The influence of family can be a powerful motivator, but it was particularly important in the case of Warren Kingsbury, a new franchisee with Peter Piper Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz. He recently signed up to open five Peter Piper Pizza locations in California’s San Bernardino County after his eldest grandson, who had recently moved from Arizona, asked why he couldn’t go to a Peter Piper Pizza in California. Kingsbury, who divides time between Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and Phoenix, decided to grant his grandson’s wish as well as return to the restaurant business after a five-year sabbatical. He had been a Dairy Queen franchisee in Arizona.
What led you to Peter Piper?
I’m from the Phoenix area, where Peter Piper is based and has a strong following. I’ve lived there 20-some years, and we’d take my kids and then my grandsons there. My daughter and her husband got transferred to California about two and a half years ago, and we moved part-time to California. When we were first here, we asked my oldest grandson, Hunter, who was about 7 and is now turning 9, where he wanted us to take him for his birthday. His response was, without any prepping, “Hey, I want to go to Peter Piper.” There were no Peter Pipers in that part of California. He was very disappointed.
When did the opportunity arise?
Earlier [in 2007], as part of another investment I’m involved in with a shopping center, and looking for possible tenants, I looked at the Peter Piper website, and I saw they were looking to franchise in this area. I made the call that afternoon, and now we’re looking at sites.
You previously were a Dairy Queen franchisee?
I was in the restaurant business with Dairy Queen for about 20 years. I and my partner developed five Dairy Queens in the Phoenix area. About seven years ago, I started selling those off. For the past five years, I’ve just been involved in investments and commercial real estate. Now it looks like I’ll be starting another career.
Warren Buffet of Berkshire Hathaway, which owns Dairy Queen, says you should invest in things you know and use. Does this fall into that category?
FAST FACTS AGE: 59EDUCATION: bachelor’s degree, University of Minnesota, 1972.EXPERIENCE: former Dairy Queen franchisee, real estate investorBIRTHPLACE: Minneapolis
That’s the same reason I got into Dairy Queen. Trying to make a choice 25 years ago of which franchise to get into, I got into one that I knew and was familiar with. I liked the atmosphere and to eat there. It’s the same reason with Peter Piper. I had gone to Peter Piper numerous times with friends and family, and I enjoyed it. It’s something we knew.
When do you plan to open your first unit?
We’ve signed a letter of intent for a lease on a site in Rancho Cucamonga. We hope that the first one will be open by the end of this year.
After being away from the restaurant business for five years, what changes are you noticing?
Initially, I’m seeing that everything is getting a little more competitive. Also, the technology is advancing.
Any advice for someone looking for a restaurant franchise possibility?
Find one that you are familiar with and whose product you like. It really makes it seem not like work. The restaurant can be hard enough, but if you like the product and believe in the brand it makes up for long days and long hours.
What has been the reaction from your grandson?
He asks, “Why not open it tomorrow?”
