CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A popular frozen custard brand with locations in Chillicothe and Waverly has been sold to a Kentucky businessman, with plans to build one in Circleville.
Whit’s Frozen Custard, established in 2003 in Licking County, was purchased by Bill Aseere, CEO of Space Cowboys Restaurant Group and the second largest franchisee owner of Donatos Pizza, according to a company news release issued Wednesday night. The acquisition, finalized in late March, includes the entire franchise system, though the purchase price was not disclosed.
Aseere, now the new CEO of Whit’s Frozen Custard, will relocate the company’s headquarters from Granville to Independence, Kentucky, where he resides. He is joined by business partners Michael Ash and Mark Halpin in the venture.
The leadership team has outlined plans for the brand, including a modernized logo, a new app with a loyalty program and online ordering, enhanced vendor partnerships, and the establishment of a flagship store in Independence, Kentucky, which will double as the corporate headquarters and franchisee training center.
“Our goal is to honor the foundation that the Whitmans laid while also elevating Whit’s Frozen Custard to the next level. We are laser-focused on empowering our franchise partners with the tools and support they need to be successful, while delivering a consistent, outstanding experience for our customers,” Aseere said in a prepared statement.
Founded by Chuck and Lisa Whitman, Whit’s Frozen Custard grew from a small shop in Granville into a regional chain with 95 locations across 11 states, including Chillicothe and Waverly, as well as Athens, Bexley, Canal Winchester, Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview Heights, Grove City, Heath, Hilliard, Lancaster, Lewis Center, Marysville, New Albany, Newark, Pataskala, Pickerington, Powell, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington, Westerville, and Worthington in Ohio, among others in the Midwest.
Within an hour of the acquisition, Aseere promoted Kaylyn Bennis, Chuck Whitman’s daughter and former vice president of operations, to chief operating officer. “It was important to me to keep the family legacy alive in the company,” Aseere stated in the release.