Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers’ Post

Absolutely exceptional interview with AJ Kumaran, Co-CEO and COO of Raising Cane's, on the challenges of the restaurant industry today, as well as the solutions. It is leaders like AJ and brands like Raising Cane's that unequivocally change lives. AJ's passion exudes through the screen and the benefits that Raising Cane's is offering, and in fact doubling down on in the face of economic headwinds, are not just uncommon but they are life-changing for the next generation of restaurant leaders. Today my role in the industry is a little different but it is one that I love. I have the privilege to support great restaurant brands, including Raising Cane's, in finding top=tier leaders that fit with the brand's DNA, and that unbeknownst to them today, will provide opportunities that they would never have dreamt of. So how does Cane's do it in a historically upended business environment? From my view, it comes down to to the basics, the very reason I fell in love with the industry so long ago but that so many restaurant companies have forgotten. 1. Raising Cane's stays true to their identity, their culture, and their mission of "One Love." I've never seen a brand as insistent on protecting their culture as I have seen with Cane's. 2. Raising Cane's is unrelenting about operations excellence and the pursuit of scratch-made menu items with no excuses for not delivering it fast. 3. It's all about people with Raising Cane's. There are few brands that invest in people both developmentally and financially like Cane's does. And I have worked for some solid companies! The people at Cane's have skin in the game, benefit financially when the company succeeds, and their passion for running restaurants and their brand, is contagious. 4. Finally, Cane's gets marketing right. When I first started my restaurant journey, one thing that connected with me was how engaged in the community many restaurant brands were. Today this is a novelty and community engagement is often a "nod" versus a ideal or value of the brand. For Cane's, value is about a great meal, at a great price, with a great experience. I know it might sound like I am a "fan boy" of Raising Cane's. Although I do love my go to meal, a delicious "Box Combo" sub toast for the slaw, two extra Cane's sauces, and a large Coke Zero, my appreciation for the brand comes right back to what AJ talked about in this interview. When brands listen to customers, stay true to who they really are, and create an environment where their people have skin in the game, they will win! What are your thoughts on what it takes to excel in business today?

'We can barely pay them above minimum wage.' Our CEO, Kelli O'Toole, was interviewed as part of today's story on Division of Public Service, KJZZ, KBACH, SPOT127, Sun Sounds, Hear Arizona about the impact of Arizona's shortage of Direct Support Professionals on our organization and industry. Read the full story ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gcSdUtZ4

Great perspective on a very complicated and impactful topic.

West Hollywood's minimum wage hike to $19.08 an hour, currently the highest in the U.S., has stirred concern among local business owners, notably impacting the operational viability of many establishments. Josiah Citrin, a renowned chef and restaurant owner, expresses deep worry about the sustainability of his new steakhouse, citing the immense challenge posed by the city's wage mandate. This concern is echoed by several business owners in West Hollywood, where the highest minimum wage in the nation is being felt acutely. The ordinance, while aiming to provide economic justice for workers, has led to financial strain, staff reductions, and closures among local businesses. On the flip side, cost of living in West Hollywood, CA is nearly 62% higher than the average U.S. cost of living. How can workers afford to live on minimum wage? #HR #HumanResources #MinimumWage #WestHollywood #CostofLiving #EmploymentLaw

It will be interesting to watch how California's minimum wage law impacts the broader restaurant industry. There's already been one brand to feel the impact, closing the doors on their CA based locations. We'll be keeping an eye on this, how are you going to the same? How many more brands will leave California? Who can withstand passing the wage increase onto their customers without sacrificing market share? Will C-Store's grab these consumers with their more affordable options? Measuring the Impact of California’s Minimum Wage Increase on Restaurants

Called it. Last week I published an essay on Medium about a coffee shop here in Austin that raised their menu prices in order to give their baristas a wage boost. Now instead of earning ~$15+ tips, baristas earn $22+ tips. (Because let's be honest here, the barista taking your order is telling you about the wage hike, but they aren't necessarily asking you to stop tipping). Next month, California's new minimum wage law goes into effect, increasing the wage for service workers to $20 an hour. This isn't economically viable unless you want to pay $40 for a Big Mac. Recognizing the harm this is going to cause, businesses are pre-emptively starting to cut labor. Now instead of being paid more, workers are being cut out of the equation altogether. Wage hikes are well-intended, but decisions come with consequences. Businesses and consumers alike will adapt and the people who lose out the most are the very people these types of policies are trying to help -- the workers. You can read my full take here: https://lnkd.in/gdKisgtF

I try to avoid most things political on LinkedIn, however - this one is very interesting to follow. It draws lines to McCormick place, and now the Chicago Teachers' Union, who are requesting a budget INCREASE of $50b - the equivalent of the entire state budget. It should be a simple demand and supply discussion. However, the equilibrium is sometimes skewed by new employee requirements and existing job protection. I am not against unions; in fact, most of Bramidan is unionized. It works very well - we have great dialogue; we can present our views and usually come to a fair agreement. What are your thoughts on these developments?

With rising operating costs and the implementation of a new minimum wage law, some franchisees have opted to restructure their staffing models, resulting in layoffs and broader industry challenges like adjusting service offerings. Regardless of layoffs and further adjustments, these changes come with potential implications for prices for consumers. The debate surrounding the impact of wage laws on employment continues, with differing perspectives on the effectiveness and consequences of such measures. Regardless of one's stance, it's clear that these changes are reshaping the restaurant landscape and prompting stakeholders to reconsider business strategies in response to evolving economic conditions. Read more from Fox Business Network by Louis Casiano: https://lnkd.in/gZvUdi6Q #HalifaxWest #WinTogether #capitaladvisory #MandA #restructuring #operatingadvisory #RestaurantIndustry #LaborMarket #MinimumWage #JobLoss #DeliveryServices #EconomicImpact #BusinessRestructuring #CaliforniaEmployment #IndustryChallenges #WorkforceAdaptation

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