100:[BLACK MEN WHO LEAD] Buying Into An Existing Franchise w/ Paul Roberson & Ahmed Jerome of Sobol Cafe Brooklyn

Name: Paul Roberson & Ahmed Jerome

Business Name: Sobol BedStuy / Williamsburg

Current Title: Owner/Operator

Location: Brooklyn, NY

About Sobol:

Ahmed Jerome, Paul Roberson and Tony Robinson got together in 2019 with a general purpose to start a business in their beloved Bed-Stuy community. They tossed around a few ideas and all agreed that they wanted to contribute to the community by opening a family friendly spot that provides healthy food. 

During their entrepreneurial journey they discovered the Sobol Cafe franchise, a Long Island based company, known for producing their unique Acai bowls. After tasting the product and discovering its many benefits they were all sold on bringing one to Brooklyn. Then COVID struck.  However, they persevered and in October 2020, they opened the chain’s first Brooklyn location in Bed-Stuy, with a second opening last month in Williamsburg. The road to success wasn’t easy for the trio, as they faced long delays due to the global pandemic, and most recently, an employee shortage that pushed the opening date for their location at 175 Kent Avenue, to March.  

DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• What a franchise is and how it works
• Differences between franchising and the traditional business model
• The benefits of owning a franchise 
• How to know what franchise model is right for your business
• Things you should consider before starting a franchise
• Common mistakes franchises make and how to avoid them
• How Black entrepreneurs can run successful franchises

For complete show notes and resources mentioned for this episode go to: blacktobusiness.com/100

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