Cheryl Bachelder is the author of the new book “Dare to serve: How to Drive Superior Results by Serving Others”. Cheryl has served as CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. since 2007. Ms. Bachelder has led a remarkable turnaround of the company’s financial results with a compelling strategic roadmap for growth and an inspiring purpose and set of principles. The results – industry leading performance for the franchise owners and the shareholders. Ms. Bachelder has more than 35 years of experience in brand building, operations and public-company management at companies like Yum Brands, Domino’s Pizza, RJR Nabisco, The Gillette Company and The Procter & Gamble Company.
At the time of Ms. Bachelder’s 2007 appointment to CEO, Popeyes’ guest visits had been declining for years, restaurant sales and profit trends were negative. The company stock price had dropped from $34 in 2002 to $13. The brand was stagnant, and relations between the company and its franchise owners were strained. Ms. Bachelder and her team created a workplace where people were treated with respect and dignity yet challenged to perform at the highest level. Silos and self were set aside in favor of collaboration and team play. And the results were measured with rigor and discipline.
By 2014, average restaurant sales were up 25 percent, and profits were up 40 percent. Popeyes’ market share had grown from 14 percent to 21 percent, and the stock price was over $40. In 2012, Ms. Bachelder was recognized as Leader of the Year by the Women’s Foodservice Forum and received the highest industry award, the Silver Plate, for the quick service restaurant sector, presented by the International Food Manufacturer’s Association. She was also recognized as a 2012 Nation’s Restaurant News’ Golden Chain Award recipient.
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Key Takeaways:
[4:23] Why the mom and pop restaurants seem to be fading away and being replaced by franchises
[6:52] How restaurants are starting to implement analytics and technology to get ahead in the marketplace
[10:19] How Popeye’s is starting to forecast demand of their customers
[12:20] What a $15 minimum wage would mean to companies like Popeye’s
[17:18] How having Louisiana roots has led to Popeye’s differentiate from the competitors
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