This time of year is for contemplation and resolutions.
This is especially true for smaller restaurant chains just beginning to find their financial footing.
Let’s take a look at the top 10.
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“Companies never drift to simplicity.
You’re always sort of fighting the headwinds of becoming unnecessarily complex,” he says.
“I think in many ways it’s not changing, honestly, a lot.
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Today, there are over 140 Slim Chickens locations.
“There are a lot of things that are the same.
I still feel so responsible for all 8,000 people that work for the brand,” Gordon adds.
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“It’s nice to be in a position of financial strength versus scrambling for the first decade.
That’s allowed us to do a lot of great things for our company, our franchisees.”
We have to go as fast as we possibly can without taking big risks.
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And how do you balance speed and giant risk?
It’s with using data, utilizing franchisee intel, utilizing local professionals.”
Haith points to both updated technology and untraditional hiring practices as two major success factors.
Photo: Bubbakoo’s Burritos / Facebook
Our tech stack was really designed to be best in class," he explains.
How can we flex to their schedule?
How can they come over for a few hours over the lunch rush?
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux / Facebook
How can we make it work for their life?"
When current CFO Chris Ives joined Bubbakoo’s four years ago, the brand operated 17 stores.
Today the chain boasts over 60.
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Bubbakoo’s first began franchising in 2017 by convincing existing general managers to become owners.
We’re an operations-first brand."
Nowadays, the Walk-On brand isn’t exactly an underdog, however, operating 64 locations.
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“Service is a big piece for us.
So we were always fearful of losing touch with our guests.
And also the economic model, there’s obviously concerns there,” he says.
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“It’s critical to be visible and present across the marketplace,” Jones remarks.
He loves it."
Training is another top priority for Jersey Mike’s.
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The brand even regularly holds seminars focusing on the fundamentals of “slicing and sprinkling” for employees.
Clearly, something Jersey Mike’s is doing is working.
System sales jumped 64.4% between 2019 and 2021, reaching $2.2 billion.
Nothing Bundt Cakes / Facebook
The brand’s store count also increased by over 50% to 75 locations.
A healthy 64.4% sales increase between 2019 and 2021 helps too.
On the business side, though, CEO John Cappasola says nothing is more important than the customer experience.
“Driving sustainable growth requires a model that focuses on the guest experience,” he explains.
