078: Breakfast Is Booming: Affordability, Speed, and Full-Service Experience with Ricky Richardson

In this episode of The Pineapple Perspective, host Troy Hooper talks with Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill, about what hospitality looks like in practice and what it takes to scale a franchise brand without losing the culture that made it successful.

Richardson shares lessons from a 35+ year career spanning Black-Eyed Pea and TGI Fridays, then explains why he chose a smaller, high-growth environment at Eggs Up Grill. He breaks down what's fueling momentum in the breakfast/brunch category, how Eggs Up Grill positions itself with everyday affordability, speed, and a "uniquely friendly" experience, and why those pillars are resonating in a cautious consumer environment.

The conversation continues on operational discipline in franchising, brand clarity, franchisee profitability, and consistent execution, plus a practical approach to technology adoption that favors simple, scalable solutions (including POS standardization and tools that support operators without adding complexity).

Topics Discussed in the Episode

• Defining hospitality as creating positive guest experiences

• Career lessons from legacy brands and applying them in a growth concept

• Why breakfast and brunch concepts are expanding and winning demand

• Protecting brand DNA and culture while scaling a franchise system

• Practical technology strategy for franchise operations and speed of service

Connect with Ricky Richardson:

https://eggsupgrill.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-richardson-971b0012

https://www.linkedin.com/company/eggs-up-grill

https://www.facebook.com/eggsupgrill/

https://www.instagram.com/eggs_up_grill/

This show is sponsored by Pepper Lunch. Find a location near you!

Production and Administration work completed by Smart Podcast Solutions and Elevate Virtual Business Solutions.