Sound bites about leadership from the CEOs of leading and emerging restaurant chains including Firehouse Subs, Corner Bakery, and Argo Tea -- from the National Restaurant Association 2013 Show in Chicago (May, 2013). Learn more: http://deniseleeyohn.com

1. Leadership Lessons
from the National
Restaurant Association
2013 Show
In May, 2013, business leaders from the restaurant industry gathered in Chicago.
Here are sound bites from their presentations and discussions.
by denise lee yohn
http://deniseleeyohn.com
1

2. 2
“You have to be optimistic
to be in this business.”
Don Fox, CEO, Firehouse Subs

3. 3
“Work for a brand
you believe in.”
Mike
Hislop, CEO, Corne
r Bakery

4. 4
“Leadership today involves
facilitating the problem-
solving of others.” Justin Menkes, Author,
Better Under Pressure

5. 5
“For a growing brand,
culture is the most
important consideration.”
Don Fox, CEO, Firehouse Subs

6. 6
“You have to have values --
plus the integrity to sustain
those values.” Arsen Avakian, CEO, Argo Tea

7. 7
“A great internal brand
will lead to a great
external one.”
Jonathan Newman,
Co-CEO, Sweet Green

8. 8
“Don’t talk marketing when it
comes to sustainability; just talk
common sense.” Arsen Avakian, CEO, Argo Tea

9. 9
“Create experiences
Jonathan Newman, Co-
CEO, Sweet Green
where you
passion and
your purpose
intersect.”

10. 10
“Having a great idea that
differentiates you doesn’t last long,
so it comes down to execution in
the everyday experience.”Kevin Reddy, Chairman
& CEO, Noodles & Co.

11. 11
“Our mission isn’t complicated
but it requires a lot of focus..”
Jonathan Kaplan, CEO, The Melt

12. 12
“We’re building relationships
one customer at a time, one
cup at a time.” Arsen Avakian, CEO, Argo Tea

13. 13
“To customers, the restaurant
is the brand.” Peter Nolan, Chief Brand Officer,
Roti Mediterrean Grill

14. 14
“Investors are stakeholders who
make your brand – they have
to fit as much as your
employees.” Jonathan Newman, Co-
CEO, Sweet Green

15. 15
“Many believe they don’t have
control over their fate. Those
that thrive believe they do.”
Justin Menkes, Author,
Better Under Pressure

16. 16
“If your approach is too
rational, you’re never going
to break the category.”
Arsen Avakian, CEO, Argo Tea

17. 17
“The higher you go,
the less it is about you.”
Justin Menkes, Author,
Better Under Pressure

18. 18
more from denise:
steve jobs on brand-building
whole foods for thought
denise lee yohn
http://deniseleeyohn.com
@deniseleeyohn