Shake Shack launched in 2001 as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park, near the restaurateur’s flagship grill. Created to capitalize on increased neighborhood foot traffic generated by a local art installation, the food truck quickly built a fan base and became a summer attraction on its own steam. Recognizing the concept’s wider potential, Meyer’s management team won a bid in 2004 to open a permanent kiosk in the park. From this location, Shake Shack “welcomed people from all over the city, country and world,” the company’s web site explained, with “fresh, simple high-quality versions” of American fast food made to order, served with dollops of humor, local sourcing and social awareness.
Dawn Sweeney, CEO of the National Restaurant Association, sees Shake Shack’s success as a triumph in the fast-growing category called quick-service/fast-casual. Restaurant sales in this category are projected to rise 4.3 percent his year, says the association, topping the 3.8 percent industry growth rate.
“Fast-casual restaurants often highlight build-your-own menus, using fresh ingredients,” she said. “Many customer groups, especially millennials, seek these as unique dining experiences.”
Steve Haweeli, a veteran restaurant promoter and founder of Restaurant Metro Marketing in New York, sees Meyer’s strengths as “great systems, great management skills and great people skills.” He adds: “He keeps his staff happy, and that keeps customers happy.”
Meyer expounded on his management philosophy and systems last year at a Chief Executive Network meeting, where his views impressed Chief Executive Group Chairman Wayne Cooper.
“Every morning, Danny would check the day’s reservations and he would write personal notes to repeat guests based on information in the company database. When people arrived for the meal, they would be handed a personal note from the CEO.”
Adds Cooper: “It’s simple but genius. His personal touch creates loyal customers and employees.”
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
