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When Ronnie Picou went into business for himself 1976, he was simply interested in making a living that would support his family. Being famous was just part of the name.
However, it did not take long before Mr. Ronnie’s Famous Hot Donuts were a well-known success in Houma, with a reputation that made it a destination for visitors to the bayou region.
For more than 35 years, the idea of opening a second donut shop or even franchising the operation became an intriguing but not followed temptation. “We always had the thought in the back of our minds, but I said, ‘I’m too busy running this one,’” owner Bud Picou said of the landmark location on Tunnel Boulevard.
Taking over the leadership role following his father’s retirement, Bud Picou along with this family and staff made Mr. Ronnie’s a name that needs no explanation among locals as to what kind of business it provides. Now, more people are in store to learn the name.
The official announcement was given last night, during a franchising seminar at the Courtyard by Marriott – Mr. Ronnie’s is going franchise.
“I had no idea how much was involved in this,” Picou said. “We are building a training center [behind the existing business]. That’s where I can train franchisees how to make the donuts and run the shop.”
Construction on the training center is expected to begin in June, and Picou said nine individuals have already registered to sign an agreement once all the legal work has been completed.
Picou credits working through franchise consultant Francorp in making the business expansion a reality. “I couldn’t do it without Francorp, Picou said. “They have all the lawyers and documents. Right now we are waiting for my registration with the Federal Trade Commission to go through so we can go forward.”
“I think it is a great idea,” Mr. Ronnie’s patron Rose Callais said. She and her husband, Forest, make Mr. Ronnie’s a regular starting point to their day every Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning.
“Now, when we go on trips to places, they will probably have a Mr. Ronnie’s,” Rose said.
Larry Gaudin is a salesman who makes regular stops at Mr. Ronnie’s to pick up donuts for his customers. More locations, he hopes, will help him impress clients in towns outside Houma. “From the taste of the donuts we ought to do well.”
“Mr. Ronnie’s transformation will include the development corporate offices,” Francorp Regional Director Rocky McMillian said. “Transformation of this small business will be a benefit for the community that will create new jobs and opportunities for existing employees and a corporate creation.”
McMillian said he has 10 additional small businesses in Terrebonne Parish ready to make the leap into franchising. He declined to say who at this time.
“[Franchising] is a way you can expand and not go into a giant hole of debt to do it,” Picou said.
Bud Picou said Mr. Ronnie has given the franchise idea his blessing and relayed his father’s words, “Take it where you can.”
Bud Picou says by the end of the year Mr. Ronnie’s Famous Hot Donuts will no longer be exclusive to Houma. After 36 years, the family business is going corporate and will expand with franchise locations by the beginning of 2013.
