“I started as a chemist … I always look at it as, you can start your career anywhere and it doesn’t have to limit what you can do.”
— Cheryl Fletcher, CDO, Tropical Smoothie Cafe
In her monthly “Grab Bag” column, Editor in Chief Laura Michaels asks the tough questions—What superhero power would you most like to have? What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?—to show a side of franchising execs you don’t normally see.
Who would play you in the biopic about your life?
I have a favorite person out there in the world, and she’s maybe a little older now, but I’d pick a younger Julie Andrews. She’s got such great characters out there and her movies have such positive outcomes. ‘The Sound of Music,’ of course, is my favorite.
What’s your favorite franchise brand that’s not your own?
The other brand I’ve always watched early on is Nothing Bundt Cakes. They have such a wonderful product and I have a weakness for sweets.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
One of them is, I don’t like it when people tell me no. But really, when people say something can’t be done, because I feel like there’s always a way. I’m always thinking there’s a way to get to the finish line.
Which famous person would you never want to meet?
Thinking about what’s going on in the world today, leaders of countries that are going to war. So without mentioning any names … they’ve become famous for the wrong reasons due to their destruction. But on the other hand, I would love to meet Mother Teresa.
What’s something not many people know about you?
Early on in my career I started as a chemist. Then I kind of got involved in finance and development. I was an analytical chemist and did nutritional sciences. Then I did my MBA at Carnegie Mellon, to get more into leadership and development. I always look at it as, you can start your career anywhere and it doesn’t have to limit what you can do. That’s something I always tell my kids.
What’s something you would seriously stockpile if you found out it wasn’t going to be sold anymore?
That would have to be coffee. I love my morning cup of coffee. My favorite is Seattle’s Best Coffee because it’s a little milder flavor. I have it with a little half and half.
What fictional character do you think would be most interesting to meet in real life?
From ‘The Incredibles,’ I love Elastigirl, Helen, the mom. And also the daughter. That whole family would be amazing to meet.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Besides coffee, it would be chocolate—I do love my chocolate. When I go home to Wisconsin, there’s a chocolate store, Seroogy’s, and I always stop to bring some things home to Atlanta. It’s Seroogy’s in De Pere, Wisconsin. I love their chocolate-covered cherries.
If money wasn’t a concern and you didn’t need to work, what is something you would do every day?
Probably get up every morning and go for a walk. I live really close to the Chattahoochee Riverwalk and I’d just walk along the river. I don’t get to do it very often … sometimes we need to slow down a bit.
What’s one trend you wish would disappear?
These crazy pop-up ads that keep coming up when you’re on the internet. And they don’t go away. I keep closing out and they keep popping up.
What superhero power would you most like to have?
I’d want to be like the daughter with the invisible powers on ‘The Incredibles,’ Violet. She has the superhero power of being invisible. I would use that to fight for good.
What’s your favorite travel destination?
Me, my kids and husband, six years or so ago, we went to Hawaii. I’d always thought it was overrated, but it was absolutely beautiful. I was just in awe of how beautiful it was. And we did some really cool things, like hiking in the rainforest, snorkeling with sea turtles.