![]() ![]() We built a makeshift drive-thru operation at our Mt. Operationally, we pivoted quickly with innovation and teamwork. So many things during this time kept going wrong, but we looked at each instance as an opportunity to improve as a brand and as leaders within our industry. The second philosophy was that tackling adversity head on always builds muscle and that embracing failure is always healthy, as long as you fail forward. We doubled down on culture as our primary focus…identifying and outlining clear core values and working hard to train our leaders how to recruit, hire, operate, and retain based on those values. The first philosophy was that our team always comes first. We quickly identified two key philosophies that helped us push through the chaos. We found an amazing spot in the growing area of Nexton in Summerville, began design, and signed a lease…then boom, Covid hit and everything was on full pause. To our delight we immediately had lines out the door and down the sidewalk, so we knew we needed another location to serve as our proof of concept. We opened our first location as a brand new concept December 22nd or 2018, not really knowing how well we would be received. We went from a small operation of being the new kid on the block, to creating a sustainable, electric concept with what will be our 6th location by the beginning of next year! With supply chain gaps, record high gas prices, and inflation ballooning the cost of labor, goods and equipment, anyone would be crazy to try and keep opening stores during this period of time, but we are making it work! In a time where so many unfortunate operators are having to close their doors or adjust their hours or days open, we have clawed, scraped, and fought our way through it and are thriving as a brand. My firm belief in George’s leadership, his trust in me and my family, and his dedication to success and a team-first mentality quickly put all my nerves and doubts to rest.Īs far as the company goes, the biggest risk we at Vicious Biscuit have taken is our growth model during the pandemic and post-pandemic. I had never been involved in starting a company from the ground up, much less given the opportunity to build it the way that I knew how. I was full of excitement and an unfamiliar anxiety I had never felt before. After a few months of deliberation and many heartfelt conversations and support from my wife, I happily accepted the opportunity. Starting over with an unproven concept seemed very risky at that time, especially having a wife, two kids, and a third soon to follow. I was very apprehensive at the time because I had an established career with Chick-fil-A where I had been for 4 years. George McLaughlin, one of my previous mentors, reached out to me about coming on board to help build out a new concept. My personal biggest risk I have ever taken was my decision to join an unknown, start-up restaurant concept. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story? Michael, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We recently connected with Michael Ball and have shared our conversation below. ![]()
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