mother, and being a barista at BIGGBY® COFFEE, I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to operate and manage a successful business.

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

Linda: I really like the BIGGBY® COFFEE product. That’s what got me started. But one of the reasons I was so excited about joining the franchise was that it presented me with an opportunity to give back to my own community, which I love to do. It’s not just about being a business owner, but it’s also about being able to hire people in our community and being able to support different organizations and events. I just love being able to have an impact on the community that we live in.

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

Linda: We’ve kicked around the idea of opening more. That’s something we’d love to do. But I also really want to stay involved in our current stores. I still like working in our shops. It’s a lot of fun for me because I get to see my customers and staff. But we’re certainly open to the possibility of opening more in the future.

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

Linda: We’re really family-oriented. Initially, when we first started this business, my daughter Hannah was working with us. But then she went off to college, and then Parker came to work with us. Both of my children have had some type of involvement with the business, and it’s just so cool to be able to say that you own a business with your family, and in the community you’re involved with. And in turn, we also just love being able to make someone’s day better when they come to visit.

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

Linda: Don’t hesitate. I think it could be a great experience for anyone, no matter where it leads you. But of course, check it out, do your research and talk with other owners and operators.

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 330-plus cafes across many states, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Idaho, Georgia and Florida.