The Pie Hole with Marcy Jarreau

"The Pie Hole with Marcy Jarreau" is Episode 149 of *Doughboys*, hosted by Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger. "The Pie Hole with Marcy Jarreau" was released on April 12, 2018.

## Synopsis

[*For whatever reason, there is no official synopsis for this episode.* -ed.]

## Nick's intro

Fransmart: It sounds like a generic stand-in for the name of a big-box store used to clear legal on a TV show, but Fransmart is actually among the most influential forces in the American food- service industry of the 21st century - a company built on the model of evolving beloved local eateries into international chains, often after convincing reluctant owners of the lucrative financial possibilities.

Founded in 2000 by Ben Rowe\*, a former bagel-shop dishwasher who'd ascended to oversee hundreds of the stores locations, Fransmart seeks to expand an array of dining brands in concert, giving it logistical and structural advantages over the model of "one restaurant growing on its own." And while you may not recognize its name, you certainly are familiar with its portfolio: Five Guys, QDOBA, Wolfgang Puck Express, and The Halal Guys are among the brands that spread across the country like a Johnny Chainseed.

And in 2015, this sort of "fund to fund to franchise" has added a new investment: a Los Angeles bakery that had been drawing big crowds eager to sample its sweet and savory pastries.

Opened in 2011 by Becky Grasley and her son Matty, the business quickly became a beloved local favorite, both because of its traditional faves from Mama Grasley's home cookbook, as well as its more daring, contemporary recipes like their signature Earl Grey Cream variant.

But by the time of its partnership with Fransmart, this LA bakeshop had locations across the city and south in adjacent Orange County. It's since added even more SoCal stores, as well as one in Durham, North Carolina, and three in Tokyo. Yet it remains in the early stages of the franchising company's ambitious goal of 200 locations worldwide.

So will this pastry shop prove a sweet treat for Ben Rowe\* and co.?

Or is this aggressive expansion plan half-baked?

This week on *Doughboys*: The Pie Hole.

[*Nick twice says "Ben Rowe," but wiki and the web say Fransmart's founder is named Dan Rowe.* - ed.]

## Fork rating

* Mandarin Orange Cherry Crunch Pie
* Cereal Killer Cheesecake
* Cali Burger Hand Pie
 Mike Mitchell
 Marcy Jarreau
* Mexican Chocolate Pie
* Chocolate Brownie Pie
* Cali Burger Hand Pie
* Mac 'N Cheese Pot Pie
* Chicken 'N Cornbread Pot Pie
* Mandarin Orange Cherry Crunch Pie

Mitch and Marcy shared the order listed above.

Nick also uses this episode to finally give 5 forks to Taco Bell. In the three prior Taco Bell episodes, Mitch always gave it 5 forks, and so did each of the three guests. Nick had raised his score from 3 to 4 to 4.5, but finally canonically puts Taco Bell into the Platinum Plate Club. (It doesn't last there very long. -ed.)

## Pie In This Guy 🥧

In this segment, Nick brings in a mystery slice of pie and Mitch and the guest try to crack a series of clues to guess what it is. They have the help of a lifeline: smell test or phone-a-friend.

The winner of the contest receives the mystery pie. The loser goes home empty-stomached.

Today's mystery pie was German Chocolate.

## Related Episodes

* DD. Combos Nation
* 6. TGI Fridays (Feedbag)
* 12. Chick-fil-A (Side of Guys segment)
* 65. Doughlympics: Chipotle v. Del Taco v. Taco Bell
* 86. Taco Bell 2
* 87. Taco Bell 3
* DD11. Mama Mitchell (Naked Chicken Chips)
* DD37. Naked Egg Odyssey (Naked Egg Taco)
* DD. My Dinner with Wiger (Nacho Fries)
* 149. **The Pie Hole** (score revision)
* 156. Taco Bell 4
* 194. Mouth of the Border: Semifinals 1
* 196. Mouth of the Border: Finals
* DD. Snack Attack with Mac
* DD. Double Stacked Dano
* DD. Buff Fries and and Tiny Tacos (Buffalo Chicken Nacho Fries)
* DD. Mount Slushmore (Pineapple Freezes)
* 302. Taco Bell 5
* 305. Taco Bell 7
* 309. Taco Bell 6
* 407. Taco Bell VIII

## Photos (via @doughboyspod)

All pics today are from Nick's lovely wife, Natalie (@phamschottler).

Mandarin Orange Cherry Crunch PieThai Tea PieCereal Killer CheesecakeCali Burger Hand Pie