Celebrating Success: Meet Gabriela Zazueta, Edible’s 2024 Franchisee of the Year

When Gabriela Zazueta, the Edible® franchise owner based in Scottsdale, Arizona, originally moved to the United States from Mexico 20 years ago, her dream was simple but daunting: start her own business.

“Of course, it wasn’t my country and it wasn’t my language, so I knew it was going to be difficult,” said Zazueta. “One Sunday, about a year after I had moved here, I was reading the newspaper and saw an advertisement for how they were going to open the first Edible in Phoenix. I thought, ‘This is a great idea.’ So, I applied for a job and started working in production 19 years ago at that location.”

Within a year, Zazueta’s hard work earned her the position of manager, where she trained new Edible owners in the Phoenix metro area. She saved diligently and, in 2007, finally realized her entrepreneurial goal.

“I decided it was time to get my own store,” Zazueta said. “I remember back in the day, nobody knew what Edible was. Now it’s nice because you wear your uniform and everybody says, ‘Wow, I love Edible!’”

Nearly two decades later, Zazueta’s store still operates on a simple but powerful motto: “Do what you say you will do.” This philosophy has been the key to her store’s impressive 4.8-star review rating on Google.

“We sell happiness,” said Zazueta. “I always try to make the customer experience the best I can. At the end of the day, we can look back and be very grateful that we made so many people happy. Whether it’s celebrating the joy of a new life or the sadness of somebody passing away, we are sharing our customers’ emotions. We are really part of their life.”

Her commitment to creating a positive environment extends to her employees as well. “One of my employees has been with me for 16 years,” Zazueta said. “We always try to do our best by our employees, and it’s a great environment.”

Over the years, Zazueta’s store has become synonymous in the Scottsdale area with exceeding customer expectations and fostering community connections. Looking back, she says there is no other path she would have rather taken.

“I really just love the Edible brand,” Zazueta said. “For me, this franchise was really the perfect decision. I am happy every single day to wake up and go to work. Sometimes I have to make an arrangement, answer the phone, wash the dishes. It’s all worth it when you make that delivery and see the smile on the customer’s face.”

All of Zazueta’s hard work culminated this year with her recognition as Edible’s Franchisee of the Year at the brand’s annual conference. It was a moment of immense pride, she says, and surprise.

“I’m still in shock! There are so many amazing franchise owners at Edible and I just never thought I’d win,” Zazueta said. “It felt like I had won an Oscar! I’m very proud and honored.”

As Edible continues to innovate and expand, franchisees like Zazueta are at the forefront, ensuring that the brand’s legacy of unique gifting experiences and celebrating special moments endures. The combination of advanced technology, a diverse product range and a customer-centric approach positions Edible as a leader in the modern gifting industry.

“Our franchisees are the heart of our brand and the success of our stores is a reflection of their hard work,” said Somia Farid Silber, president of Edible. “Their dedication to offering top quality products and unmatched customer service showcases the essence of what Edible aims to be.”

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 80% 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.