Chef Derrick Green of Waffles and Whatnot Takes Center Stage Alongside FUBU in Franchising Conversation at The Gathering Spot

 At a powerful evening centered around ownership and economic empowerment, Derrick Green, founder of Waffles and Whatnot, emerged as a standout voice during the Harnessing the Black Dollar conversation at The Gathering Spot on February 12, where the legacy and business blueprint of FUBU remained a central focus throughout the evening.

With FUBU co-founders Carlton Brown and J. Alexander Martin setting the tone through their decades of experience in ownership, licensing, and brand longevity, the panel discussion on franchising and scaling Black-owned businesses brought the conversation into present-day application. Chef Derrick Green’s voice stood out as a direct reflection of how those principles are being executed in real time.

As both a panelist and event sponsor, Green spoke candidly about the realities of growing a brand from a local concept into a scalable business model, echoing many of the same strategies that helped position FUBU as a global powerhouse. His journey with Waffles and Whatnot served as a modern blueprint for attendees looking to translate inspiration into action.

“Franchising isn’t just about growth,” Green shared. “It’s about creating systems that can live without you, while still protecting the integrity of your brand. If you don’t build it right, scaling will expose every weakness.”

His message aligned closely with the principles emphasized by the FUBU founders, particularly around ownership and structure. As the conversation moved from legacy to execution, Green reinforced how today’s entrepreneurs can apply those same lessons within their own businesses.

“Before you franchise, you have to franchise your mindset,” he explained. “That means discipline, structure, and being honest about what works and what doesn’t. You can’t duplicate confusion.”

Throughout the evening, the influence of FUBU’s journey remained present, with its founders highlighting how licensing and strategic partnerships allowed them to scale while maintaining ownership. 

Green’s contribution helped bridge that legacy with the current generation of entrepreneurs who are actively building brands in today’s market.

“We have to stop thinking small when it comes to our businesses,” Green said. “Ownership is the goal, but scalability is the mission. If we want generational impact, we have to build businesses that can outlive us.”

Joining other respected voices on the panel, Green contributed to a broader discussion that included strategies around licensing, access to capital, and building sustainable infrastructure, all themes deeply rooted in the success story of FUBU and echoed throughout the night’s conversation.

As the founder of a growing brand rooted in culture and community, Green’s presence on the panel represented the next wave of entrepreneurs taking the foundation laid by FUBU and applying it in real time. His ability to connect legacy principles with modern execution made his contribution one of the most impactful moments of the evening.

The event, hosted by Full Bloom Global Media and Farmasi and produced by The Shon Murdock Group, highlighted the power of collaboration between established icons and emerging leaders.

Chef Derrek Green’s voice in the franchising conversation made one thing clear: the blueprint created by FUBU continues to inspire, but it is today’s entrepreneurs who must execute, scale, and carry that legacy forward.

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