Habit Burger CEO Shannon Hennessy on the need to be quick and nimble in a fast-changing industry
Description
In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Shannon Hennessy, the CEO of Habit Burger & Grill. The California-based better-burger chain has grown to nearly 400 locations over its 56 years and now, with help from parent company Yum Brands, is plotting coast to coast growth. Shannon joined Habit Burger from sister chain KFC back in 2022 and took over as CEO in 2023, and she’s overseeing the strategy to “double charge growth.” On the heels of Habit’s Q3 earnings, which showed system sales up 3% and positive same-store sales and traffic, Shannon joined the podcast to talk about creating a fresh experience at Habit Burger as part of that growth, and about how making changes today as a restaurant leader is different even than it was just three to five years ago.
In this conversation, you’ll find out why:
- Your customers have their own unique definition of value
- Scaling your business requires strength in new areas
- The labor line on your P&L should be seen as an investment, not an expense
- You don’t have the luxury of time with brand changes — but you need to be patient with results
- Restaurant leaders of today must be better gamblers
- Your corporate and restaurant employees must be aligned as one team
Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.
United States
