Brinker International's James Butler on Fire Prevention Awards for Restaurant Supply Chains

8 snips

Jul 31, 2025

James Butler, SVP & Chief Supply Chain and Corporate Strategy Officer at Brinker International, dives into the intricacies of managing restaurant supply chains. He discusses the paramount importance of food safety and quality while navigating challenges like perishable inventory and rapid growth. Butler shares insights from his pandemic experiences, emphasizing the need for innovative problem-solving and teamwork in overcoming supply chain hurdles. He also highlights the role of technology in enhancing operational efficiency and fostering collaboration across industries.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Supply Chain is Creative Problem Solving

Regardless of industry, supply chain boils down to creative problem solving around constraints.
Empower front-line teams with autonomy and clear vision to drive success.

INSIGHT

Complexity in Restaurant Supply Chains

Restaurant supply chains manage complex perishable inventory with multiple daily deliveries.
Ensuring smooth delivery lets restaurant managers focus on hospitality, not inventory management.

ADVICE

Build Efficient Supplier Partnerships

Leverage technology and partnerships to improve supplier manufacturing efficiency.
Sharing efficiencies benefits suppliers and enhances product availability for restaurants.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Meet James Butler, SVP & Chief Supply Chain and Corporate Strategy Officer at Brinker International,

"I always tell the team, our vision is to be the world's leading supply chain, restaurant supply chain organization. And that really comes down to five pillars that I've ordered in exactly their level of importance. And the very first one is food safety and quality," says James Butler, SVP & Chief Supply Chain and Corporate Strategy Officer at Brinker International, showcasing his unwavering commitment to excellence in supply chain management.

James addresses one of the most complex challenges in modern business: managing supply chains that must deliver consistent quality across thousands of locations while maintaining the highest food safety standards. Restaurant supply chains face unique pressures, including perishable inventory, multiple daily deliveries, and the need to support rapid growth without compromising operational excellence. His role uniquely combines supply chain operations with corporate strategy, allowing him to align tactical execution with long-term business objectives.

James's journey to Brinker began with a diverse career spanning sales, consulting at Deloitte, and supply chain leadership at major companies including Georgia Pacific and KFC. His experience during the pandemic at KFC, where he navigated product shortages, steep inflation, and changing consumer demands, prepared him for the strategic challenges he faces today. This breadth of experience across industries has given him a unique perspective on creative problem-solving and the importance of building resilient, forward-thinking supply chain operations.

In This Episode

James Butler's leadership philosophy centers on transforming traditional supply chain teams from reactive "firefighters" into proactive "fire preventers." Through his innovative Smokey Bear Award and emphasis on building stronger processes, he demonstrates how strategic thinking can elevate supply chain operations from tactical necessity to competitive advantage, ultimately supporting Brinker's mission to deliver exceptional dining experiences across their global restaurant network.

Topics

Pandemic-era lessons in supply chain resilience, including managing product shortages and rapidly changing consumer demands.
The "fall in love with the problem, not the solution" methodology to drive effective problem-solving.
Transforming supply chain teams from reactive firefighters to proactive fire preventers through cultural change and recognition programs.
Food safety and quality as the non-negotiable foundation of all restaurant supply chain operations and decision-making processes.
Managing complex logistics for thousands of suppliers delivering to 1,600+ restaurants while maintaining consistency and availability.
Technology implementation strategies that prioritize understanding optimal processes before selecting and customizing software solutions to fit workflows.
Aligning supply chain operations with corporate strategy to drive restaurant growth and enhance the guest experience.
Sustainability initiatives and responsible sourcing practices in restaurant supply chains, including partnerships with suppliers on emissions reduction.
Innovation management in traditionally risk-averse environments, including balancing creativity with operational reliability and food safety requirements.

Get in touch with James Butler:

Website

Get in touch with your host, Kerrie Jordan:

Twitter

Download, Listen, and Subscribe

Apple | Spotify | YouTube