Lisa McCann, owner of Royal Treatz in Pembroke Pines, describes herself as an Energizer Bunny who is always on the go. But one day, she was stopped cold by a feeling she hadn’t experienced before.
She was driving, on her way to sign a lease to open another location for her dessert shop brand. The feeling persisted, and when she couldn’t catch her breath, she pulled into the parking lot of a pharmacy. McCann said she feared the worse, knowing the risk of stroke that runs in her family.
She checked her blood pressure on a machine in the pharmacy and soon after, a nurse recorded her pressure as well. She couldn’t let her leave because McCann’s blood pressure was in a “stroke range.”
It took her two weeks to recover, but McCann received a warning.
“My doctor told me I can’t run a business anymore, that I should think about selling it,” she said.
In the months after the incident, McCann rejected various offers she felt were too low to sell her 4-year-old dessert business. Recently, she decided to give her company away and is hosting a contest to find the right person.
“I’ve put everything I have into the business and I want to make sure it goes to someone who puts their heart and soul into it too,” she said.
For an entry fee of $100, McCann is asking applicants over 21 to send her a form and essay (fewer than 500 words) explaining why they want the business, and where they want to take it. McCann will select 10 finalists, post their entries on the Royal Treatz Facebook page on Aug. 25, and pick who will inherit her business based on the most “likes” received. Contestants do not have to be in Florida to be considered, as the contest is open to all, including international applicants, she said.
McCann wants to officially turn over Royal Treatz by Sept. 1. She will offer her advice and pay all the business’ bills for for the first month as the new owner adjusts to owning the shop. She does not plan to be involved with the business thereafter. The company has franchising abilities and can expand to multiple locations. Her staff of six may be available to continue working at the shop in Pembroke Pines, which can potentially employ about 22 people.
Royal Treatz’ lease ends at its current location at 7855 Pines Blvd. in Pembroke Pines on Dec. 31. The new owner can decide to renew the lease or move Royal Treatz to a new location, she said.
Cammi Goldberg, director of leasing and landlord representation at Franklin Street, believes Royal Treatz will find success across South Florida should it expand.
“The dessert business is here to stay,” she said.
Royal Treatz sells cupcakes, custom cakes and other desserts. For more information on the contest, visit royaltreatz.com.
