Frios Gourmet Pops has announced that its inaugural franchisee, Alison Groom, has been promoted to Vice President of Operations. Groom’s appointment marks a milestone in the brand’s leadership structure, highlighting the value of front-line franchise experience in executive roles.
Groom's connection with Frios began when she became the first franchisee signed by owner and CEO Cliff Kennedy. At the time, a shared taste for the brand’s Zesty Orange Pop sparked her interest—an origin story that echoes Kennedy’s own moment of discovery. This shared enthusiasm laid the foundation for her long-term contribution to the brand.
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Groom displayed adaptability by converting her Frios pop trailer into an ice-cream van, ensuring continued service and community engagement during uncertain times. Her background in both mobile operations and traditional storefronts enabled her to bridge franchising models effectively.
Over time, Groom transitioned to the corporate side, joining the franchise development team before fully integrating into headquarters operations. Her promotion to vice president now places her in charge of both operations and franchisee support, roles she is uniquely qualified for given her multifaceted experience.
Cliff Kennedy noted, “Alison has mastered the roles of both franchisee and corporate leader. Frios could not have a better person in this role, and I’m excited to see how she uses her past experiences to support our franchisees.”
Groom expressed deep appreciation and ambition in response to her new role, saying she is “honored to step into this position with a brand I deeply believe in. I’m eager to build on our foundation, lead with purpose, and help our brand grow in ways that inspire both our team and franchise owners.”
The appointment reflects a growing trend in franchising: elevating operational leaders who have lived the daily realities of ownership fosters deeper alignment between corporate direction and franchisee needs. Groom’s firsthand perspective promises to bolster operational support and system-wide success.
