LAKE CITY, Fla. — Ellianos Coffee Company welcomes Catherine Tune to the franchise family, as the first franchisee selected under the new HeroFran program. Tune has signed on to develop at least three locations in the Tallahassee, Fla., and Thomasville, Ga., areas within the next three years, the company has announced.
The HeroFran Program is designed to give business incentive and recognition to those who have committed their lives to the safety of their fellow Americans. A "qualifying hero" is defined as any U.S. military veteran, law enforcement officer or firefighter who has served four or more years and is separated from service under honorable conditions.
The program offers qualifying heroes the choice of two incentive recognition programs:
- A 50-percent reduction of the current franchise fees (from $20,000 to $10,000) to open a single Ellianos coffee shop.
- No franchise fees on the first coffee shop, if the individual commits to open three or more coffee shops within a five-year period.
Tune began her career with the Florida Department of Corrections 27 years ago as a correctional officer. Throughout her career, she advanced to the positions of sergeant, lieutenant and major, and retired while employed as a victim advocate after 25 years of service. Tune also served as an adjunct instructor at Lake City Community College and Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy, and held the position of public safety officer at Tallahassee Community College for 10 years.
Tune's husband, David, will serve as vice president of operations for the business.
