Independent Operators

Frios Gourmet Pops hires former franchisee as VP of operations

Photo: Adobe Stock

August 27, 2025

Frios Gourmet Pops has appointed former franchisee Alison Groom to VP of operations, according to a press release.

"Alison's belief in Frios started when she first tasted a Frios pop, just like me. Her journey from the first franchisee I ever signed to this new role is truly special. Alison has mastered the roles of both franchisee and corporate leader at Frios, which provides her with an intimate knowledge of the brand that others do not have. Frios could not have a better person in this role, and I'm excited to see how Alison uses her past experiences to support our franchisees," Cliff Kennedy, owner and CEO of Frios Gourmet Pops, said in the press release.

Groom began her Frios journey as the very first franchisee Kennedy signed once he bought the business. She delved into the brand after meeting him at a tradeshow and promptly being won over by the Zesty Orange Pop.

During COVID-19, Groom converted her pop trailer into a modern-day ice cream truck, allowing her to deliver to neighborhoods when people needed it most, during times of intense stress and uncertainty. Having operated both mobile and brick and mortar Frios locations, Groom has made herself an instrumental part of making Frios the mobile model it is today.

Later, Groom would join the corporate franchise development team, before successfully selling her territories to come onto the HQ team full time. Since then, Groom has held support roles and management roles in both operation and franchise development, now leading Operations and Support as VP of Operations.

"I'm truly honored to step into this role with a brand I deeply believe in. I'm excited to build on the foundation we've created, lead with purpose, and help our brand continue to grow in ways that inspire both our team and our franchise owners," Groom said in the press release.

Frios Gourmet Pops was founded in 2013 and began franchising in 2017. The brand has 112 locations in 25 states.