Sara Finnegan of Edley’s Restaurant Group on How to Grow and Retain Your Soul

TL;DR

Sara Finnegan, Chief of Staff at Edley's Restaurant Group, shares insights on growing a successful restaurant while maintaining the brand's authenticity and leveraging technology for digital hospitality.

Transcript

Welcome to Restaurant Influencers presented by Entrepreneur. My name is Shawn Walchef, founder of Cali BBQ and Cali BBQ Media. In life, in the restaurant business, and in the new creator economy, we learn through lessons and stories. I want to give a special shout out to Toast our primary technology partner. We are filming today. This is a historic... Read More

Key Insights

• 🗯️ Edley's success stems from their commitment to maintaining authenticity, hiring the right people, and prioritizing community engagement.
• 🖐️ Technology, specifically their partnership with Toast, has played a pivotal role in helping Edley's navigate challenges and support their growth.
• 🧔‍♀️ Creating a supportive environment for women in the hospitality industry is crucial in encouraging their growth and leadership roles.
• 💦 Balancing work obligations with personal life is essential to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being.
• 😷 Fostering a culture of continuous learning and curiosity empowers individuals to ask questions and seek knowledge, both in technology and operations.
• 💪 User-generated content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram has helped Edley's build a strong online presence and attract new customers.
• ✋ Building a strong brand requires attention to detail, such as using high-quality ingredients and maintaining consistency across locations.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Edley's Restaurant Group maintain its authentic Southern soul while expanding its operations?

Edley's believes that keeping the right people who are passionate and authentic at each location is the key to preserving their Southern soul. This ensures that no matter how large they grow, the unique character and culture of each restaurant remain intact.

Q: What role does technology play in Edley's growth strategy?

Technology, particularly their partnership with Toast, has been fundamental in Edley's ability to grow successfully. Toast's online ordering platform was crucial during the pandemic, allowing them to adapt quickly and efficiently. Additionally, as they expand, they are constantly seeking new technology partners and implementing more processes to support their growth.

Q: How does Sara Finnegan balance her responsibilities as Chief of Staff at Edley's?

Sara acknowledges that time management is one of the biggest challenges in her role. She constantly juggles various tasks but tries to carve out time for herself and her family. She recognizes the importance of relaxation and quality time to prevent burnout.

Q: What does it mean to be a woman in the hospitality industry?

Being a woman in hospitality often requires additional support and encouragement to speak up and feel comfortable in leadership roles. Edley's is creating a support group for women within the company to provide mentorship and empowerment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Edley's Restaurant Group's success is attributed to maintaining their Southern soul and prioritizing hiring the right people at each location.

• By focusing on their employees, community engagement, and high-quality ingredients, Edley's has built a loyal customer base and achieved significant revenue growth.

• Toast, their technology partner, played a crucial role in helping them navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and implement online ordering seamlessly.