Although 2008 was a rough year for many industries, including the restaurant biz, some fast food restaurant chains and franchisees are posting impressive growth.
McDonald’s corporation reported 7.7% comparable-store sales growth in November. Burger King and Yum Brands’ business units Taco Bell and Pizza Hut have also posted strong growth.
JobApp Network, a company that provides a subscription-based, automated phone and web-based solution for employers with hourly employees, said in a press release that many of the Taco Bell franchises utilizing their hiring management system experienced 8-10% increases in comparable-store sales for 2008.
JobApp Network reports that these companies credit their staff for sales growth.
Rodney Walker, the president and co-owner of 42 Taco Bell and KFC restaurants in Michigan said, “While comparable-store sales are up significantly, we always focus on the fundamentals. Rain or sunshine, recession or economic exuberance, we have always believed that the key to multi-unit success is people, people, and people.”
But finding the right people can seem daunting, especially considering how the pool of job seekers has mushroomed due to layoffs.
Gordon McKinnon is another Taco Bell franchisee who co-owns and operates over 20 restaurants. McKinnon said, “A lot of operators believe that hiring in today’s high unemployment environment is easier. I would argue that unless you have the right tools in place, it is actually more difficult because the haystack has become much bigger.”
Popularity: 4% [?]
January 26th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I can say without a doubt that within my organization, Taco consumption is always at an elevated rate. Although not measured officially, our taco consumption rate remains at record levels even after the New Year’s resolutions. For us, Taco consumption is not a cause but rather an effect. We have realized that as margaritas and other celebratory drinks are consumed, the demand for tacos increases significantly. The consumption rate exponentially increases after 1am.