Franchises are popular with entrepreneurs looking for proven business ideas, but what about their employees? Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries is aiming to make their employees owners to reward their hard work and dedication to the team.
The chain struggled mightily when it was first founded. However, the decision to put employees first created a culture that keeps it afloat today. The company focuses on a concept known as servant leadership. The customer sits at the very top of the power pyramid in this system, followed by kitchen crew and servers, the management team, and then the franchise owners. The lower levels put the needs of the higher levels first, leading to franchisees doing what they can to help their servers and cooks.
Hwy 55 has been following this plan for years. They’ve noticed that it’s produced amazing customer service, which naturally brings in even more customers to fill the seats. Caring for their employees encourages the employees to in turn care more for the customers. 45 workers who started in entry level, minimum wage positions now own their own locations. In fact, the chain used to only allow former employees to become franchise owners up until just a few years ago.
Kenny Moore, founder of Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries, shares his secrets. Continue reading . . .
