947: Ford Fry Founder of Ford Fry Restaurants

Ford Fry is the Founder and Co-Owner of many, many restaurants, including Jct. Kitchen. Ford was raised in Texas and attended the New England Culinary Institute. He worked for several respectable restaurants and people in Florida, California, Colorado, and Texas before finally opening his own restaurant in Atlanta in 2007, that being Jct. Kitchen. Ford doesn't like the term "restaurant group" but he founded an entity that is basically that, called Ford Fry Restaurants. Ford Fry Restaurants currently owns/operates 13 concepts across 19 locations in Atlanta, Houston, Nashville, and Charlotte, NC.

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Favor success quote/mantra:

• "Fine is not fine."

In this episode with Ford Fry we will discuss:

• New England Culinary Institute
• Helping open massive companies
• Cooking for robust flavor rather than unique ideas
• Fundraising advice
• Training
• Employee benefits

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • "Fine is not fine."
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • I don't know how to say no
3. What's one thing you ask or look for when interviewing/growing your team?
   • "Where do you want to go?" Can I get them there?
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • Disseminating the culture
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Blame-free environments
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • Servant leadership
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • The Experience Economy by B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore
   • GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM 
8. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
   • Compeat
9. If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?
   • Treat your staff as your most valuable asset
   • Fine is not fine; get better every day
   • Ask what makes your experience more unique or more memorable

Contact:

Instagram: @fordfry

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Ford Fry for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

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