{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Welcome to the Arena from ICR – Conversations with Today's Innovators & Business Leaders","title":"Steve Kislow, CEO, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – Controlled Burn: Achieving consistent growth in the restaurant sector without sacrificing quality","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/7af1d58a\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1679,"description":"Summary:\n\n There are a lot of different brands fighting for market share in the \"polished\" segment of the restaurant industry. To stand out, you need to offer great food, at great value, in a great atmosphere. But above all, you need to make sure you have the right people at your side.\nAnd if anyone knows the value of people, it's Steve Kislow, the CEO of Firebirds wood-fired Grills. Since joining the Firebirds team in 2003, Steve has helped open dozens of locations, as the brand has grown from three restaurants in two states to 60 plus locations in 22 states.\n\nSteve joins us to talk about Firebirds' approach to innovation, their commitment to customer experience, and their plans to expand their reach even further in the coming years. He also discusses the emphasis Firebirds places on always hiring the best.\n\nHighlights:\nPath from chef to CEO (2:23)\nFirebirds' niche (4:27)\nHow Covid Changed Things (6:44)\nMenu Innovation (8:17)\nAUVs (11:18)\nPrice Adjustments (12:37)\nGrowth Strategy (13:41)\nChanges to 'The Box' (15:48)\nGrowing While Preserving Quality (16:58)\nChanges in Consumer Behavior (19:10)\nApproach to Technology (21:41)\nEvolution of the Corporate Culture (22:49)\n10 Year Outlook (24:09)\nFavorite Dishes (25:34)\nLinks:\nSteve's LinkedIn\nFirebirds LinkedIn\nFirebirds Website\nICR LinkedIn\nICR Twitter\nICR Website\n\nFeedback:\nIf you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/VPbFZOgoHk78hrWlplrfMSrQROUNxI8jcZ2Gv-hyKm4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9mYmFh/NWFlNGJjY2Y0NGFk/YmM2NWJiMTI4NmVh/OWQ4Yi5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}