Andy Wiederhorn made his first restaurant acquisition in 2003 with Fatburger when the brand had only 40 restaurants. Since then, FAT Brands Inc acquired brands you know and love like Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Round Table Pizza and Great American Cookies, and after the largest restaurant acquisition of 2021, they now have 17 brands across 40 countries with 2,300 restaurants.
How could they manage such exponential growth? According to FAT Brands President and CEO, you cannot expect to hit a grand slam without first mastering the basics of getting on base. “My view of being successful is always to try to hit singles and doubles,” explained Andy. “Don’t try to hit home runs. They will come your way when the time is right.”
When you are taking on customers by the hundreds and their customers by the thousands, you have to develop a way to learn what they need from you quickly and accurately. He has found that the good old-fashioned “suggestion box” works wonders. “But only if you actually follow up on the suggestions he adds.”
In the podcast, you will learn business lessons pertinent to corporate leaders and franchisors including why passing up a $600 million deal taught Andy that the best deal you do might be the one you don’t do.
You will learn:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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