Before opening Amorino in 2016, did you both have different backgrounds leading you to this entrepreneurial adventure?
Sebastien: I started 20 years ago in the commerce industry in France, first as a vendor and then as a multi-franchisee manager in Paris. This background gave me the opportunity to build solid skills regarding franchise management, and it was natural for me to open a business as a franchisee in a new country.

Nathalie: On my end, I was raised as a grandchild of a French baker and pastry Chef. My mother had her own business in Paris as the owner of a French brasserie for more than 40 years. I took my first steps as a kid in this place…I guess this is where everything started. Honoring my legacy as a food business owner was an obvious path.
Today, my husband and I manage a famous ice cream franchise, Amorino. We are in charge of the American network as official trainers for all new franchisees. Our store, located in the River Oak District Mall, welcomes, hosts and trains new Amorino US staff.

Can you tell us more about the advantages and downsides of opening a franchise within the USA?
Nathalie: Settling and living in the USA has always been my dream since I was a teenager. Sebastien helped me realize this dream by bringing up the Amorino idea. In the past, he worked with one of the founders and maintained good relationship with him. The main advantage of Amorino as a franchise is that the concept already exists, and the brand has a good reputation and recognized high quality products. On the other hand, we faced financial difficulties, cultural issues, unexpected expenses, high store rental fees, a totally new legal system to learn, and we were surprised by the lack of “fond de commerce”