Antonio is the Visionary and CEO of Primo Partners, the largest only Black-owned/Black-led multi-unit franchise group of Ben & Jerry’s, Starbucks and other enterprises. In 2008, he seized the opportunity to purchase the Ben & Jerry’s Chapel Hill shop, becoming the youngest franchisee in the company’s history. Antonio and his “Team Primo” have propelled and innovated the off-premise catering category by double-digit sales growth annually. As a partner with the Vickers Bennett Group, he is the lead curator and developer for multiple 100+ acre land assemblages. In addition to serving others, he is involved with we are (working to extend anti-racist education) for social justice reform. Since 2020, Antonio has served as a member of the board of the Chatham Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Antonio’s professional and civic leadership has earned him many accolades; most notable are: the 2018 Black Enterprise Franchisee of the Year Award, the 2021 UNC Black Alumni’s Harvey E. Beech Outstanding Alumni Award, and the prestigious Ben & Jerry’s “Big O” 2021 Operator of the Year Award. Antonio holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and African American Studies from the University of North Carolina. He currently resides in North Carolina with his wife, Emma, and their two children.
Antonio McBroom is a partner in Ben & Jerry's only Black-owned multi-franchise group, but the path to success was plenty twisty.
How did former math teacher turned franchise developer Antonio McBroom open 14 Ben and Jerry’s locations across South Carolina by himself?
Antonio McBroom of Primo Partners, the largest Black-owned franchise group of Ben & Jerry's, shares 5 lessons learned in business.