Tossing Dough, Breaking Barriers: A Single Mom's Domino's Success Story

Rysean Parnell’s Domino’s story began when she took her first job as a delivery driver in 2009. Fifteen years later, the single mother has become the proud franchisee of five Domino’s stores, a remarkable achievement that speaks to her tenacity, work ethic and unwavering belief in lifting others as she climbs.

Determined to build a better life for her family, Rysean quickly rose through the ranks, showing a keen aptitude for leadership and business management. Her passion for the brand and her drive to succeed led her to take on more responsibilities, ultimately becoming a store manager.

“I’ve significantly expanded my skillset by actively seeking out new challenging projects,” said Rysean. “Mastering ‘Hungry for MORE’ (Domino’s strategy for how we grow and win as a brand) and developing stronger leadership qualities through mentoring junior team members has allowed me to contribute more strategically to my team’s success.”

In 2023, after years of hard work and persistence, Rysean achieved her dream of becoming a franchisee in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. But for her, success isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about giving back and lifting those around her.

“My goal has always been to create opportunities for people who look like me and to make a real impact in my community,” she said. “It’s not just about building my own future, but helping others along the way.”

Family is at the heart of her business. Rysean has brought her mother onboard as a general manager and her daughter as a shift runner. This multigenerational involvement isn’t just a testament to her family’s support – it’s a testament to her commitment to creating opportunities within her own circle.

“I want my daughter to see that hard work pays off,” she said. “I always show up to be the absolute best mother I can be. This relates back to my career as well. I show up and dominate on a consistent basis and put my all into every aspect of life and career.”

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was named as a recipient of Domino’s Black Franchisee Opportunity Fund – a program designed to support Black franchisees and help them grow and sustain their businesses.

“In 2020, when we announced the formation of the BFOF, our goal was to support current and future Black team members on their journey towards franchising,” said Jessica Arnal, Domino’s manager of new franchisee development. “The purpose of the BFOF was to reduce a common obstacle to franchising – the initial liquid capital. Providing financial support through the BFOF is one of the many ways Domino’s is demonstrating our commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse system of franchisees.”

For Rysean, the road ahead is filled with potential. She plans to continue expanding her franchise and remain a role model for the next generation of entrepreneurs. The grant will provide her with the resources she needs to continue improving and expanding her franchise, solidifying her position as a leader in both the Domino’s brand and her local community.

“The fund is so important because it helped start up my business in such a positive direction,” Rysean said. “It ensures minorities have equal opportunity to participate and thrive starting up in the franchisee community. This helps me become an example to aspiring minority franchisees, if I can do it, they can too.”

Rysean’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community and the belief that success is best when shared with others. As she continues to grow her business, she remains focused on the mission that got her here: continuing to grow and excel in this business, so that one day she can pass them down to her daughter.

To learn more about careers at Domino’s, visit jobs.dominos.com.