“I am a disciple of Patagonia… Can we build a lifestyle-driven fast food restaurant?  If we can, it’s not going to be overnight – it will be by constantly going back to the mission.”

Pete Newlin, CEO, Birdcall

I was intrigued going into this episode with Pete Newlin of Birdcall.  I knew that Pete was (and is) involved in Park Burger – he started as an hourly employee and worked his way to becoming a Partner of Gastamo – the ownership group for Park Burger, Birdcall and others.  Pete was part of the concepting team for Birdcall, and as its CEO has great ambitions to see if he can pattern a fast food brand after Patagonia and create a “lifestyle-driven fast food restaurant.”

Dave Tabor, Host, PROCO360

In this brief episode I’m not having a guest.  I’ll reflect on what I’ve learned from my guests, and from conversations with HUNDREDS of Colorado business leaders in 2021. It’s those in-depth interviews and conversations that have shaped my views, and my perspectives for 2022. I’ve been writing about these in recent blog posts so I encourage you to visit www.PROCO360.com.

“There are only so many A-players out there and we’re doing what we feel is right for the people we work with… the more of those you have around you, the more successful you will be.” 

Frank Bonanno, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, Bonanno Concepts

I reached out to Frank Bonanno after I read that his Bonanno Concepts restaurants and bars (10 in total) had instituted a policy which requires all employees to be vaccinated and all guests to prove their positive vaccination status before being able to enter a Bonanno Concepts business.  Frank graciously agreed to talk about that – and as you’ll hear in this longer than usual episode, the conversation went much deeper about creating a work environment that has led to 100% employment in a hospitality arena where others are struggling to maintain staffing levels.  Fascinating insights.  They can easily be mimicked – are they?  Not by many.  Will they?  You decide how likely that is.