The guiding principle of FranBest.Com is to explore franchises and franchise opportunities with eyes wide open. FRANCHISE WATCH entries are not to say whether a given company or franchise is good or bad – or whether allegations or complaints about them are true or false. The goal of FRANCHISE WATCH is to alert you to opinions, news and complaints posted elsewhere, so that you may investigate fully and draw your own conclusions.
Java Jo’z (also affiliated with an entity called Emerald Coast Manufacturing) is a drive-thru coffee franchise run by a Florida man named Roy Snowden. There have been numerous disturbing allegations and complaints made about Roy Snowden, Java Jo’z and the other entities. Before investing, we strongly suggest you investigate thoroughly. Here are some links to information on Java Jo’z:
Franchise Pick: Overview of the Ben Scoble allegations against the Java Jo’z franchise.
Scobleizer.com: Prominent tech Blogger Robert Scoble claims his brother Ben Scoble was ripped off by Java Jo’z to the tune of $30,000.
Ben Scoble’s Blog: Scoble’s brother Ben has started his own blog documenting his alleged loss of a $30,000 downpayment for a franchise he didn’t open due to lack of suitable locations.
Rip-Off Report: Nearly identical story dated 1/27/05 by a Florida man named Steve who allegedly paid $20,000, which he could not get back after being unable to find a location.
EmeraldCoast.Com: Story dated 11/16/2006. “FWB Businessman Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion” Roy P. Snowden, owner of Java Jo’s drive-thru coffee businesses “pled guilty Monday in federal court to five counts of Evasion of Payment of Income Taxes and one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the Internal Revenue Service.”
FamousReviews.Com: Business review warning against dealing with Roy Snowden, the Java Jo’z franchise, or Emerald Coast Mfgr.
National Arbitration Forum: Arbitration ruling against Roy Snowden in domain & trademark dispute.
If you have any experience or information on the Java Jo’z franchise opportunity, feel free to leave a comment or email us at info [at] ideafarm [dot] net.