When people picture large companies with multiple divisions and statewide influence, they often think of big-city headquarters in places like New York, Los Angeles, or Tokyo. But F&P Group tells a different story—one rooted in family, purpose, and the community it came from.
Founded in 1987 by Robert Lee Lozano and Laurie Lynn Lozano, F&P Group began with a single Dairy Queen in Pharr, Texas. What started as a leap of faith quickly grew into a business that would shape the economic landscape of South Texas—and beyond. Through decades of steady growth, what has remained constant is Robert’s purpose: serve others by serving smiles.
Humble Beginnings
Robert and Laurie met in 1979 while working at a Dairy Queen in Premont, Texas. Laurie was the youngest Assistant Managers in the system—an early sign of their future in the brand. In 1987, the couple bought their first DQ, and with support from mentors Bob and Jennifer Bowen, they entered the world of franchising.
That same year, they founded Lynn Lee Inc., named after their middle names—a personal touch that would define the way they built their company: closely, intentionally, and with heart.
A Family That Grows Together
As their family grew, so did the business. Robert and Laurie welcomed their children, Lensda and Bob, while expanding their DQ footprint across South Texas and the Gulf Coast. Each new store added not just jobs, but new members to what they called the Lynn Lee family.
The culture they built was simple but powerful:
“Work hard. Have fun. Watch each other’s backs.”
Robert credits the company’s growth to consistency and teamwork, not shortcuts:
“There’s no secret ingredient. It’s just a lot of hard work and a team that supports one another every day.”
Expanding the Vision
By the early-2010s, Lensda and Bob joined the leadership team. Bob became a franchisee of Dairy Queen. In the late-2010’s, the company brought Schlotzsky’s and Cinnabon into its portfolio—marking a turning point. With multiple brands under one roof, the company needed a new identity.
Enter F&P Brands: a name that stands for Food & People—the essence of what they do.
But this wasn’t just about business growth. It was about spiritual growth, too. Robert often reflected on how serving food connects people in meaningful ways:
“We break bread together. That’s biblical. We’re called to feed one another.”
Through all the changes, their non-negotiables and company motto stayed the same: work hard, have fun, take care of each other.
From Business Leader to Civic Leader
As Lynn Lee Inc. grew, so did Robert’s involvement in the broader community. He served on the boards of:
- McAllen and Pharr Chambers of Commerce
- McAllen Economic Development Corporation
- Rio Grande Valley Partnership
He later served with financial institutions and regional leadership groups, including:
- Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, San Antonio Branch
- Greater State Bank
- Alamo Bank of Texas
- International Bank of Commerce
- Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority. Click here to learn more.
Through it all, his mission stayed focused:
“I’m happy to give back to a community that’s given so much to us.”
A New Chapter: Media, Philanthropy, and Real Estate
In 2020, the company rebranded as F&P Brands and opened its first Schlotzsky’s in Edinburg. Recently it also launched F&P Media, led by F&P Group CEO, Bob Lozano, to better communicate their values, celebrate their team, and share stories of impact across Texas.
Digital communication continues to become more and more essential—and F&P Media helps the company stay connected to its communities through meaningful, purpose-driven storytelling.
But Robert’s commitment to service began long before. His first donation to Driscoll Children’s Hospital in 1987 marked the start of a long-standing relationship. Today, Laurie Lozano serves on the DCH RGV Board, and in 2024, the family established an endowment to support children’s healthcare for generations to come.
Growing Together
F&P’s growth goes beyond restaurants. In 2024 the team rebranded the Real Estate company and launched F&P Development. The company now invests in real estate development projects outside of Dairy Queen that create jobs, upgrade infrastructure, and activate local economies.
As Robert puts it:
“Without the road, there’s no Dairy Queen. Without the Dairy Queen, there’s no job. It’s all connected.”
With the next generation now leading key parts of the business—including Lensda, Bob, and son-in-law David—F&P continues to expand its footprint while staying grounded in the mission that started it all.
One meal, one project, one community at a time.
