Rak Rewind: Getting Passionate About Servant Leadership with Cheryl Bachelder

Off the Rak welcomes Cheryl Bachelder, restaurant industry executive and former CEO of Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. She’s the author of “Dare to Serve,” and a passionate advocate of servant leadership. When she took over the company in 2007, the company had been through four CEOs in the previous seven years. And the stock had slid by over 60% during that time. Ten years later, the stock had risen by over 500% under her leadership and the rest is history — she shares more of the story in this riveting conversation about the importance of serving others in leadership.

About the Guest

Cheryl A. Bachelder served as CEO of Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. from 2007 to 2017. Ms. Bachelder led a remarkable turnaround of the company’s financial results with a compelling strategic roadmap for growth and an inspiring purpose and set of principles. The results – industry leading performance for the franchise owners and the shareholders.

Ms. Bachelder has more than 35 years of experience in brand building, operations and public-company management at companies like Yum Brands, Domino’s Pizza, RJR Nabisco, The Gillette Company and The Procter & Gamble Company. 

At the time of Ms. Bachelder’s 2007 appointment to CEO, Popeyes guest visits had been declining for years, restaurant sales and profit trends were negative. The company stock price had dropped from $34 in 2002 to $13. The brand was stagnant, and relations between the company and its franchise owners were strained. 

Ms. Bachelder and her team created a workplace where people were treated with respect and dignity yet challenged to perform at the highest level. Silos and self were set aside in favor of collaboration and team play. And the results were measured with rigor and discipline. 

By 2014, average restaurant sales were up 25 percent, and profits were up 40 percent. Popeyes’ market share had grown from 14 percent to 21 percent, and the stock price was over $40.

In 2012, Ms. Bachelder was recognized as Leader of the Year by the Women’s Foodservice Forum and received the highest industry award, the Silver Plate, for the quick service restaurant sector, presented by the International Food Manufacturer’s Association. She was also recognized as a 2012 Nation’s Restaurant News’ Golden Chain Award recipient.

Ms. Bachelder holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Masters of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She is married to Chris Bachelder and they have three grown daughters.

Links in this Episode

Learn more about Cheryl at her website at cherylbachelder.com

Learn more about Off the Rak and watch past episodes at waltrakowich.com/offtherak

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