The Winning Franchisee | Multi-Unit Mexican Restaurant Owner Opens BIGGBY COFFEE Franchise in Pendleton, Indiana

The BIGGBY® COFFEE brand, the 260-plus-unit coffee franchise focused on enriching communities and fueling the passion of customers, franchise owners and employees, is becoming more relevant than ever as people look for ways to connect following the COVID-19 pandemic. That is one of the reasons why Ignacio Melendez, the owner of three Fiesta Charra Mexican Restaurants with his business roots in Lansing, Michigan, decided to expand his portfolio with BIGGBY® COFFEE this past year and introduce a coffee concept he already loved to his community of Pendleton, Indiana.

Melendez was a frequent customer at one of Lansing’s BIGGBY locations. His journey to franchising with the brand started during one of his visits for a cup of coffee when he gave the BIGGBY employees his business card and asked that management give him a call about franchise opportunities. 

Melendez was excited to provide a new coffee option to the town of Pendleton. After sharing a few Facebook ads to drum up interest for the opening, Melendez could tell that the community was just as excited as he was. Despite the pandemic making it challenging to build community, Melendez was eager to turn his BIGGBY location into a place where people can gather safely again. 

1851 Franchise: Tell me your story – what did you do before franchising?

Ignacio Melendez: I’ve always worked in the restaurant industry. Before BIGGBY, I started my own business and currently own three Fiesta Charra Mexican Restaurants in the Greater Lansing, Michigan area. One day I walked into a local BIGGBY with my contact information and asked the employees to have management call me because I wanted to own my own shop. 

1851: How did you initially find out about franchising with BIGGBY? 

Melendez: Since BIGGBY is based in East Lansing, I was very familiar with the chain because that’s where my restaurants are located. I’ve always gone there to buy coffee, and I really loved the product.

1851: What are the pros of franchising versus starting your own business from scratch?

Melendez: I love the support BIGGBY’s corporate team provides me with. It has made the whole process much easier than starting my own business.

1851: Why did you choose BIGGBY? What excited you most about the potential?

Melendez: I love the product at BIGGBY and believe in its success. In the Greater Indianapolis area, there aren’t many coffee shops like BIGGBY. We started advertising on Facebook, and the response from the community has been tremendously positive. I am excited to make BIGGBY an active part of the Pendleton community.

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Melendez: I definitely want to become a multi-unit owner.

1851: What value do you see your business providing to Indianapolis?

Melendez: Besides providing the community with great coffee, BIGGBY will be a place where folks gather. Because of the pandemic, it was harder for folks to get together with friends, family and even colleagues. 

1851: How has your experience been with BIGGBY so far?

Melendez: My experience has been so great that I’ve recommended that my friends and family members get involved and open up their own franchise, too!