FAMILY WORKS: Edible Arrangements – Treats With a Personal Touch for Your Next Tailgate Party

by Kerri Cooke

You would never guess that the owner of Lake Charles’ Edible Arrangement franchise, Ronald Piper, has a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. Originally from Lake Charles, Ronald graduated from LSU but due to the 2008 recession, couldn’t find a job in his field.  

Staying in Baton Rouge, Ronald built up sales experience by working stints at a pet store, Kay Jewelers and AT&T. In 2016, he saw a TV commercial advertising Edible Arrangement franchises for sale and emailed the company the same night, convinced Lake Charles would provide a perfect location for the fruit gifting company. 

Ronald presented his business plan to his family in December 2016 and set up the company D&S Piper Enterprises LLC under which the Edible Arrangement franchise would reside. D&S Piper Enterprises LLC is a nod to his parents Donald and Sheryl Piper. 

In 2017, Edible Arrangements opened in Lake Charles, expanding to three locations in Baton Rouge in 2024. The business is 100% a family affair. Sheryl works with the HR side of things, while Donald is the CEO and takes care of finances. (Ronald considers his parents as co-owners of the business.) His two brothers Ryant and Rolin are general managers in charge of ordering fruit, any construction work, delivery and other day-to-day tasks. However, when Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day roll around, every family member available is in the store helping to get orders out. 

Ronald says, “It’s special working with family. It’s better than trying to find a partner. The trust is already there.” The family starts every Monday with a meeting that begins with a prayer from Sheryl. Ronald stresses that before they make any decisions, they pray about it. Faith is the pillar of the family and the business, with Ronald declaring it “top priority.” Employees are also like family members as some have been working for the Pipers for years. 

Edible Arrangements was one of the first businesses in SWLA to offer name, image and likeness (NIL) deals to local college athletes. Paris Guillory, with McNeese State University’s women’s basketball team, is one of their current partners. More will be announced soon. Two ambassadors include KJ Lee, associate head coach and defensive coordinator for McNeese’s women’s basketball team, and Terence Cahee, McNeese’s assistant football coach. 

While on the subject of football, not only does Edible Arrangements offer customizable fruit platters for corporate anniversaries or for gifting, they also offer platters themed for your next tailgate party. Both apple slices and strawberries can be covered in chocolate and decorated like footballs and goal posts. There are also desert boards heaped with cheesecake, cookies, brownies and chocolate covered strawberries available for order. Edible Arrangements has a delivery service, so there’s no need to pick-up and drop-off items. 

Running a business isn’t easy, but Ronald’s advice is to “lean on what God has taught you, trust the process and trust the message God gave you.”