News

Baskin-Robbins to open in Dalton, Georgia

Baskin-Robbins announced the signing of a store development agreement with new franchise group PWS Ventures LLC to develop in Dalton, Georgia.

December 8, 2015

Baskin-Robbins announced the signing of a store development agreement with new franchise group PWS Ventures LLC to develop in Dalton, Georgia. Paras Sharma is taking advantage of the brand's special incentive program, available only to U.S. military veterans, to open his first Baskin-Robbins restaurant planned to open early next year. Through this incentive program, the initial franchise fee is waived and royalty rates are reduced for the first five years of business for timely openings by qualified candidates, according to a company press release.

Paras served for eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and is currently a senior distributor manager for Nestle Corporation, while his wife, Wendy, is an Implementation Manager at Unum. Together, they have decades of experience in sales, marketing, finance and operations management. Once their Baskin-Robbins location is open, their daughter, Haley, will be acting as manager of the store.

"My family and I are thrilled to be a part of the Baskin-Robbins system," Paras said. "Growing up, I always loved the brand and can still remember the excitement I felt when my parents would take my sister and me to the local Baskin-Robbins shop on Saturdays. I can't wait to bring that excitement to local families in Dalton."

He added, "While I'm familiar with the brand, my wife and I are new to the foodservice industry. We currently own two Fantastic Sam's Hair Salons and decided to diversify our business with a foodservice brand that honors military veterans. When we heard about the company's veteran incentives, we knew Baskin-Robbins was the right choice for us."

Haley also has management experience in franchising with concepts such as Zaxby's, KFC and Applebee's. Once the Dalton location is open, the family is looking at the possibility of a second location in Gordon County, Georgia. Ultimately, they hope to experience growth in Georgia as well as the Chattanooga, Tennessee. market where they're heavily involved in the local community. Paras and Wendy organize a Toys for Tots drive every year through their Fantastic Sam's Hair Salons, in which they collect new, unwrapped toys for less fortunate children, and Wendy frequently volunteers at the local Habitat for Humanity.

"Our secret to continued growth includes passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day," said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of global franchising and business development, Dunkin' Brands. "We are excited to welcome these new franchisees to the Baskin-Robbins family, and believe they will cultivate lasting customer relationships and become an integral part of the Dalton community."