After graduating from Ball State in 2012, Trake Carpenter wanted to give back to the Muncie community.
“I wanted to start something,” he said. “It’s always been kind of a pipe-dream growing up – inventing something.”
Carpenter plans to open a new location of Let’s Spoon in the Village Promenade across the street from Insomnia Cookies, although an opening date has not been set.
Let’s Spoon uses YoCream, which is kosher-certified, does not contain high fructose corn syrup and most cartons are gluten-free, according to YoCream’s website.
“There are people who are conscious of what they eat,” Carpenter said.
Carpenter said the name Let’s Spoon’s is edgy enough to appeal to the college crowd.
“I think the name is big,” he said.
Although Carpenter wanted to open his own business, he found that a pre-made business plan was more practical and allowed for more “flexibility,” especially when money became an issue.
“I think frozen yogurt is a great way to quench your sweet tooth,” he said. “When I wanted to start my own business, it was kind of a time crunch. So, I started looking for franchises.”
Despite having an outline for the business, Carpenter sought the help from the current owner of a Let’s Spoon branch in South Bend, Holly Lederer.
“[Holly] helped me with everything from supplies to local employees. She had everything I needed to get started,” Carpenter said.
Even with the help, the franchise has not come without obstacles.
Carpenter said even though he had an outline with steps and goals established, throughout the process these steps change and more are even added into the equation.
“The legal stuff was a lot more difficult than what I [first] thought,” he said. “There are so many things out of your control. A couple months ago I wondered what I was doing, but once you sign the papers and spend the first dollar, there is no turning back.”
Aside from the obstacles – raising capital, obtaining legal documentation, and finding a location – he said it will be worth it when the doors finally open.
Although there is already Berry Winkle and soon-to-be an Orange Leaf, Carpenter said the competition among the local yogurt shops will be beneficial to the quality of service each company has to offer.
Service to the community is also a major goal for his franchise, Carpenter said. Once Let’s Spoon opens in the Village, Carpenter plans to help school organizations and sports teams through fundraising and promotional campaigns.
“I want people to be aware of what’s coming to The Village,” Carpenter said. “I do believe that Village Promenade is choosing good companies to get involved [with the Muncie community]. Come support your local businesses. If you support them, they will support you.”
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