From Katrina’s Aftermath to Industry Innovation: Resilience, Community, and Reinventing the Restaurant Model ft. Ron Ladner (Shaggy’s)

In this episode of The Resilience Report, host Lauren Scott sits down with Ron Ladner, founder of the iconic waterfront restaurant Shaggy’s — a business born unexpectedly out of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. What began as a mission to restore hope to a shattered community has since grown into one of the Gulf Coast’s most resilient and people-centered restaurant brands.

Ron shares how Shaggy’s transformed the traditional hospitality model by putting culture, community, and long-term sustainability at the heart of the business. He reveals why employee happiness is the foundation of profitability, how his team-service model is reshaping industry norms, and the surprising ways a restaurant can drive measurable social impact.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, hospitality leader, or business owner seeking fresh ideas for growth and resilience, this conversation offers powerful insights on sustainable leadership, organizational culture, and building companies that thrive — even in times of crisis.

Topics covered include:

• Rebuilding a business and community after catastrophe
• Sustainable leadership and people-first culture
• Rethinking the restaurant model for long-term success
• Employee retention and operational efficiency
• Community engagement and coastal conservation
• Growth strategies in a challenging economic climate

Learn more about Ron's work here: https://ronladner.com/

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