Award-winning CEO Outlines the Benefits of Cultivating Happy Employees
Sawsan Abublan, Founder and CEO of Shawarma Press, the nation’s first authentic Shawarma franchise, was selected as a speaker at the Fast Casual Executive Summit held in Denver recently. Abublan, who is the recipient of several awards for her thought leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, spoke to restaurant executives on the topic “Happy Staff = Happy Employees.” With many attendees acknowledging that employee retention is an ongoing challenge, Abublan shared tips and insights about how she has cultivated happy and engaged employees at Shawarma Press.
“One of the most important things we have done is improve our channels of communication,” Abublan said. “We make it a priority to listen to employees and welcome their suggestions and feedback. In addition to monthly meetings, we have created chat rooms and groups on WhatsApp that are specific to managers, cashiers, and all team members. Clear and consistent communication with employees helps everyone feel more involved and part of a team.”
Acknowledging today’s competitive restaurant environment, Abublan said Shawarma Press has developed effective ways to reward and recognize employees beyond standard raises or bonuses. She said that often it’s the little things that are meaningful to employees.
“We celebrate birthday months and work anniversaries,” Abublan noted. “We also cook for our employees and celebrate Thanksgiving together. We like to make everyone feel special while also encouraging them to give back to the communities we serve. Many of our employees enjoy volunteering with several charitable organizations we support, and particularly when we prepare meals for those who are homeless.”
Having a stable team of employees is advantageous to restaurant owners who otherwise waste time and money constantly training employees who leave after a short time, Abublan added. “When you have a happy, stable team, it naturally translates into happy customers as well. Better service and making customers feel welcome is important to the success of all restaurants.”
Now in its 19th year, the Fast Casual Executive Summit is a unique opportunity for the restaurant industry. Much more than “just another trade show,” it is a chance for restaurant executives to get together in a casual work setting and learn from one another. Interactive sessions delve deep into topics that are on the minds of restaurant leaders today, and the Summit’s format allows the collective wisdom “in the room” to be distilled into concrete, actionable ideas that attendees take home with them. The exclusive event is reserved for top-level restaurant executives and brings together an experienced group of restaurant professionals whose common interests and concerns are brought to the table for open discussion in a fun and relaxing environment.
Since opening the first restaurant at its headquarters in Irving, Texas, in 2017, award-winning Shawarma Press is the nation’s first authentic shawarma franchise. The brand is rapidly expanding with multiple locations in Texas and Georgia, including several operating in Walmart stores in Plano, San Antonio, Georgetown, and Arlington, as well as a flagship store in downtown Dallas and a new location in metropolitan Atlanta in Johns Creek. Co-founders Sawsan Abublan and Ehap Sabri, Ph.D., were the recipients of Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers award as well as the Innovation Award presented by Franchise Update Media for the Most Innovative Supply Chain. Sawsan was also awarded two prestigious gold Stevie Awards for franchising. The company stands true to its core values of Social Responsibility, Integrity, Trustworthiness, and Excellence and has donated more than 20,000 meals to homeless shelters and non-profit organizations.
Shawarma Press plans to open as many as 50 locations throughout the country in the next five years. For information about franchising, visit ShawarmaPressFranchise.com.
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