Welcome to the latest episode of Empire Builders! Today, Tommy Yionoulis is thrilled to introduce our guest, Orhan Veli, a franchisee of SaladWorks, a quick-service restaurant specializing in healthy eating, primarily salads. Orhan shares his journey from finance to managing multiple SaladWorks locations, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of the food industry.

Key Points Discussed:

Introduction to Orhan Veli:

• Orhan's background as an immigrant from Azerbaijan and his journey to the United States.
• Transition from a finance career at Morgan Stanley to joining the family business in the restaurant industry.
• The successful management of eleven SaladWorks locations and supplying salads to 28 Giant supermarket locations.

Challenges in the Food Industry:

• Logistical challenges of maintaining freshness and managing labor in a restaurant.
• The importance of efficient operations and adaptability in the food industry.
• Comparisons between running a restaurant with perishable products and other food operations.

Orhan's Entrepreneurial Journey:

• Starting with a Charlie's Subs franchise in Philadelphia, a competitive market.
• Observing the operational ease of SaladWorks compared to the labor-intensive sub shop.
• Transitioning to SaladWorks in 2011, guided by the largest franchisee at the time.

Managing a Restaurant with Perishable Products:

• The importance of having a skilled team and efficient processes to handle unpredictability.
• Customer service and employee retention as critical factors for success.
• The need for passion and enjoyment in the business to achieve long-term success.

Impact of Third-Party Delivery Services:

• The profound effect of delivery services on profitability.
• Strategies to balance the shift in customer behavior, including menu pricing and unique in-store experiences.
• Exploring automation and tech partnerships to streamline processes while maintaining quality.

Navigating Rising Labor Costs:

• Challenges in hiring qualified individuals for prep work.
• Potential automation options to manage labor costs and improve efficiency.

Commitment to Customers:

• Decision not to raise prices in 2023 out of concern for loyal customers.
• Plans for navigating the fine line between profitability and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Tommy and Orhan conclude the episode with reflections on the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of passion, efficient operations, and customer service in the food industry. Orhan's story highlights the resilience and adaptability required to succeed in a competitive market. Whether you're interested in the food industry or entrepreneurial stories, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on overcoming challenges, managing a restaurant with perishable products, and achieving success in the food industry with Orhan Veli.

Links And Resources:

• Saladworks
• Orhan Veli on LinkedIn

• Tommy Yionoulis on Linkedin
• OpsAnalitica

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