Veterans make exceptional franchise owners. The work ethic, can-do spirit, and leadership skills that veterans acquire during their time in the military makes franchise ownership an ideal second act. At Hungry Howie’s, we consider it a privilege to include veterans in our franchise family.
As we honor veterans in November and throughout the year, we’d like to shine a spotlight on a veteran in our franchise system, Jinesh Patel of Terre Haute, IN.
Get to Know Hungry Howie’s Franchise Owner Jinesh Patel
Jinesh served in the U.S. Army from 2014 to 2018, rising to the rank of Infantry Corporal. While he was stationed in Fort Stewart, GA, Jinesh developed expertise as a gunner on an advanced weapons system and trained to be combat-ready for a variety of different environments. He enlisted out of a desire to both serve his country and learn new skills. Jinesh calls joining the Army “the single best decision of [his] life” and credits it with making him the person he is today.
Starting a Veteran-Owned Business
Jinesh’s journey with Hungry Howie’s began before his military service, at a store in Ann Arbor, MI. His brother managed the store while he was serving, and he returned to Ann Arbor after completing his time with the Army. The transition back into business ownership presented some challenges for Jinesh, who had grown accustomed to a different way of communicating. At the Ann Arbor store, Jinesh learned valuable lessons about how to manage a civilian team that he carried with him to his next adventure in Terre Haute, IN.
Excited to bring a Michigan favorite to a new community in the Midwest, Jinesh chose to open a store in Terre Haute alongside his wife and brother-in-law. Having already purchased a gas station, they decided to repurpose the car wash into their new Hungry Howie’s store, allowing Jinesh to manage both businesses effectively. The team found their initial Hungry Howie’s training very beneficial and left ready to get their own location up and running. Although Jinesh acknowledges having some nerves around the grand opening, he credits the Hungry Howie’s franchise business consultant assigned to his store with helping him stay grounded and focused during those crucial first days.
Serving the Community
Veterans are service-minded by nature, and Jinesh is no different. Time spent in the Army taught Jinesh how to “face any challenge with a positive mindset,” and he brings that optimistic attitude to his businesses each day. He and his co-owners find it rewarding to be a part of the community in Terre Haute, and he notes that his store is currently sponsoring two youth basketball teams through the local Boys and Girls Club. Jinesh’s store is a constant presence in local schools, providing hot lunches for teachers and staff as a token of appreciation. Each opportunity to give back to their neighbors not only builds the Hungry Howie’s brand in Terre Haute; it also lets Jinesh and his family do good.
Hungry Howie’s: The Right Franchise for Veterans
The Hungry Howie’s team knows firsthand how much value veterans can add to our franchise system. To make starting a veteran-owned business more successful, Hungry Howie’s offers a 50% discount off the initial franchise fee to qualified veterans. Jinesh utilized the veteran discount while starting his business and put the savings toward marketing.
Tell Your Veteran Franchisee Story
Jinesh Patel’s veteran franchisee story is one of many we’re proud to tell at Hungry Howie’s. Ready to start your own journey? See what our franchise process looks like. Our streamlined process makes it as simple as possible to open a veteran-owned business.
It’s time to take on your next adventure. Contact us today to get started.
