JARS Sweets and Things — a Chicago-based dessert concept helmed by chef and restaurateur Fabio Viviani — is opening 11 new locations throughout Orange County in Laguna Niguel, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Corona Del Mar, Tustin, Buena Park, Brea, Cerritos, Tustin, Fullerton, and Placentia.
Viviani confirmed with What Now OC that the franchise owner of five of those incoming SoCal stores will be Colt and Bethany Nelms of the soon-to-open Laguna Niguel outpost.
WNOC previously had the opportunity to speak with both Viviani and Nelms about the exciting endeavor. Here’s a recap:
WNOC: How did you land on Jars for a franchising opportunity?
CN: My wife Bethany and I had been looking for several years for an opportunity to start our own business. We knew our kids were going to be starting school and she was looking to do more and get back into the professional world, but we wanted to make sure it was the right opportunity and that it was something we could see ourselves doing together for the long term.
I came across Jars via the Fransmart website, which came up while searching for franchise opportunities. I showed Bethany and for the first time, I think ever, she didn’t tell me it was a dumb idea.
We requested some additional information and the more we learned the more we fell in love with the idea and concept. After meeting and speaking with Fabio and his team, we knew it was an opportunity that was just too good to pass up.
There is a gap in the market and this is the product that is going to fill the niche. It’s the right time and we feel we are definitely in one of the top markets in the country for this concept, so we almost couldn’t sign fast enough.
WNOC: Colt, what is your background before this endeavor?
CN: I come from a sales and marketing background and have owned several small businesses over the years as well.
Bethany comes from the financial world, previously holding licenses in securities and insurance, and specializing in the setup and streamlining of operations.
WNOC: Do you plan to open more stores in addition to the Laguna Niguel location? If so, where and when?
CN: We are very excited about getting store number 1 going in Laguna Niguel and introducing this product to Orange County.
We are anticipating a very warm welcome and will be looking to further expand throughout the county as the right opportunities present themselves.
Our goal and mission are to make sure everyone in Orange County has an opportunity to have access to and enjoy these amazing desserts!
WNOC: When will the Laguna Niguel outpost debut?
CN: Currently we are targeting Q4 of this year for store 1 opening and are working as quickly as we can to get there!
