Leadership and Management – Both Essential but Different
by Bob Gershberg, CEO/Managing Partner, Wray Executive Search
Strong leadership without good management or conversely good management without strong leadership can be disconcerting at best. It is important to note the distinction between the two and recognize the necessity of both in order to attain success in any organization. Leadership is about vision, direction, change and motivation. Management plans, budgets, organizes, provides control and solves problems.
Effective leadership often involves incorporating management skills, and effective managers may exhibit leadership qualities. The most successful organizations typically have individuals who can effectively balance both leadership and management functions.
by John A. Gordon, Principal and Founder, Pacific Management Consulting Group
The good news in June sales…. The Bank of America credit/debit report shows improved restaurant sales trends in June vs. May in all but one restaurant segment and in all consumer income cohorts. Versus a year ago, chains were up 5.1% in June vs. 3.1% in May. QSR less pizza was down slightly 7.3 %v 7.4%. Interestingly all of the other segments were positive, with a large positive movement to casual dining (-1.3% to 5.3%). Typically, North American restaurant seasonality peaks in June so we will check to see what happens in July.
The results by the brand continue to back up the “restaurants as splurge option”. In their June 2023 Consumer Update, McKinsey survey data from December 2022 noted restaurants as the top planned “splurge” event.
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
– Jack Welch
Executive Chat with Rebecca Patt
Featuring Michael Mabry, Managing Director of Won Life Brands
Michael Mabry joined Won Life Brands as Managing Director in 2022. Won Life Brands owns, operates, and franchises a growing portfolio of brands including Famous Toastery, Big Burger Spot, Flour Power, and Cartridge World. Michael’s previous roles include President of Famous Toastery, CDO of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, and President/COO of Mooyah Burgers & Fries.
Can you tell me about the history and founding principles of Won Life Brands?
Robert Maynard and I set out to create a company that focuses on growth and development and much like Won Life, this is a double entendre. We all have ‘one’ life to live and we want to ‘win’ at that life. We are in the business to grow and develop people that grow and develop brands.
As an Executive, you know how important it is to maintain a positive brand image, keep your team engaged and motivated, and attract new talent. One way to achieve these goals is by partnering with a non-profit organization that provides full financial transparency, turn-key resources, and provides a low-risk, high-return partnership – such as CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees. CORE is an industry-focused cause and a direct provider of financial grants to food & beverage operations employees with children when the employee, their child, or partner is faced with a health crisis or natural disaster. Nearly one in three U.S. adults say that they cannot cover an unexpected expense of $400 or more, and currently, medical costs are the #1 cause of bankruptcy in our country. When life does not go as planned a CORE grant can make a positive difference to keep a family in their home, keep the lights on, place food on the table, or fill a much-needed prescription.
Streamlining Success: How AI Automation Revolutionizes Backend Operations for Restaurants
by Ray Kelley, SVP & Partner, Wray Executive Search
The restaurant industry is embracing the power of artificial intelligence to streamline operations and drive efficiency. AI automation is transforming backend operations, allowing restaurant executives to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. Let’s look at some areas on how AI can automate backend operations for restaurants, empowering executives to focus on strategic decision-making and deliver exceptional experiences to customers.
Read the latest on restaurant industry job growth from the National Restaurant Association
Restaurant job growth stalled in June
Although job growth slowed significantly in recent months, elevated job openings suggest a continued desire to boost staffing levels.
Job growth in the restaurant industry ground to a halt in June, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Eating and drinking places* lost a net 800 jobs in June on a seasonally-adjusted basis. That followed 29 consecutive months of employment gains – a period during which the industry added more than 2.5 million jobs.
