Leadership and Life Insights from a visionary entrepreneur

Learn more about Tariq Farid's inspirational story and journey from the projects to a CEO making a real impact.

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Edible franchisees prove that the comeback can be stronger than the setback

 2020-04-15
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Numbers never tell the whole story

 2020-02-27
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Special Memories for a Special Season

 2019-04-17
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Celebrating One Year in IFA’s Hall of Fame

 2019-02-28
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Reflecting on a turning point for me and Edible Arrangements

 2016-09-29
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Edible’s eCommerce evolution yesterday, today and tomorrow

It’s no secret to anyone in business that one of the most dramatic changes brought about by the pandemic has been the emergence of eCommerce as an essential tool for retailers that want to thrive in a post-pandemic world. As...

A company is nothing without its people

It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of 2020 and, before we know it, the holidays will be over and we’ll be starting fresh with a new year. If nothing else, 2020 will leave us with plenty of...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • employment
  • growth
  • success

A Special Thank You to Somia

Business Woman magazine just announced its list of the 100 most influential women in franchising right now, and I must say what an impressive group of leaders they have there. To all of the women named to this prestigious ranking, I want...

Success Is Best When Shared

It is in giving that we receive. As an entrepreneur, I’ve witnessed this first-hand. My mother always told me that if I took care of my customers, they would take care of me. Not only was she right, but I’ve...

Planting the seed for exciting new directions

I cannot say enough about our entire Edible team and the way everyone has banded together to innovate during a pandemic to elevate our business and, most importantly, give our incredible customers what they need and desire in these uncertain...

Celebrating fathers AND father figures

With Father’s Day this weekend, I’ve been reflecting lately on how fortunate I am to have had an amazing father but also some amazing father figures to look up to in my lifetime. I’ve written about my father in the...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • father day

Real change demands real action

As I have watched events unfold over the past few weeks in response to the murder of George Floyd and other victims of racism, the question I found myself repeatedly asking is, “what can I do personally to make a...

  • Black Lives Matter
  • Change
  • racism

Recognizing those who are delivering joy and healing in difficult times 

One of the things that happens to entrepreneurs as their companies expand and responsibilities change, is that it is easy to lose track of what it was like when you were first starting out and working on the front lines of your business.  I’ve always tried to keep...

  • COVID-19
  • delivery
  • Edible team

Edible franchisees prove that the comeback can be stronger than the setback

This past Easter weekend reminded me of my very first Easter as a small business owner. I learned a valuable lesson then that remains as true today as it did over two decades ago — the comeback is always stronger...

  • Easter
  • small business

Now more than ever, it takes a village

These are difficult and confusing times for all of us, and my prayers and thoughts are with every family and loved one that has been impacted by the COVID-19 virus. (more…)

  • Edible Arrangements
  • Edible Arrangements franchisees
  • Edible Arrangements Franchises
  • Edible Arrangements Locations

Numbers never tell the whole story

One of the things I’ve learned over the years as an entrepreneur is that even when you think you know what it’s going to take to make a business successful, there are always unexpected surprises. I was reminded of that...

  • Entrepreneurship
  • franchisees
  • Valentine's Day

Edible is making more sweet news today

This is a very exciting day for all of us at Edible Brands. We are joining forces with Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in what I consider to be a groundbreaking, long-term strategic partnership. This is not an acquisition or...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • partnerships
  • Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Welcoming New Leadership for a Brand Evolution

When I launched Edible Arrangements® in 1999, I was full of passion and ready to WOW our customers. I don’t mean that I just wanted them to be excited or impressed, I literally wanted them to say “WOW” when they received...

Venturing into the exciting and misunderstood CBD industry

One of my true joys as an entrepreneur is discovering a new opportunity and taking it from vision to reality, especially when it involves an emerging market that is ripe for development and provides true value to the public. (more…)

  • CBD
  • Hemp
  • Incredible Edibles

Turning a Mother’s Wise Words into a Celebration

Over the years, I have written a lot about the impact my mother had on my life and my business. No matter the situation, she always seemed to have the perfect words of wisdom. (more…)

  • Edible Arrangements
  • education
  • Philanthropy

Welcome Carissa Ganelli, Our New President of Edible.com

We recently announced that Carissa Ganelli has been named president of Edible.com, which is the largest operating division of Edible Arrangements.  In this position, she will oversee all of Edible’s e-commerce and technology by helping us understand how to take full...

  • Edible Arrangements

Special Memories for a Special Season

For many people, Easter is a time of celebration and remembrance. This year, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Edible Arrangements®, I’ve found myself especially reflective as I think about how far we’ve come since our very first Easter....

  • celebration
  • Easter
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Holidays

Edible Franchisees Join Forces for a Common Cause

It has always been my philosophy that companies don’t just serve their customers, they have an obligation to serve their entire communities, as well. That’s why philanthropy plays an important role in all my companies, especially Edible Arrangements®. (more…)

  • Edible Arrangements
  • Philanthropy

Keeping a Brand Fresh Requires Constant Change

One of my core beliefs when it comes to business has always been that constant change is necessary to maintain a leadership position in any industry. It’s something I’ve written about in the past, and it remains a critical operating principal...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • franchising

Celebrating One Year in IFA’s Hall of Fame

This week, the International Franchise Association (IFA) held their annual conference and I marked one year since I was granted the honor of joining the IFA’s Hall of Fame. It was an incredibly humbling experience to be given this award...

  • awards
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Franchise
  • International Franchise Association
  • Tariq Farid

Happy Valentine’s Day!

At Edible Arrangements® Valentine’s Day kicks off a springtime season of giving, including Easter, Mother’s Day, graduations, and Father’s Day. (more…)

  • Edible Arrangements
  • Edible Arrangements franchisees
  • Holidays

Celebrating National Mentoring Month

January kicks off resolution season, the beginning of a new year, and time for a fresh start. It is also National Mentoring Month, something that is particularly special to me. I would not be where I am today without the...

Happy Holidays!

As we approach the holidays and the start of a New Year, I wanted to reflect on what an ncredible year of change and growth it has been for not only myself but for Edible Arrangements®. We began the process...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! As everyone prepares to gather with friends and family this week, I wanted to take a moment to share how very thankful I am for all that I have received in my life and celebrate this season of...

  • Edible Arrangements

Celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month

November is National Entrepreneurship Month- a month meant to celebrate the tenacious spirit of entrepreneurs and the positive and far-reaching impact they have on our economy. (more…)

Providing a Pathway to Business for America’s Veterans

As Veterans Day 2018 – the 100th anniversary of the end of “The Great War,” – approaches, I wanted to take a moment to honor the patriotism and honorable, selfless service to our country demonstrated by America’s veterans. The dedication...

  • American Dream
  • Veterans Day. VetFran
  • VetFran Program

Mike Rotondo Joins Edible as CEO

There have been quite a few exciting announcements here at Edible in the last few months – from our second headquarters in Atlanta to the delicious launch of our new granny smith apple donuts. These are just a few of...

  • Edible Arrangements

Honoring Veterans on Independence Day

Every year on the Fourth of July, in the middle of all the backyard celebrations and fireworks displays, I like to pause and take a moment to remember the great men and women who make holidays like this possible. When...

  • IFA
  • Military veterans
  • VetFran Program

Celebrating Dads This Father’s Day

As the years fly, it’s days like Father’s Day that make me realize how special our time is with those we love. It’s a day to celebrate the men in our lives who have spent their years out by the...

  • American Dream
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Entrepreneurship
  • family
  • Holidays

Celebrating National Police Week and National Donut Day with “Donut Boy”

When I was younger and creating Edible I never thought I’d be writing about a donut product! But here we are on National Donut Day, celebrating the launch of Edible’s brand new donuts. You might be wondering, how can fruit...

  • children
  • community
  • Edible Arrangements

Celebrating “Momible” Moments this Mother’s Day

I try to take every opportunity I get to honor my Mother. Throughout my life she was always an incredible supporter. No matter how big my dreams got, she was always there to not only share words of belief and...

It’s an Excitible time for Edible

After years of planning and hard work by the amazing Edible team, our franchisees and our agency partner Havas, I am very excited to announce that we have officially kicked off our transformation with a new “Edible is ❤ible” campaign....

  • advertising
  • Edible brand
  • marketing

Celebrating National Small Business Week

This week, as the country celebrates National Small Business Week, I’d like to look back and reflect on the beginnings of Edible®, when we were just a small store in Connecticut. Looking back on these memories makes me eternally grateful...

  • American Dream
  • Edible Arrangements franchisees
  • entrepreneurs
  • Entrepreneurship
  • franchisee
  • franchisees
  • franchising

Celebrating remarkable Connecticut women

In my opinion, there are few things more inspiring than the stories of those who have overcome obstacles or objections to achieve success in whatever walk of life they are pursuing. That's why I was so excited that Edible® employees recently...

  • Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame

Edible® and Junior Achievement – a partnership driving results

As I have written in the past, few things give me as much pleasure as seeing our Edible® team take time to give back to our community. That was the case on Friday, April 13, when 27 incredible members of...

  • Charity
  • children
  • Edible
  • Non-profit support

Big News! Edible is expanding and opening a second HQ in Atlanta

This has been a month of incredible change at Edible! We recently announced that we are opening a second headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. This new office marks a huge step in our next phase of growth and I’m very excited to see...

  • Edible Arrangements

Thank You! to all who made this journey possible

There have been many high points over the course of my entrepreneurial journey, but I can’t think of any that compare to this past Sunday when I was honored with the International Franchise Association’s Hall of Fame Award. To receive...

  • American Dream
  • Edible Arrangements
  • family
  • Hall of Fame
  • IFA
  • Mentors

Giving back to the community she calls home

Two years ago, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England inducted me into their Business Hall of Fame. It was a wonderful honor and made special because my children were there to see me accept the award. It’s no secret that...

My interview with Tyler Mathisen

Media interviews are important and have really helped to spread the story and brand of Edible Arrangements. The interview I did with Tyler Mathisen of the “Nightly Business Report” was a thrill. My oldest daughter Somia was also part of...

Giving Back to the Community

This month, Edible Arrangement employees from the home office in Wallingford gave back to the local community. The team collected hats, scarfs and mittens for Manna Inc. Food Pantry & Resource Center in Wallingford (left.)   The team also donated...

  • Edible Arrangements

Providing Training & Support for Local Refugee Entrepreneurs

While the refugee crisis has captured news coverage, the state of Connecticut has received displaced people for several years.  This story is about how an investment from several community philanthropists, including the Tariq and Asma Farid Foundation, are giving inspiration to...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • Teacher

Compassion & Generosity

The holiday season is upon us and I’m taking a moment to reflect and share how Edible and employees from my companies have supported our communities this year. Ten Edible employees – trained in Junior Achievement curriculum – volunteered for...

  • community
  • Edible Arrangements

The Value of Play

A school playground and recess are vitally important to children for their fun and relaxation as well as for their good health and well-being. That’s why I am so pleased to be part of a $240,000 funding effort that will...

  • Charity
  • Edible Arrangements

WorkinCT: Edible Arrangements had early roots in East Haven

Media interviews continue to help spread the story about Edible Arrangements. Being featured in segment about Connecticut companies took me back to where it began.  This has been way beyond what I ever dreamed. What a blessing. WorkinCT: My interview with...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • Franchise

My Podcast interview with Guy Raz

Over the years I’ve found that media interviews are important and have really helped to spread the story and brand of Edible Arrangements. The interview I did with Guy Raz of “How I Built This” was a thrill.  I’m a...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • podcast

JULY CELEBRATIONS

  • celebration

Sharing Growth Strategies With Other Connecticut Business Leaders

I recently had the opportunity to attend an incredible gathering of like-minded individuals for a dynamic event called “90 ideas in 90 minutes!” The Hartford Business Journal brought together executives from the Hartford area to discuss how we grew our...

  • Connecticut Business Leaders

JUNE 2017 CELEBRATIONS

So many things to celebrate in June.  Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations and of course Father’s Day. Edible Arrangements was there for those special occasions as well as the everyday fresh fruit treats. June was also filled with new store openings, and the...

  • celebration
  • Edible Arrangements

Celebrating the Global Expansion of Edible Arrangements

In the early days after creating Edible Arrangements, my goal was really pretty simple. I wanted to create a “WOW” moment for customers. Like all new entrepreneurs, I had dreams of growing the business and hoped that maybe someday our...

  • Edible Arrangements

Just in time for Father’s Day

As the country gets ready to celebrate Father’s Day, many fathers and sons still dream of working side by side.  Today, I turned my blog over to Eric Balcerzak, who shares his insights and memories of working alongside his father...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • father day

Foundation Donates to Fresh Air Fund to Give Kids Access to Summer Camps

The countdown to summer has begun.  Please join me in a countdown to summer and help give Greater New Haven children a summer full of adventures and opportunities.  Since 1905, the New Haven Register’s Fresh Air Fund, a non-profit, has...

  • community
  • New Haven Register Fresh Air Fund
  • summer camps
  • Youth

Honoring America’s Heroes on Memorial Day

With the approach of Memorial Day and all the summer kickoff backyard barbecues and pool parties, I once again want to take a moment to pause and reflect on the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country....

  • American Dream
  • Edible Arrangements
  • employment
  • Holidays
  • Memorial Day
  • Military veterans
  • Philanthropy
  • VetFran Program

Edible Arrangements volunteers for Junior Achievement Day

For second-grade students at Highland Elementary School in Wallingford, Connecticut, Friday May 19 was all about dollars and fruit. (more…)

  • children
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Junior Achievement
  • Youth

A sweet surprise for some special UPS moms

Growing up I saw my mother take on many roles: caregiver, friend, chef, cheerleader, tutor, the list could go on and on. I’ve found that there is no limit to what mothers can and will do for their children to...

  • Charity
  • Edible Arrangements
  • family
  • moms
  • Mother's Day

Honoring the hardest workers, mothers

I’ve found time and time again that mothers are truly some of the hardest working people on the planet, and many times the unsung heroes behind us all. I know this to be true of my own mother, Salma, as...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • family
  • Mother's Day

Celebrating the sweet life of the small business owners

I have often said that even though Edible Arrangements has more than 1,300 locations and 800 franchisees around the world, we are really just a big family of small business owners. And as we celebrate National Small Business Week, it provides...

  • American Dream
  • Edible Arrangements franchisees
  • entrepreneurs
  • small business

Support the nonprofit important to you. Be part of the Great Give

On May 2 – nonprofits in New Haven county are participating in what is the largest national day of local giving to raise millions of dollars for important causes in our communities. These are the organizations that feed the hungry,...

  • Charity
  • children
  • Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
  • Connecticut Food Bank
  • GiveGreater
  • Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
  • IRIS
  • Non-profit support
  • Philathropy

Reflecting on sweet Easter memories

Every year as Easter approaches I pause to think back and remember where this all started, and every year I’m taken back to memories of two special Easter seasons. That's because Easter is where the story of my entrepreneurial journey...

  • Easter
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Entrepreneurship

Edible Arrangements celebrates women’s history with the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame

President Rob Price, Kathryn Gloor from The CT Women's Hall of Fame and Vice President of Netsolace, Inc. Asma Farid Earlier today, nearly 50 people at the Edible Arrangements office gathered to reflect on the trailblazing achievements of women at...

  • Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame
  • leadership
  • Women's History Month

Edible Arrangements celebrates the colors of Spring

The transition from winter into spring is one of my favorite times of year,  and I am happy to share that Edible Arrangements is celebrating this transition through a partnership with The Children’s Place, a children’s specialty retailer of clothing and accessories. Together,...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • promotion
  • The Children's Place
  • Youth

Believing in the power of literacy

Learning to read can be a challenge.  Two established literacy programs in the region, New Haven Reads and Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven, help children and adults improve literacy skills and empower them for success. And the Tariq Farid...

  • Charity
  • children
  • Non-profit support
  • Philanthropy
  • Tariq Farid Foundation

A chance to give back, and give the gift of life

As the home of my family and many of my businesses, Connecticut holds a special place in my heart. And one of the things that makes it so special to me is how many unsung heroes I have been fortunate...

Edible Arrangements delivers a summer of fun for area children

Summer always marked one of my favorite seasons as a child, and in less than 100 days it will officially be summer. For many kids across the country, that means it’s time to start packing for summer camp. For many children,...

  • children
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Non-profit support
  • Philanthropy
  • Youth

Edible Arrangements offers students fresh look at entrepreneurship

Growing up, both as an entrepreneur and young man, I had many mentors who played key roles into helping shape me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for them, as they took time to give me...

  • American Dream
  • Edible Arrangements
  • entrepreneurs
  • Entrepreneurship
  • small business
  • Youth

Edible Arrangements celebrates ranking in Franchise 500

For the 12th year in a row, Edible Arrangements has been ranked in the annual Franchise 500 by Entrepreneur magazine. This year we were ranked #42, marking the 10th year in a row for us to be among the Top 50. No matter how...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • Entrepreneur magazine
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Tariq Farid donations

Edible Arrangements celebrates a sweet collaboration with Mr. Chocolate

Known to enjoy some sweet treats myself, I am very excited about the recent announcement that Jacques Torres is sharing his incredible skills and craftsmanship with Edible Arrangements as we add a new Edible Chocolate brand to our product line. When we began...

  • chocolate
  • Christmas
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Hanukkah
  • Holidays
  • innovation
  • Tariq Farid

The holiday gift that keeps giving

As we enjoy the holiday season, I am excited to share news of a new line of Edible Arrangements gift baskets and custom swizzle colors. Once again our incredibly dynamic Edible Arrangements team has made us all say “Wow!” (more…)

Taking a moment to celebrate the entrepreneurial way of life

November is National Entrepreneurship Month and before it’s time to flip the page on the calendar, I’d like to take some time to reflect on the many great entrepreneurs that have taken the leap of business ownership with Edible Arrangements,...

  • Edible Arrangements

Saluting our Veterans

As Veterans Day arrives every year I am reminded of the incredible sacrifices the great veterans of our country have made and continue to make every day. Yet, I am also saddened to think of the many obstacles a large...

  • American Dream
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Edible Arrangements franchisees
  • entrepreneurs
  • Veterans Day. VetFran

How the “Uberization” of Business is Reshaping the Future of Franchising

Later this week I will be in Austin speaking to a gathering of franchise professionals about the impact of technology on the future of franchising during the annual FranTech conference, sponsored by the International Franchise Association. As a self-proclaimed tech...

More sweet news for Edible Arrangements

It seems that things just keep getting sweeter for Edible Arrangements in 2016 as we recently learned that Edible Arrangements has been named to the Franchise Times annual Top 200+ list. I’m always very grateful when the Edible Arrangements family...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • franchising

Reflecting on a turning point for me and Edible Arrangements

As an entrepreneur, it’s often very easy to get so caught up in the day-to-day whirlwind of business that there is little time for reflection. That’s why I so enjoyed my recent interview with Chris Beier of Inc. magazine. The interview...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • entrepreneurs
  • Entrepreneurship
  • growth
  • small business

Honoring Our Commitment To Giving Back

As I have said many times, I deeply believe that with success comes a responsibility to give back to your community. It is not just a personal value but a value that is shared by the entire Edible Arrangements family....

  • Edible Arrangements
  • Philanthropy

Need Edible Arrangements? There’s an app for that!

It’s an exciting time for Edible Arrangements. This week we released our own app and the response has exceeded all expectations as our fans have quickly embraced the technology. So much so, that iTunes had us featured as a favorite...

Tariq Farid Foundation Joins Fight Against Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an issue that touches all parts of society, with the victims, especially women and children, often suffering alone and in silence. That’s why it gave all of us at the Tariq Farid Foundation such a tremendous feeling to be...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • Philanthropy
  • Tariq Farid Foundation

Recognizing the sweet success of Edible Arrangements’ franchisees

While reflecting again on my time at the recent Edible Arrangements convention I was overwhelmed when thinking of all our amazing franchisee partners and the relentless passion and hard work they put into their businesses every single day. That's why...

  • American Dream
  • awards
  • Edible Arrangements franchisees
  • Entrepreneurship

Edible Arrangements joins Serving Our Kids effort to Change the world ONE Child at a time!

The Edible Arrangements convention this week in Las Vegas held many, many highlights for me. Few, however, matched the opportunity we had earlier in the week to join the passionate volunteers of the Serving Our Kids Foundation in Las Vegas...

  • children
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Non-profit support
  • Philanthropy
  • Tariq Farid donations

Tariq Farid Foundation lends support to New Haven Reads

Last week I visited New Haven Reads, a local nonprofit, and it brought back many memories from 1981, when my family arrived in the US from Pakistan. The space was filled with volunteers from the community providing one-on-one tutoring for...

  • Philanthropy

For all of us at Edible Arrangements, change begins at home

“Change begins at home,” as the saying goes, and that is certainly true at the Edible Arrangements headquarters in Wallingford. We recently celebrated the opening of our newest Edible Arrangements location, which can be found right in the entrance to...

  • Edible Arrangements
  • franchisees
  • growth
  • Tariq Farid Foundation

Tariq Farid Foundation Aids Families Experiencing Temporary Financial Setbacks

Through the Tariq Farid Foundation, we have been able to support many different worthwhile organizations. Most recently, we have had the opportunity to team up with the Spanish Community of Wallingford (SCOW), which helps members of the Hispanic community who...

  • children
  • employment
  • HUBCAP Wallingford
  • Non-profit support
  • Philanthropy
  • Tariq Farid
  • Tariq Farid donations
  • Tariq Farid Foundation
  • Youth

Congratulations again to the tremendous Edible Arrangements family

Over a decade and a half later, it seems that things just keep getting sweeter at Edible Arrangements as we were recently recognized by both Entrepreneur magazine and Forbes as a top global franchise, a big win for both our...

  • awards
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Edible Arrangements franchisees
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Tariq Farid CEO