Franchisee and former employee Travis Hermel brings iconic pizza brand back to Broadway
- Happy Joe’s has reopened in New Ulm, Minnesota.
- Travis Hermel, a former employee, is the new franchisee.
- The restaurant participated in the Independence Day parade.
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream has made a triumphant return to New Ulm, Minnesota, reopening its doors at 1700 N. Broadway after a period of absence. The highly anticipated comeback was made possible by Travis Hermel, a local entrepreneur and former Happy Joe’s employee whose personal history with the brand spans years of firsthand experience and community connection.
The reopening has not only revitalized a cherished restaurant space but also reignited a sense of nostalgia among local families and longtime patrons. Hermel’s decision to bring the franchise back to New Ulm reflects both a business opportunity and a personal mission to restore a brand that has long resonated with the community. His deep ties to the area and familiarity with the Happy Joe’s ethos made him the ideal candidate to lead its resurgence.
Tom Sacco, CEO and Chief Happiness Officer of Happy Joe’s, emphasized the strategic importance of the New Ulm location in the company’s broader expansion plans. “New Ulm has always been a strong market for us,” he said, adding that the community’s enthusiasm has been central to the brand’s sustained popularity in the Midwest.
To celebrate the reopening, the Happy Joe’s New Ulm team participated in the city’s annual Independence Day parade, marking the occasion with community visibility and renewed goodwill. The event served not only as a public reintroduction of the brand but also as a celebration of its enduring legacy.
With its updated yet familiar menu, welcoming atmosphere, and locally rooted leadership, the revived New Ulm location is once again poised to serve as a neighborhood gathering place for families, friends, and pizza lovers alike.
Key Facts:
| Happy Joe's Location | The new restaurant is located at 1700 N. Broadway, New Ulm, Minnesota. |
|---|---|
| Franchisee Background | Travis Hermel, the new franchisee, is a former longtime employee of Happy Joe's. |
| Community Engagement | The restaurant participated in New Ulm’s Independence Day parade to celebrate its reopening. |
| History in New Ulm | Happy Joe’s has a strong historical presence in New Ulm, making the reopening significant. |
| CEO Statement | Tom Sacco stated the importance of local franchisee connection to the brand for the community's revitalization. |
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