Gridiron Burgers to Blizzard Billions: Fast Food Fortunes From Freddy's and Dairy Queen | Season 10, Vol. 17

In today's episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg “The Restaurant Guy” and Jimmy Frischling “The Finance Guy” are joined by Chris Dull, President and CEO of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, and Chris Wren, Vice President Head of International Development of Dairy Queen.

Chris Dull shares how Freddy’s great franchise partners have powered growth to over 500 locations by mastering operations and development. He highlights innovations like kitchen display software that optimize speed and consistency.

Chris Wren provides an overview of Dairy Queen's 2500+ international locations, including a major presence in China. He emphasizes the importance of knowing a company's history before making changes. He also talks about the significance of recognizing restaurant workers during visits for the profound impact it has on morale.

Whether you bleed DQ Blizzards or Freddy’s custard, don’t miss this cross-industry extravaganza!

Key Takeaways

• [03:47 - 07:16] Introducing Chris Dull, President and CEO of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
• [04:03 - 05:50] Chris' time as a linebacker at Baylor University in 1995, then tracing his path from Marble Slab Creamery, the International Franchise Association, Global Franchise Group, Bean & Brew, and now Freddy's
• [05:59 - 07:16] Chris' journey in his own words
• [07:20 - 09:54] Jimmy gets the breaking news, Freddy's just opened their 510th restaurant in Freddy's Nation. Chris discusses the phenomenal growth and strategy behind it.
• [09:55 - 13:08] The importance of the tech stack in any restaurant,
• [13:09 - 14:26] What's next for Freddy's and Freddy's Nation? New innovations in quality chicken. The guys talk shop about the new chicken club sandwich.
• [14:27 - 18:41] Talking Back — Chris asks what Schatzy finds exciting about the industry right now, and asks Jimmy how to measure technology and savings that might see on paper versus interfering with guest experience
• [18:41 - 20:49] Food Service Feud, The Toast Restaurant Report: Which state sells most alcoholic beverages during lunch?
• [20:54 - 23:12] Branded Quickfire, Chris Dull Las Vegas Edition
• [24:49 - 28:56] Introducing Chris Wren, Vice President and Head of International Development for Dairy Queen. His history in Western University for political science, MBA from Southern Memphis University, to Yum! Brands, Pizza Hut France, then Dine Brands, Citibank Restaurant franchising, Wingstop, and finally Dairy Queen
• [29:05 - 30:21] Singing the Dairy Queen jingle
• [30:23 - 32:01] Expanding Dairy Queen into international markets and discussing growth, "People will seemingly consume an unlimited quantity of ice cream"
• [32:01 - 32:56] Chris thinks the Gulf is a huge area of opportunity for Dairy Queen's expansion, and in the United Kingdom
• [32:56 - 33:28] Discussing their favorite items at Dairy Queen
• [33:29 - 35:51] Enabling businesses to succeed and people to work their way up, Chris talks about how the industry should be having fun or you're doing something wrong.
• [35:53 - 36:37] Ice cream and beer summits
• [36:36 - 39:12] Chris' career in international franchising, and the lessons he learned, advice for visiting restaurants as corporate employees.
• [39:12 - 41:32] Learning on the job, cumulative result of the efforts of thousands of people over a long period of time and many mistakes
• [41:32 - 42:51] Food Service Feud, Chris Dull edition: Toast Restaurant Report, Which US state has the most generous tippers
• [42:53 - 45:20] Branded Quickfire, Chris Dull Vegas edition

Episode Credits:

• Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
• Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
• Producer: Julie Zucker
• Creative Director: Adam Levine
• Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
• Post Production: Three Cheers Creative

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