How Did You Get Into the Industry?
My journey into the culinary industry began when I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in 2017 from the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I developed a love for Italian, Cajun, and Southern cuisine. My career started at Ruffino’s Italian Steak and Seafood Restaurant, followed by enriching experiences at 18 Steak in the L’Auberge Casino and Hotel, and The Little Village, a fine-dining Italian restaurant. These experiences honed my expertise in Italian cuisine and built a solid foundation for my culinary journey.
In 2019, I moved to Houston, Texas, where I was promoted to Director of Culinary Services at The Conservatory at Champion Forest. I later joined Compass Group as an Executive Sous Chef, managing catering services and overseeing Patient Services, Retail, and the Doctor’s Lounge at Memorial Herman Hospitals. Currently, I work with Sodexo under their Schools division as a Production Manager II, balancing this role alongside my growing business.
In 2017, I launched my first catering company, Catering Miracles LLC, offering private dining, large catering events, and chef consulting. As my business grew, I transitioned to Luxurious Floating Miracles LLC in 2024, bringing a unique blend of curated water-based dining experiences and luxury catering. My services now include dining on water, in-home or hotel setups, floating basket rentals, kids’ pool parties, chef consulting, the luxe gift box and corporate catering.
The decision to franchise my business came naturally as I saw an opportunity to share the unique Luxurious Floating Miracles experience with a larger audience. By franchising, I can expand the brand while empowering other entrepreneurs to deliver the same five-star service and unforgettable experiences that have become the hallmark of my business. The demand for one-of-a-kind luxury dining services continues to grow, and franchising allows me to meet that demand while maintaining the quality and creativity that defines my brand.
What’s New in the Business?
We’re excited to introduce Kids’ Parties on the Water, a unique offering designed to make kids’ celebrations unforgettable! We set up beautifully themed floating baskets with decor tailored to the child’s chosen theme. For food, parents have the flexibility to order catering from their child’s favorite restaurant—like pizza or chicken tenders and fries—and have it delivered while we’re setting up. Alternatively, they can choose from our kids’ menu and let us handle everything.
What makes this experience even more special is the inclusion of two event managers who engage the children with fun games both in and out of the pool, ensuring that the kids stay entertained while parents can relax and enjoy the day. This service combines creativity, fun, and convenience, making it a standout addition to our offerings!
Where Do You See Opportunities or Challenges for the Franchise/Business Moving Forward?
The luxury catering market is expanding, and there’s growing demand for unique dining experiences like our Dining on Water and private chef services. Our distinct offerings set us apart, allowing us to tap into niche markets. Scaling the franchise model while maintaining the quality and uniqueness of the experiences we offer can be challenging. Training and standardization will be key to overcoming this hurdle.
What Is Your Goal for the Business Moving Forward?
My ultimate goal is to establish Luxurious Floating Miracles as a nationwide luxury catering and dining experience brand. I want to open multiple franchise locations that deliver the same level of creativity and excellence while fostering entrepreneurial opportunities for franchisees.
Talk to Us About Training and Support. How Do You Deliver?
We provide comprehensive training that includes hands-on experience with our services, detailed operation manuals, and support in marketing and client interaction. Franchisees also have access to ongoing consultation to ensure they feel supported every step of the way. We want every franchisee to be confident in delivering exceptional experiences to their clients.
Your Most Difficult Moment at the Franchise Business?
One of the most challenging moments was transitioning from my first catering company Catering Miracles to Luxurious Floating Miracles. It required rebranding, adjusting our services, and introducing new offerings while ensuring we retained existing clients. The experience taught me the importance of resilience and clear communication in overcoming obstacles.
Define Your Franchise Model
A. Training and Support Model
Our franchise model is built on providing comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure franchisees feel confident and capable from day one. The training program includes:
• Onboarding Training: Hands-on training covering all aspects of the business, including operations, customer service, event setup, and food presentation.
• Marketing and Sales Training: Guidance on social media marketing, ad placement, and client engagement strategies tailored to our unique luxury brand.
• Operations Manual: A detailed manual covering day-to-day processes, including event planning, staff management, and client interactions.
• Ongoing Support: Access to our support team for troubleshooting, marketing assistance, and operational advice. Regular check-ins and performance evaluations ensure franchisees stay aligned with brand standards.
B. What is the Fee Structure?
• Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000, which includes training, use of the brand name, and access to proprietary tools and processes.
• Royalty Fee: 8% of gross revenue to support continued brand development, marketing, and operational support.
• Marketing Fee: 8% of gross revenue to fund national and regional advertising campaigns.
• Startup Costs: Estimated at $69,480 – $122,000., depending on location and specific equipment needs.
C. Territory Definition
Each franchisee is granted an exclusive territory, which will be defined by:
• Population Size: Typically areas with a minimum population of 500,000 to 1,000,000 to ensure a sustainable client base.
• Geographic Boundaries: Clear boundaries based on city limits or zip codes to avoid market overlap.
• Market Viability: Areas with high demand for luxury services, such as upscale neighborhoods, vacation destinations, and corporate hubs.
D. Day in the Life of a Franchisee
A typical day for a franchisee involves a mix of operational tasks and client interactions:
1. Early Morning:
-
- Review the day’s schedule, confirm client bookings, and coordinate with the event team.
- Prepare for event setups, including loading decor, baskets, or catering supplies.
2. Midday Morning/Afternoon:
-
- Oversee event setup at client locations, ensuring everything meets Luxurious Floating Miracles’ high standards.
- Engage with clients to provide a personal touch and ensure satisfaction.
- Manage the team to ensure smooth execution.
3. Evening:
-
- Wrap up events, handle client feedback, and review the day’s performance.
- Prepare for upcoming bookings, including placing orders for catering or decor.
Throughout the day, franchisees focus on building relationships with clients, maintaining brand quality, and growing their local presence through networking and marketing.
What Does Your Franchisee Do in the Business Every Day?
A franchisee’s daily tasks include overseeing event setups, managing client communications, ensuring smooth operations during events, and maintaining the brand’s luxury standards. They also focus on team management and creating personalized experiences for every client.
Who Is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?
The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate about creating unique and memorable experiences, has strong leadership skills, and is willing to invest time and effort into building their franchise. A background in hospitality, event planning, or entrepreneurship is a plus, but we also welcome candidates who are driven and eager to learn.
What Goals Do You Have for the Franchise Model in the Future?
My goal is to expand the franchise nationally and internationally, offering the Luxurious Floating Miracles experience to clients everywhere. I also aim to establish a robust franchisee community where owners can share best practices and grow together, ensuring the brand remains innovative and exceptional.