Summary: What does it take to grow and operate a successful restaurant franchise system? One might imagine that itâs a huge undertaking that requires quite a bit of hands on activity to get it right. This weekâs guest has spent the last few years doing exactly that. In fact, heâs so hands on, QSR Magazine gave him the official title of âHands On CEOâ, just this past year. In episode #021 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I talk with Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse Subs, a 19-year-old concept with over 700 Firehouse Subs restaurants in 36 states and Puerto Rico with a goal of reaching 2000 locations by 2020. Don and his chain were recently featured on the cover of QSR Magazine as one of the Best Franchise Deals of 2013. Youâll hear him share the secrets of how his chain has worked to win that award and the lessons theyâve learned along the way. If you market to franchised restaurant systems or are working to grow one on your own, Don shares ideas and concepts that you can take to heart. Go ahead, turn up the speakers, click play and listening to episode #021 of the Social Restaurant Podcast. What You'll Learn During the Interview Strategies on how to be a hands-on leader without micromanaging to celebrate your franchisee successes . Why you should challenge your area representatives to play the roles of coaches, mentors and policemen within your restaurant franchise. Don's three linchpin elements - Financial Discipline, Quality Franchisees and Real Estate - which can set a good franchise apart from its competitors. The importance of average unit volume (AUV) and why it's the most important metic within an organization. Please Support Our Sponsors Video content is changing. Not only in the way itâs consumed, but in how itâs produced.  At On Scene Productions, we develop multi-channel video content strategies to help clients fill the entire sales funnel, from introduction to education to purchase >> LEARN MORE Don't let your shift hit the fan! Use ShiftNote, a web-based manager's logbook and employee scheduling tool.  Replace messy paper and files with an easy-to-use online system. >> LEARN MORE Listen Now Tweetable Moment: "It's taken almost 20 years to be an overnight success." - @DonMFox (Click to Tweet) Subscribe using RSS Listen on Spreaker Tune in on iHeart Radio Subscribe in iTunes Download the mp3 Additional Show Resources and Notes I start off this week's show mentioning Statistics Brain's Top 50 Food Services Franchises. Find out who made the 2013 list here. Throughout the show, Don is referred to as a "Hands On CEO." He received this title from QSR Magazine when Firehouse Subs was featured as one of the Best Franchises of 2013.  Download the July 2013 issue to read more. Don expresses the importance of being informed about legislation, especially reforms that can influence the restaurant industry. Join the National Restaurant Association, an organization he endorses in the show. In 1994, firefighters and brothers Robin and Chris Sorensen opened Firehouse Subs. Giving back to public safety entities, the franchise founded the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2005. Today, a total of 8.3 million dollars of life-saving equipment has ben donated. Like Us Facebook If you like what you are listening too on the Social Restaurant Podcast, why not head over to our official SRP Facebook page and like is there too. Our Facebook fans will get continuously receive special insider tips, show supplemental materials and the chance to have back channel conversations with Nate, show guests and content sponsors. Like SRP on Facebook >>Â
