Why a former Miami Dolphins player just opened a dessert restaurant in Florida
A former Miami Dolphins player has opened a dessert restaurant on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
The Peach Cobbler Factory boasts more than 100 locations in 19 states and Washington, D.C.
Now, Michael Lehan, who played six seasons in the NFL with the Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints as a defensive back, has opened a Peach Cobbler Factory franchise in Bradenton.
The chain offer 12 types of cobblers, and cobbler shakes, banana pudding, pudding shakes, cobbler cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, churro sticks, Belgian waffles and beverages.
Why is a former pro player running a sweet spot?
Lehan spent time in foster care and was adopted. He didn’t meet his biological father until after his freshman year of college. A memory from that time inspired Lehan to open the new Bradenton restaurant.
“Every time he visited his biological father, he would have a peach cobbler waiting for him as soon as he walked in the door,” the company said in a statement.
“The smell meant I was home. A man of few words, his love language was an act of service — and that cobbler was his way of saying, ‘I love you,’” Lehan said.
Lehan’s father, Melvin, died a few years after they met.
“As we open our doors, we offer love in the form of service, hoping to bring a little sweetness and maybe even a touch of peace,” Lehan said. “I am thrilled to open The Peach Cobbler Factory Bradenton and share this full-circle moment with our community.”
Michael Lehan’s career before cobbler
A Minnesota native, Lehan played at the University of Minnesota before his NFL career. He played with the Dolphins 2006 through 2008.
After retiring, Lehan delved into the education world in multiple roles for Osseo Area Schools in Minnesota, including high school principal. He also served as the senior vice president / head of school at IMG Academy before becoming the district vice president for the Fusion Education Group.
Lehan is a two-time Minnesota High School Principal of the Year award winner.
The Peach Cobbler Factory
Lehan plans to open additional locations in Manatee County, according to the company.
The Peach Cobbler Factory began in 2013, according to company history. South Florida locations include Fort Lauderdale and Pembroke Pines.
For more information visit PeachCobblerFactory.com.
