Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Garrett.
Hi Dana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the past 10 years and have loved devoting my days to my children. Now that they’re both in school full time, I felt the need to focus on my next chapter, a career that’s creative and rewarding. With 10+ years of experience in restaurant and hospitality, I began searching for investments that aligned with what I know best. As soon as we found the Orange Leaf opportunity, it seemed like the perfect fit for our family. It’s close to our house, it’s established, and it’s a fun place to visit! We closed on Halloween Day 2022 and hit the ground running with marketing and staffing. It’s been quite an adventure so far and I’ve loved meeting our customers, new and old. Our goal is that every customer has a fun and memorable experience creating their froyo masterpiece with us.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As expected, when taking on an established store, there were a couple of upgrades that needed to be made right away. We’ve updated all the tech hardware and the main cooling system for the froyo machines. The upside is that we’ve made all the improvements during the slower months. We are gearing up for Spring and have some really fun flavors coming soon!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In the restaurant industry, I’ve done it all. I’ve clocked in as a hostess, server, and bartender. I enjoyed my time in fine dining as a Manager and Private Events Coordinator. As a Country Club Membership Director, I learned a lot about managing younger kids and figuring out ways to keep them motivated and proud of their work. I think my most diverse role is what I’m doing now as an owner and manager of Orange Leaf. I’m utilizing all my previous positions on a daily basis, and it really is rewarding and challenging at the same time. I think what sets me apart is that I welcome the challenges… they allow me to grow as an owner and a person. For example, I’ve never iced a cake before October ’22. I did a little research and now I’m icing, decorating, and training our team members how to do it efficiently and creatively. This is my first franchise, but it’s only the beginning!
Why we fell in love with this particular franchise, you ask? At Orange Leaf, our Mission is to make life sweeter, by creating a memorable treat experience that is all about you. We offer freedom from average every day options. From flavors, cups, and cones, to smoothies, shakes, and cakes, we give our guests the freedom to create whatever sweet treat they can come up with next. Our froyo flavors are the best, because we make them that way. Each flavor recipe is uniquely ours and you can’t get it anywhere else! Call us 832-559-8325 to customize any of our desserts: cakes, shakes, smoothies and froyo cups!
Do you love froyo and hanging out with fun people at work? If you’d like to be a part of our Grant Rd. Cypress Team, fill out the application online and drop off at our store: https://orangeleafyogurt.com/careers/
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I learned quickly and early on was how to manage my time. The best way for me to use my time wisely is to stay organized, make a to-do list, and stick to it. Distractions will happen, but I always go back to my list until it’s complete. And the list doesn’t end really. It’s an ongoing living thing that gets longer and shorter as time goes on. My favorite saying is, “add it to the list!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://orangeleafyogurt.com/e-club-signup/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeleafcypresstx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeLeafGrantRdCypress
