363. How to Grow a Great Restaurant Company - Tom Krouse

The restaurant business is one of relationships. If we consider our team, our suppliers, and guest’s partners and friends instead of employees, vendors, and customers, we have a true formula for success.

In this episode of the Restaurant Rockstars Podcast, I’m speaking with Tom Krouse, the CEO of Donatos Pizza, a dynamic restaurant concept leading its segment with 460 stores. It’s not the number of locations that counts, but the relationships they foster and the value proposition they offer their guests through great people. It all starts from the top.

Tom learned hospitality at an early age shining shoes in a golf clubhouse, worked his way up through the Wendy’s organization before taking a leap of faith with Donatos. Despite great stories and a lifetime of memories, he has only looked forward.

Watch or listen as Tom talks about:

- Early conversations with Dave Thomas, the Founder of Wendy’s
- How to not only compete, but dominate in a most competitive food segment
- Delivering true value to guests and never skimping on quality
- The true meaning of leadership and importance of company culture
- Having a marketing mindset for business success
- Maintaining margins while maintaining consistency of product and experiences
- Doing the right thing, setting an example for the industry, and giving back

And of course, my favorites, Tom’s “one question to ask your employees”, and his words to live by: “Alignment”, “Plan” and “Execution”. You’ll have to listen all through the episode to find out what this can mean for your operation.

Don’t miss this episode, then go out there and ROCK your Restaurant!
Episode Page: https://bit.ly/E363RRP
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/CRx9A1xJldc
Roger

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