We've all heard the stats about 30% of restaurants failing, and while it's a scary number, it means 70% find success. I'm no math major, but those seem like good odds but many leave many wondering why some brands thrive while others die.
To answer those questions and to give restaurant founders a voice, FastCasual has teamed up with Kathleen Wood, founder of Kathleen Wood Partners, known for coaching restaurant founders, to launch our newest podcast: "Founderology — Built to Breakthrough."
Wood, who for the past two decades has worked with Founder-led businesses like Raising Cane's, Walk On's Bar and Bistreaux, Homeroom Mac+Cheese, McAlister's Deli, Tap Room-Long Island and many more, will interview restaurant founders twice per month about how and why they created their concepts, challenges they faced and what it takes to be in that coveted 70%.
It takes passion, self-awareness and especially confidence, according to Founderology's first guest, Hawaiian Bros Island Grill co-founder Cameron McNie, who said all founders should begin with the end in mind.
"It's believing that you can be something bigger," he said, pointing out that Hawaiian Bros was building its second location before the first opened. "Looking back, I'm like, 'That might not have been the smartest thing,' but it was part of what we were beginning with the end in mind. We knew we wanted to be a chain, of course we're going to start opening locations before we prove out the concept for two or three years. We had confidence in it."
Episode 2 will feature Wood chatting with Erin Wade, founder of Homeroom+Mac Cheese, and will post Feb.18.
"Founders are the heartbeat of innovation and the backbone of the restaurant industry," Wood said. "Their journeys are filled with resilience, passion, and game-changing strategies that are inspiring for everyone. With Founderology, we're shining a spotlight on these trailblazers, sharing their real stories, and breakthrough moments that turn bold visions into thriving brands."
The Founderology Forum debuts on FastCasual
As part of our dedication to giving founders a platform to help up-and-coming founders, we've also created the "Founderlogy Forum," a content area on the website dedicated to information, stories and the inside track specifically for Founders in areas that matter most, short-cuts to drive sales and profitability, building high-performing teams, operational efficiencies, scaling for growth, unleashing the power of data, building enterprise value, funding growth, creating wealth, and so much more!
"I've dedicated my career to working with Founder-led businesses because I believe in their ability to drive extraordinary success when given the right tools, resources and insights," Wood said. "I am excited about having the Founder Forum so Founders will have access to tools and resources specifically to support Founders in accelerating the growth of themselves, their teams, and their businesses!
Calling all founders! If you have a story to share with other founders, email Wood at Kathleen@kwoodpartners.com
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