How did you get into the food service industry?
13 years ago I decided to go to Culinary School. Cooking had been a lifelong passion for me and after writing 2 cook books and being contracted as a franchisor TV personality, getting classical training felt like the right thing to do. It was a fantastic experience that ultimately became my catalyst for entering the industry. After finishing first in my class, I directed my efforts towards buying a restaurant. This led me to the acquisition of Mr. B’s Pub, an iconic sports bar in the heart of Royal Oak, Michigan. Mr. B’s was a very large facility with a bar, liquor license and banquet room that was going mostly unused. We tried a number of concepts that really didn’t pan out. In 2017 my son invited me to Denver to see a handful of Speakeasy’s that had opened up and he was very impressed with. It was a new concept to him, as he moved from Detroit to Denver and searched out good venues for great cocktails. I flew out to see him and observed all the concepts he spoke of for me to benchmark. I was convinced! I flew home and put the wheels in motion to open Johnny’s Speakeasy. Our basement has been killing it ever since!
What’s New in the Business or in the Johnny’s Franchise Model?
Our business presents the adventurous nature of a Speakeasy in combination with high quality artisan cocktails, food, and wine. While most franchises focus on highly commodity oriented products, we focus on the unique! Ultimately our customers become our marketing team through vast amounts of social media posts and recommendations. We call it the ‘little engine that could’. We commonly do 3 turns on a weekend night and we don’t even have a sign on our door!
Where do you See Opportunities or Challenges for the Franchise/Business Moving Forward?
The opportunity is founded in a great cost model with a exciting customer experience. Over 80% of our reviews in OpenTable are 5 stars! Our greatest challenge is reservation management. We run a fluid system that optimizes cover flow, but the effort to optimize this takes a concentrated effort.
What is your Goal for the Johnny’s Speakeasy Business Moving Forward?
Our goal is very simple, to continuously improve! This is at the core of our culture, and we firmly believe it is at the heart of all great businesses. We don’t just talk about it, it’s built into the fabric of our organization. It’s a culture that we live and breath every day. We are very excited to incorporate our franchisees into this culture and continuously improve with our new partners.
Talk to us About Training and Support, How Do You Deliver
We delivery in detail with a variety of in person and virtual formats to take advantage of for a franchisee’s education. Our on site training includes intensive class work and real time practice rite in the original Johnny’s Speakeasy. Throughout the business launch we stay close through numerous virtual meetings. I will personally be there to watch and advise the opening week and make sure franchisees start off on the right foot.
Your most difficult moment at the Franchise Business?
Our most difficult moments come when we overbook an evening. It’s challenging to know just how much fallout from cancellations or no shows you are going to get in an evening. It’s part of the business. So naturally we overbook to compensate. Unfortunately on those evening when no shows and cancellations are limited, we have to manage a line to get in. There are good strategies for this, but it can be stressful.
Define your Franchise Model Training and Support Model:
Our training and support model is hands on at both our facility and the lauch site. 2 days of classes followed by 4 days of hands on business operation in our facility is done twice. This is followed up with virtual training and on site visits to the franchise launch location. We are there when you open!
What is the Fee Structure?
$50,000 licensing fee. 5% of gross sales as a royalty fee. 1% of gross sales contribution to corporate marketing.
Territory Definition?
We are looking at major cities as territories, with 1 to 2 locations max per city. Ideally one location in a strong downtown area and possible a second in higher income surrounding suburbs.
What does Your Franchisee Do in the Business Every Day?
You begin your day by checking and booking reservations. It’s not time intensive, but in a few short minutes you have your fingers on the pulse of the business. Most days start with some purchasing objectives and that might lead into some interviews or team meetings. These meetings include staff education and continuous improvement activities. Weekly you will choose your days to focus on accounting and marketing, which I prefer to do while we are closed. Once we open it is all about the customer. The opportunity to talk to customers is abundant, and it really makes your day when people describe your products as amazing or the best they’ve ever had! Observing service and making sure the team is being supported with good direction and resources is at the heart of your responsibility.
Who is the Ideal Franchise Candidate?
The ideal candidate is one who becomes a driving force for our mission and culture. Building the team and keeping them on track is a byproduct of sticking to these concepts. The ability to comprehend and observe details, lead in a positive fashion, and make sure that customer satisfaction is a top priority. This requires good communication skills and a penchant for detail. Customers, investors, and employees. If you keep these stakeholders happy, you’ve won! Business and hospitality experience is very useful.
What Goals Do You Have for the Franchise Model in the Future?
We would like to be in 20 different cities within the next 5 years. Continuing to improve our systems, innovate our product, and build a strong team are core to our goals.
For more information on the Johnny’s Speakeasy Franchise System, visit the corporate site: