FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution

FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution Trailer Bonus Episode 56 Season 15

Master of Scale: John Ramsay on Scaling Taco Cabana and Building Brand Loyalty

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Franchising can be a double-edged sword—scaling a brand while maintaining its soul is no easy feat. John Ramsay, a veteran with over 35 years of experience in franchising, who’s leading the charge to transform Taco Cabana into a powerhouse of profitability and culture. In today’s episode, we dive into John’s journey from designing restaurants to developing franchise systems, the strategic pivots that have positioned Taco Cabana for success, and the lessons any restaurateur can apply to their own business. Whether you’re an independent operator or considering franchising, this episode is packed with insights you can use. For more information on Taco Cabana and their exciting expansion plans, visit https://www.tacocabana.com.

Takeaways
  • Taco Cabana started as a bar outpost in San Antonio.
  • The brand straddles fast food and full-service dining.
  • Messaging focuses on variety, convenience, and value.
  • Breakfast culture is key to customer engagement.
  • Franchising requires a stable brand and committed leadership.
  • Unit economics are crucial for franchise success.
  • Building a franchise model involves collaboration across departments.
  • Ideal franchisees should have restaurant experience and community ties.
  • Market selection is based on supply chain efficiency and operational support.
  • Catering is essential for revenue and brand building.
Chapters
00:00 The Origins of Taco Cabana
06:08 Breakfast Culture and Customer Engagement
11:46 Franchising Strategy and Timing
17:55 Building a Franchise Model from Scratch
23:47 Market Selection and Growth Strategy
29:56 Catering as a Revenue Stream
35:59 Maintaining Focus on Awareness

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What is FULL COMP: The Voice of the Restaurant Industry Revolution?

What if I told you that the difference between struggling and thriving in the restaurant industry is just one conversation away?

I’m Josh Kopel, a Michelin-awarded restaurateur who’s spent decades building blockbuster brands across every tier of dining. I know the challenges you’re facing—because I’ve been there. That’s why I created FULL COMP.

Every week, I go one-on-one with the smartest minds in the game—restaurateurs, chefs, and industry insiders who’ve cracked the code. Together, we unpack their biggest wins, hardest lessons, and the strategies that changed everything.

No fluff, no filler—just actionable insights to help you boost profits, build your brand, and create the kind of restaurant you’ve always dreamed of.

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