Staffing

Woody's adds franchise vet to fuel growth

Provided

October 13, 2020

After four decades as a Jacksonville, Florida-based brand, Woody's Bar-B-Q has its eyes firmly fixed on the future. With just one "northern cousin" blazing a trail in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, that future includes a move to increase Woody's footprint in Florida and begin a national expansion with a primary initial focus on the South. Leading that new focus on growth will be Roger Flynn, a 30-year veteran of franchise sales in the role of Woody's director of franchise development.

"Woody and I believe Roger is the ideal candidate to lead this new push towards expansion," Yolanda Mills-Mawman, president, COO and co-founder of Woody's, said in a company press release. "After three decades in the industry, he has an innate talent for finding that perfect fit between concept and prospective franchisee."

Working in tandem with VP of Operations Jay Vail, Flynn will shore up onboarding, training and support systems for new franchisees to help ensure the success of all involved — even those who are located 1,000 miles or more away from headquarters.

"Roger is quickly proving to be a terrific enhancement of an already great team," Mills-Mawman said. "We are proud to not only welcome him aboard, but to have him serve as the face of Woody's Bar-B-Q for anyone keen on becoming their own boss and opening a BBQ restaurant with a record of success that spans 40 years."

Flynn has worked for Honey Baked Ham, The Athlete's Foot, Ramada, Days Inn, Cheeseburger Bobby's, Mr. Transmission and more.

"What I love most about Woody's Bar-B-Q is that they're not too big yet," Flynn said in the release. "There's lots of room for growth. The fact that the company's co-founders — Woody and Yolanda — are such great people and are still so involved in the day-to-day operations of a concept that's been around for 40 years should speak volumes to prospective franchise owners. I really think potential franchisees are going to love the hometown feel. It feels like a small business — they are inclusive and family-oriented. Rather than a big corporate brand where incoming franchisees might just be a number, at Woody's, they'll take care of you."

Flynn said the brand is in a unique position for growth during a sad time in history.

"Unfortunately, COVID-19 cost a lot of people their businesses, but Woody's Bar-B-Q held strong due to the model for take-out, delivery and even curbside pickup that they had in place," he said. "As for all those empty restaurant locations across the U.S., they present an opportunity for prospective franchisees to acquire second generation spaces that have already been built-out with full-service kitchens and dining spaces. Sometimes, the equipment is available for purchase at phenomenal rates. This could significantly reduce startup costs by thousands of dollars."

Partners Woody Mills and Yolanda Mills-Mawman opened their first Woody's Bar-B-Q in 1980.