The genesis of a thriving frozen yogurt franchise in Forest Acres, South Carolina, can be traced back to a simple, heartfelt request from a child. Ken and Sarah Barlow, a local couple with deep roots in the community, found inspiration in their young daughter’s desire for a place where she could "make her own ice cream" and customize her frozen treat with a variety of flavors and toppings. This seemingly small moment revealed a significant gap in the local market: a distinct lack of self-service frozen yogurt establishments that offered such a personalized and engaging experience.

"That gap mattered not just to her, but to families like ours who loved that experience," Sarah Barlow shared in a recent interview with Entrepreneur. "That moment planted the seed." The Barlows recognized that this unmet desire represented more than just a commercial opportunity; it was a chance to introduce something "joyful" and "community-centered" to Forest Acres, a town they consider their home and a place where they actively support other local businesses. Their shared passion for food and their community provided the fertile ground for this entrepreneurial endeavor.

The decision to pursue a franchise, specifically a 16 Handles location, was solidified in early 2024. After meticulous research, consultations with the franchise team, and a thorough review of the business model and future projections, the Barlows felt confident in their choice. The brand’s concept, they believed, was a perfect fit for their market, offering substantial room for growth. Their store officially opened its doors in June 2025, and within a remarkably short six-month period, they achieved a significant milestone, generating $1 million in sales. This rapid success underscores the strong demand for their offering and the effectiveness of their strategic approach.

The Journey into Franchising: From Concept to Reality

The path to becoming franchise owners was not marked by a single, dramatic epiphany but rather a series of thoughtful conversations and diligent research. "There wasn’t really one dramatic moment where we just woke up and decided to do it," Ken Barlow explained. "It was more a series of conversations and research that gradually gave us confidence that this was the right opportunity."

Their exploration of 16 Handles involved in-depth discussions with the franchise development team. They meticulously examined financial projections, market analysis, and the franchisor’s long-term vision. This comprehensive due diligence allowed them to gauge the brand’s potential and its alignment with their personal and professional goals. The Barlows were particularly impressed by the brand’s established presence and its forward-thinking strategy, which they believed would resonate well with the Forest Acres consumer base.

One of the initial assumptions the Barlows held about franchising was that the established corporate structure would ensure a consistently smooth operational flow. However, they quickly discovered that even within a franchise model, human elements and unforeseen circumstances play a significant role. "We quickly learned that franchises are still operated by people, and like any business, there can be challenges and hiccups along the way," Ken noted. This realization highlighted the necessity for adaptability and proactive problem-solving, even with the robust support system provided by a franchisor. The franchise model, they found, offers a solid foundation and valuable resources, but it requires active engagement and a willingness to navigate complexities rather than simply operating on autopilot. This ongoing collaboration with the corporate team to address challenges has been a pivotal learning experience.

Strategic Growth: Building a Community Staple

The rapid ascent to $1 million in sales within six months of opening is a testament to the Barlows’ strategic foresight and deep commitment to their local community. Sarah attributes this impressive achievement to two primary pillars: an optimal location and active, consistent engagement with the community from day one.

"A big part of our growth really came down to two things: location and being active in the community from day one," Sarah stated. The couple intentionally secured a prime spot in a high-traffic shopping center within a densely populated area of Forest Acres. This strategic positioning provided constant visibility and a steady stream of potential customers, significantly accelerating brand awareness and customer acquisition in the crucial initial months.

Complementing their prime location, the Barlows have made community involvement a cornerstone of their business strategy. They have hosted over 70 fundraising events for local nonprofit organizations and have made a concerted effort to directly support local sports teams, schools, and dance companies. "Those relationships have been incredibly meaningful, but they’ve also helped drive real, repeat traffic into the store," Sarah emphasized. This dedication to giving back has not only fostered strong community ties but has also translated into tangible business growth, cultivating a loyal customer base.

Ken echoed this sentiment, highlighting the profound impact of these initiatives. "Community partnerships and local events have been a huge part of our business," he said. "I wouldn’t say they’re just ‘nice to have’ – they’ve had a real impact on our revenue and, just as importantly, on building a loyal customer base." This integrated approach, where community support directly fuels business success, has been a defining characteristic of their operation.

Navigating the Franchise Landscape: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For individuals considering a foray into franchising, the Barlows offer practical advice rooted in their own experience. Their initial action step was to meticulously organize their personal finances. "Once we decided we were serious about exploring franchising, the first thing we did was get our financial situation in order," Ken advised. This involved a realistic assessment of their investment capacity, discussions with potential lenders, and a comprehensive understanding of all associated costs, extending beyond the initial franchise fee to encompass build-out expenses, working capital, and ongoing operational needs.

Following financial preparedness, the Barlows dedicated significant time to researching various franchise brands, focusing on understanding the underlying operational systems and support structures. They actively engaged in discovery calls, conversed with existing franchisees to gain firsthand insights into day-to-day operations, and sought to build a realistic picture of the franchise experience.

They also emphasize the importance of patience throughout the franchise acquisition process. "We also went into it knowing it wasn’t going to be a quick process," Ken explained. The timeline from initial inquiries and approvals to site selection, lease negotiations, construction, and comprehensive training can often exceed initial expectations. "Between discovery calls, approvals, site selection, leases, construction and training, it takes time," he added.

For those embarking on this journey, the Barlows’ primary recommendations are to secure financial readiness early and to embrace patience. "Don’t rush into it. Take the time to really understand the brand you’re considering, talk to as many people as you can and be ready for a learning curve," Ken urged. They view franchising as a significant commitment that necessitates thorough planning and sustained effort, rather than an overnight solution.

Reflections and Lessons Learned: A Message to Their Past Selves

Reflecting on the week before they signed their franchise agreement, Sarah and Ken Barlow would offer themselves two key pieces of advice: trust their instincts and maintain patience. "I think we’d tell ourselves two things: First, trust your instincts, and second, be patient," Sarah shared. The period leading up to signing involves navigating numerous uncertainties, making it easy to second-guess decisions. However, the Barlows would remind their past selves to rely on the extensive research and due diligence they had already completed.

They would also reinforce the understanding that the entrepreneurial journey is inherently time-consuming. From site selection and construction to obtaining permits and the eventual opening day, each phase of the process often requires more time than initially anticipated. This extended timeline, they note, is not necessarily a negative but an intrinsic part of building a successful business.

Most importantly, the Barlows would convey a message of encouragement, assuring their past selves that the demanding hours and challenges would ultimately prove worthwhile. The fulfillment derived from seeing their store become an integral part of the community, supporting local initiatives, and witnessing customers embrace 16 Handles as part of their routines has been profoundly rewarding. While the path has undoubtedly presented its share of difficulties, it is a journey they are grateful to have undertaken. The success of their Forest Acres 16 Handles franchise serves as a powerful example of how a simple family moment, coupled with strategic execution and a deep commitment to community, can blossom into a thriving business venture.