When a new business opens, it’s traditional to have a grand opening event to let the public know who you are and what you offer. This year, Sticky Fingers Cooking franchise owners have been celebrating with food, games, coloring, contests, and silly photos across the country!

While it’s clear that those in attendance are enjoying themselves, what do the franchisees get from this experience?

Read what our franchise owners had to say about what a grand opening taught them about being small business owners. 

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Nicole Fritzsche, Sticky Fingers Cooking of Northern Colorado (NoCo): “Hosting the grand opening symbolized the starting of a new chapter for me,” she said. “I loved connecting with the community and introducing them to Sticky Fingers Cooking. The best part was feeling the excitement in the room. Families, kids, laughter, curiosity- it all came together in a way that made it feel bigger than just a business. There's always a bit of vulnerability in opening something new. You're sharing a piece of yourself, hoping it resonates. That day it did. The support, encouragement, and enthusiasm we felt confirmed that Sticky Fingers Cooking has a place here.”

Sergio Victorio and Priscilla Portocarrero, Sticky Fingers Cooking of Seattle East: “For both of us, it was a great responsibility and a process that required careful attention to every detail and significant time invested in the event. The result was a beautiful experience, each attendee left happy after enjoying a pleasant time among friends, colors, prizes, and flavors.

We now feel that the best is yet to come, and we are very excited about the opportunity to go far with SFC.”

Sergio added, “The grand opening felt deeply personal for me — more than just a ribbon‑cutting. It was a moment to celebrate with the people who have been part of this journey from the very beginning: our friends, our families, our customers, and our community. This event felt like the true first milestone — the moment our business officially introduced itself to the local community. For me, it was also a way to say “thank you” to my partner, my wife, to our Chef Instructors who believed in this dream with us and to our Franchise team, who has supported us from day one.

I genuinely believe every business owner should experience a grand opening. It’s not just a celebration — it’s a reminder of why we started and who stands with us. And I hope we keep celebrating many more milestones in the months and years ahead.”

Cassie Pavlick, Sticky Fingers Cooking of Tampa: “My grand opening was a milestone that marked the payoff of all the hard work thus far and created excitement for Sticky Fingers Cooking in the Tampa Bay Area!”

Kristie Reid, Sticky Fingers Cooking of Colorado Springs: “Our Grand Opening event in Colorado Springs was absolutely validating. The energy and support we felt from the community solidified our confidence that we are building something truly meaningful here.”

Nimisha and Sonit Seth, Sticky Fingers Cooking of Houston West: “It was a chance to build community by meeting customers, partners, and supporters that we are creating relationships and experiences with that will shape the future of our business.”

Catherine Jadin, franchise owner of Sticky Fingers Cooking in North Phoenix, Arizona, also hosted a grand opening this year. Hear directly from Catherine in her video.