Ex-Con Gary Growden to Franchise Pasta Bars

Gary Growden went to prison for selling investment deals that were, literally, too good to be true.  So what’s the next logical step in his entrepreneurial development? 

Why selling franchises, of course. 

Just a year after his release from federal prison, one of the irons in Gary Growden’ entrepreneurial fire is plans to develop a pasta bar franchise opportunity.

Yes, Gary dreams of once again being behind bars once again… pasta bars this time around.  And while Gary hasn’t disclosed a name for his franchise, may we suggest Ponzi’s Pasta Bar?

According to a story by Dan Browning in the Star-Tribune:

Growden, 59, has reinvented himself many times over the years. He’s been a singer-songwriter, an Amway salesman, the owner of an equipment-leasing company and a finance broker, which led to his 27-month prison sentence in 2007.

Court records show that Growden pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. One related to an investment scheme he ran between 2002 and 2005 in which he promised to invest money in "midterm notes" issued by Couthars, a Luxembourg-based company he ran. The other had to do with his promise to invest money in a collateralized note.

In both cases, Growden admitted to spending the money for his own purposes.

Amway Salesman?  Cloud merchant? Investment schemer? Gary Growden sounds like he has the credentials to be a featured franchisor on UnhappyFranchisee.com!

But for those of you who might be hesitant investing your life savings with an ex-con, don’t worry. 

Gary Growden has given his word.

"I’m not a crook.” Gary Growden promises. “And I am not a con man," he said.

I, for one, am relieved to hear that.  And I’m eagerly awaiting the launch of the Ponzi’s Pasta Bar franchise.

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH GARY GROWDEN?  WHAT DO YOU THINK?