Did you know that most Dream Dinners stores are locally owned and operated?

Our franchisees are the heart and soul of Dream Dinners and we love to see how they give back to their local communities. In our Owner Spotlight blog series, we’ll highlight a different franchisee each month from one of our stores around the country. 

How long have you been a Dream Dinners store owner?

Dina: I purchased my store in September 2010. It was opened by twin sisters in 2005.

How did you learn about Dream Dinners? Were you a guest before becoming an owner?

Dina: I was working from home FT, as well as traveling for my job. I had two small boys, ages 1 yr, and. 4 yrs. I didn’t have a lot of tools for making a healthy dinner at home, and yet I didn’t have much energy after working all day. I wanted my kids to experience family dinnertime, without losing my patience in the process! After lamenting to my husband, he searched for a solution and found Dream Dinners. We started assembling our meals at Beaverton Dream Dinners while our boys would have sleepovers at Grandma’s house. It was a great way to share dinnertime responsibilities, and also make dinnertime easier at home. Plus, Grandma got time with her grandsons!

What made you buy a Dream Dinners franchise? What do you love about owning a Dream Dinners store?

Dina: As a Dream Dinners owner, I genuinely love to meet our guests to connect with them, and discover their current dinnertime routine. Specifically, I love hearing back from guests about the ways in which we’re alleviating stress for them at home. Life is busy for all of us in many ways, but we still need dinner every night! I also really enjoy helping someone that has limited kitchen experience feel like their meals are tasty and impressive at night.

How do you give back to your community?

Dina: At the Beaverton store, we have many community partnerships that provide fulfilling engagement with local groups. We assemble monthly meal kits for single parents undergoing cancer treatments through our program with Michelle’s Love, a local non-profit. In 9 years we’ve assisted over a hundred parents. We’ve also partnered with Westside Food Brigade to host Fundraising events and support their food bank, as well as numerous schools and PTAs to raise money for special events or auction items. We love supporting groups that have special meaning to our guests.

What’s your favorite Dream Dinners meal and Sides & Sweets item?

Dina: I have so many Dream Dinners favorite meals! One has to be Kentucky Pork Chops – I love how fantastic these are, and super easy to prepare. They are fantastic for summer grilling. Pair these with our Key Lime Corn and Salt and Pepper Fries, and my entire family is happy.

Is there anything that you’d like to tell us about you or your Dream Dinners store?

Dina: We were asked by two loyal guests if we would allow them to get married in our store. It was a small ceremony, officiated by one of our staff. We were touched to be asked, and loved to help Art and Mark celebrate their big day!

 

Thank you Dina for sharing your story and for contributing so much to your community!

Have you ever thought about opening your own business? Dream Dinners is a locally-owned franchise business! To learn more about opening your own store, visit www.DreamDinnersFranchise.com.