Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Lewis.
Hi Deanna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my career over 33 years ago as a Social Worker for Los Angeles County, I retired in 2019 and became a full-time restaurateur. I opened my first Wingstop Restaurant in 2006 and currently have five locations and a sixth location in construction in Bakersfield, CA. Initially, my husband and I opened our first location as a franchise investment opportunity; we had no idea Wingstop would become the household name it is today and we are proud to have two of our locations performing in the Top 5% of the brand. Two Fatburger locations Barstow, CA. And Arizona State University. Throughout our journey of franchise restaurateur, we have gained a zeal for serving the community through our love of food and will be adding 4 Handels Ice Cream Parlors to our portfolio, two opening in Summer 2023. My husband and I co-authored of first book which is now a bestseller Faith Family and Franchise.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing worth having is ever easy…right? Of course, there has been hurdles, bumps, bruises, and curved roads -along the journey, I don’t call them mistakes I call them lessons. What I’ve learned opening a business is more about knowledge and less about having a huge amount of money to invest. Having a restaurant business is different than owning a clothing boutique which by the way is one business that I’ve often considered opening. It is important that you know the business from the curbside to the back door; every aspect of your business you should and better know how to run it. We learned in a few years we needed to be owner-operators so that we are involved in the daily operations of our restaurants. Having mentors was and still is very valuable to us. Coming from a Social Worker background and my husband in real estate, opening a restaurant was totally different experience, which is why we went the franchise route because of the corporate training and support we received.
We’ve been impressed with Wingstop Restaurants Bakersfield, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
5 Wingstop locations Offering the best wings, cooked fresh in a quick service restaurant business model. Hot Wings are no longer an appetizer, they are now considered a family meal serving 11 flavors to choose from. Our sixth location will open in quarter one of 2024. I have 4 Handels restaurants under contract; the first location will open in August 2023 in Culver City, CA. Second location is scheduled to open in September 2023, Bakersfield, CA. 2 Fatburger restaurant serving Barstow, Ca. And on the campus of Arizona State University.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband of over 25 years is my partner in life and business. Whoever says that a married couple can’t work together is a false narrative. We’ve actually grown stronger together as a couple because of our business partnership. We understand and respect each other’s role in the business. He’s the papers man and I’m the people person. We have over 200 employees and it’s important to us to model the behavior that some may not see at home or in the community so we want to represent our culture and community well. We also understand that it takes a team to serve the public and we are grateful for our management team and staff. We believe in serving the community and giving back is our heart’s desire; we provide scholarships every year to Cal State University of Bakersfield and Harvest of Hope Educational Services. Our children has been our greatest joy and inspiration. We committed ourselves to working to build family generational wealth and we made sure they were involved in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: faithfamilyfranchise.com
- Instagram: @Franchisingdee
- Facebook: DeeDee Watkins-Lewis
Image Credits
Photographer Credit Jason Frost Gervel Sampson Photography
