Edible Franchise: Mirna and Michael DiPano's Journey to Entrepreneurship

For Michael and Mirna DiPano, franchising with Edible®, the modern gifting destination with an online e-commerce hub uniquely supported by hundreds of locally owned brick-and-mortar locations globally, represents a bold and exciting transition from decades in corporate America to entrepreneurship. The couple, who recently took over a top-performing Edible store in Nashua, New Hampshire, bring a wealth of professional experience, a passion for community and a desire to make a meaningful impact through their new venture.

Mirna, who grew up in Guayaquil, Ecuador, immigrated to the United States as a teenager and built a distinguished career in the medical device industry. After earning her degree in medical technology from Kean University and an MBA from Regis University, she rose through the ranks to serve as vice president of quality and regulatory affairs, overseeing teams of up to 50 employees.

“We were both in corporate America for so long,” Mirna said. “It was time to do something different. We were not ready to retire, but we were ready to take on a new challenge.”

Michael, a New Jersey native and former wrestling champion, also brings a wealth of professional experience to the table. After earning his BA from Kean University, he built a career in insurance and real estate.

“We had previous experiences with Edible, whether sending or receiving arrangements,” said Michael. “The brand’s resilience during COVID, when many businesses were struggling, really stood out to us. Edible was growing and improving.”

Edible is a unique and innovative franchise that specializes in a range of offerings, including its iconic fruit arrangements, as well as dessert boards, cookies, cakes and farm-fresh flowers that are perfect for every celebratory occasion and any treat-yourself moment. Founded in 1999, the brand has revolutionized the gifting industry by combining the convenience of e-commerce with the personal touch of locally owned brick-and-mortar stores.

For the DiPanos, their decision to invest in Edible was deeply rooted in their shared desire to reconnect with their community. “We’ve always wanted to open our own business,” Mirna said. “We toyed with different ideas, but Edible stood out because it aligns with our values. The brand’s reputation for quality and its focus on bringing happiness to people through gifting made it the perfect fit for us.”

The DiPanos were also impressed by the level of support Edible provides its franchisees. “After going through interviews with the executive team, we knew this was the right fit,” Michael said. “The support they offer in every aspect of the business gave us confidence. We’re fortunate to have inherited a great team who take immense pride in their work.”

Mirna added, “We didn’t get the same feeling with other franchises. Edible stood out because of the sense of partnership and the resources available to help us succeed.”

Since taking over the Nashua location in August 2024, the DiPanos have wasted no time embedding themselves in the local community.

“We’re already involved in charity events, festivals and other community activities,” Michael said. “It’s important to show the community that we’re here for them, not just when they come into the store, but out in the community as well. The people are very appreciative and that is why they continue to come back to the store and say thank you.”

The DiPanos are excited about the future and the opportunities to grow their Edible franchise. “We want to continue hosting cultural events and finding ways to engage with our community,” Michael said. “Giving back is important to us, and we believe it’s key to building lasting relationships with our customers.”

For Mirna and Michael, their Edible franchise isn’t just a business — it’s a way to bring joy to others, connect with their community and embark on a fulfilling new chapter together.

Founded in 1999, Edible® has revolutionized the gifting industry, uniquely leveraging the synergistic power of an innovative e-commerce hub and locally owned brick-and-mortar locations across the globe. Edible's platform seamlessly blends the convenience of online shopping with a vast retail footprint that services over 70% of U.S.

households within an hour. Expanding beyond its iconic fruit arrangements, Edible has a range of offerings, including delectable dessert boards, cookies, brownies, cakes, farm-fresh flowers and more – perfect for every celebratory occasion and any treat-yourself moment. For more information, visit edible.