Insights into the Booming Burger Chain Industry from The Habit’s CMO

 

 

In the world of fast-food and quick-service restaurants, where innovation, quality, and customer engagement are paramount, The Habit Burger Grill is making waves. This year, our brand achieved an incredible milestone, securing the #112 spot on the prestigious Franchise Times Top 400 list. Our spot in this year’s ranking jumped up 36 spots from last year’s position of #148, underlining our rapid growth and performance in the competitive franchise industry.

An exciting aspect of The Habit’s rise to prominence is the dynamic leadership of Jack Hinchliffe, our Chief Marketing Officer who joined the team earlier this year. In a recent interview with Franchise Times, Jack shared valuable insights into the overall performance of the burger chain industry and The Habit’s role in contributing to this growth.

The Habit’s Performance in the Burger Chain Resurgence

The burger chain industry has witnessed an extraordinary resurgence and the quick-service burger segment, in particular, had a phenomenal 2022, generating a staggering $185 billion in sales. This performance not only exceeded pre-pandemic levels, but also showcased a 5.1 percent increase in total sales for the segment.

Amid this thriving industry, The Habit Burger Grill stands out and, in 2022, our brand generated $661 million in systemwide sales. Furthermore, last year we added 31 new units to our brand’s footprint, demonstrating once again our commitment to expanding and enhancing our presence across the globe.

In 2020, Yum! Brands acquired The Habit and has made strides in unlocking potential and capitalizing on shared services. We’ve maximized off-premises channels, thanks to a fully integrated tech stack and a strong focus on restaurant-level execution. This commitment to craft at scale is at the heart of everything we do, and can be seen yet again in the shift we made in digital marketing. We invested in building deeper connections with customers and personalizing communication because in a crowded media and marketing landscape, sharp and focused spending is vital.

As The Habit Burger Grill continues to grow, we look forward to more exciting developments in the years to come.

Interested in developing your multi-unit portfolio with a proven and prominent burger brand franchise investment? Fill out our online inquiry form to get in touch with our team today.

Building Better Habits: Breaking Down the Construction Process with Brad Jefferies

 

The Habit Brad Jefferies - Director of construction

 

From Discovery Day to your restaurant grand opening, it’s no doubt that members of The Habit’s leadership team play pivotal roles throughout the course of opening a franchise. As Director of Construction, Brad Jefferies is one such individual that has led his team through instrumental franchise development efforts.

With over 25 years of experience in the Restaurant & Retail Facilities/Construction industry, Brad’s expertise and leadership have significantly impacted our brand’s franchising endeavors, shaping the overall atmosphere of our restaurants with a clear design vision, while helping franchisees bring their dreams to life. In this next iteration of Building Better Habits, we delve into Brad’s role and explore his influence on design and innovation within The Habit.

Can you describe your professional background and work as Director of Construction & Design with The Habit?

BJ: For the past 25 years, I have immersed myself in the Restaurant & Retail Facilities/Construction industry, honing in on my skills and knowledge in various aspects of the field. As the Director of Construction for The Habit, I have had the privilege of leading the Construction & Design team for the last four years. During this time, we have expanded The Habit’s presence globally, opening locations in Shanghai and Cambodia, while also focusing on growing our footprint on the East Coast and infilling white space in the West in the United States. My team oversees the entire construction process, from initial design and permitting to FF&E procurement and build-out.

How do you approach the process of coordinating with the various design and construction team members to ensure the buildout aligns with the vision and brand identity of The Habit?

BJ: Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We work closely with developers and franchisees to ensure that The Habit’s brand vision is realized in every new restaurant. Our team maintains regular meetings with Habit Burger Grill designers and construction managers who assist throughout the design and build-out process. By fostering open communication and a shared understanding of the brand’s values, we ensure that each restaurant maintains consistency with The Habit’s identity, while accommodating local market needs and preferences.

What is one thing that makes you most proud of your time at The Habit?

BJ: I take immense pride in our ability to open new restaurants during the challenging times of the pandemic. Despite numerous obstacles, our team was able to pivot quickly, addressing supply chain issues and working around permitting delays. It was a true testament to our resilience and adaptability. Opening new locations during such a period showcased the dedication and determination of The Habit’s franchise network and our commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences to Guests across the country.

What are your current goals for your role/department?

BJ: Currently, we’re focused on developing a new prototype design that provides flexibility in choosing suitable sites for future Habit Burger Grill restaurants. I am particularly proud that our in-house design team has created this innovative concept. By enhancing our ability to adapt to diverse locations and market demands, we aim to expand The Habit’s reach and provide even more opportunities for franchisees to thrive.

With his extensive experience and expertise, Brad leads a dedicated team that works in tandem with our other departments to continue building our growing franchise network. We’re eager to watch Brad and his team in the months ahead, as they continue the development of the flexible prototype design. This project is especially reflective of Brad’s commitment to expanding franchise opportunities and maintaining The Habit’s position as a leader in the fast-casual dining industry.

Interested in bringing The Habit to one of our prime open markets? Fill out our online inquiry form to get in touch with our team today.

Multi-Unit Developer Karnardo Garnett Expands The Habit Presence in Florida.

Kerardo Garnett. Mulit Unit Developer

 

 

Karnardo Garnett is a successful entrepreneur who has made a name for himself in the restaurant space. Mr. Garnett’s hospitality-first mindset and passion for building successful relationships led him to franchise with The Habit Burger Grill in early 2022 when he signed a partnership to develop 10 new Habit restaurants in the Tampa Bay market.

 

As The Habit’s presence in the Florida state continues to grow, Garnett is a great example of a franchise owner who’s grown their portfolios in attractive, untapped markets. Read more about Garnett’s background and his inspiration to grow with The Habit.

 

An Early Career in the Tech Industry

Growing up in Georgia and coming from a family of farmers, Garnett developed an appreciation for food and its ability to bring people together at an early age. As a teenager, Garnett got to see the community impact food provides as well as get a taste for the franchise world firsthand as a McDonald’s employee. He would take what he learned from this initial exposure to the franchise business and apply the lessons he learned to his future business operations.

 

After graduating from college, Garnett worked for several Fortune 500 companies as a software engineer, including GE and Verizon. Garnett worked in this field for over a decade and then decided to obtain a law degree and launch his businesses, Legacy Concessions and Legacy Hospitality. It was at this point that Garnett would start to get involved with top-tier brands and restaurant franchises, racking up an impressive portfolio made up of nine restaurant concepts. In 2020, Garnett was inspired to find his next franchise investment when he heard that The Habit had become a part of Yum! Brands. That kind of large-scale backing intrigued Garnett and he began to inquire.

 

Deciding on The Habit

Garnett felt drawn to investing in a burger concept and The Habit specifically interested him for a few reasons. One reason was our aggressive, yet supported and sustainable, approach to franchise growth, a quality Garnett was actively seeking out in his franchise investment. The Habit’s passion for quality food and guest experience also aligned with the seasoned operator’s values, and his extensive business background further solidified the decision to grow an industry-savvy brand.

 

“To say that I am excited about partnering with The Habit Burger Grill is an understatement,” said Karnardo. “I believe in this brand; the quality of its food product and its focus on company culture are one of a kind. In my experience, being in the restaurant industry is all about building relationships with people centered around food. The Habit Burger Grill does an outstanding job of surrounding you with good people, high-quality food options and the systems to deliver a consistent experience. I like to operate based on my company’s core values, which I call the ‘4 W’s’: We Care, We Listen, We Innovate and We Deliver, and through this brand partnership I am able to go above and beyond on all of these to create the best overall dining experience.”

 

We are thrilled to welcome Karnardo Garnett to The Habit franchise family and know that through his hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence, his restaurants in the Florida market will flourish.

 

Are you evaluating your business pursuits and interested in exploring The Habit’s franchise opportunity? Fill out the online inquiry form to get in touch with our team today.

The Habit Women Supporting Franchise Owners & Operations

Shannon Hennessy President, Iwona Alters Chief Operating Officer, Tiffany Furman Chief Financial Officer, Tanya Corners Chief People Officer

 

Over the past few years, the franchise industry has gone through changes to make it a more inclusive and equitable field for the countless women joining executive leadership. Not only have women advanced into roles on a corporate level, but more women are also becoming business owners themselves, investing in franchise concepts. In fact, women account for 31% of small businesses and franchise ownership in the U.S. and are now outnumbering men when it comes to seeking information about franchise ownership.

 

Here at The Habit Burger Grill, we champion women across all levels of our brand and encourage their personal and professional development. Continue reading to learn more about a few women on our executive leadership team who support franchise operators by driving overall brand strategy.

 

Shannon Hennessy, President

With an extensive background in financial analysis and business strategy for brands like Procter & Gamble and McKinsey & Company, Shannon Hennessy joined Yum Brands! in 2020 and has since then been promoted to President of The Habit. In Shannon’s role at The Habit, she works to provide strategic direction for scaling our concept in a consistent and profitable way where our brand can maintain quality while simultaneously improving margins. Shannon is committed to bettering the workplace and enjoys being a part of a people-driven business where she can drive change for advancing equity and inclusion.

 

Iwona Alter, Chief Operating Officer

Joining The Habit team in 2018 as Chief Brand Officer, Iwona Alter has a keen sense for brand marketing and restaurant business that has served her well in her current role as Chief Operating Officer. Iwona was introduced to the restaurant industry during her tenure with Jack in the Box where she held various roles in both operations and marketing including the position of brand’s CMO. Her experience in communications, product development, and innovation with companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Elmer’s Glue, and Shiseido made her a well-rounded business leader. During her time at The Habit, Iwona built a successful marketing team and a foundation for modern marketing. In her current role as COO, Iwona works to prepare The Habit operations for growth by optimizing the model, creating structures supporting both equity and franchise expansion, and building the bench of future leaders. Iwona finds immense satisfaction in developing talent and contributing to the career development of those around her.

 

Tiffany Furman, Chief Financial Officer

As one of the newest members joining The Habit in 2022, Tiffany Furman comes from a background of business planning and franchise development with fellow Yum Brands! subsidiary Taco Bell. In her latest role as CFO for The Habit, Tiffany is able to combine her finance and franchise expertise to develop a business model that pushes the Guest experience to be better. During her 15-year-long tenure at Taco Bell, Tiffany discovered the importance of forming great relationships with franchisees and continues to build those strong ties with The Habit owners. Evolving and innovating motivate Tiffany in the workplace and she is always brainstorming ways to improve policy, strategic development, market planning and more.

 

Tanya Corners, Chief People Officer

Before joining The Habit, Tanya Corners developed her passion for people and food while working in the restaurant industry and also obtained her masters in HR. When she became a part of The Habit 11 years ago, Tanya was the first HR leader and established the department, building a reliable team around her and the brand that focused on a supportive culture. As The Habit has expanded in the last decade, Tanya has been focused on continuing growth with diverse and capable team members by backing their leadership development. With more recent access to Yum! Brands resources, Tanya and her team have been able to assist in providing opportunities for individuals in leadership programs, where they can progress their professional skillset. Structuring the organization in a way that supports the growth of all people is what motivates Tanya and inspires her to continue to strive for the best culture at The Habit.

 

Shannon, Iwona, Tiffany and Tanya are only a few women at The Habit driving brand engagement and outlook, creating an environment conducive for positive growth and change. With their skillset, knowledge and action, The Habit franchise will continue to position itself as a valuable opportunity for Guests and restaurant operators alike.

 

Interested in joining a brand like The Habit that has a strong executive team to support your business goals? Fill out the online inquiry form to get in touch with our team today.

The Habit’s 2022 Year in Review

 

With the beginning of 2023 upon us, we at The Habit Burger Grill are reflecting on the continued growth and business accomplishments from this year that have enabled our brand to stay at the top of the competitive fast casual restaurant business.

 

Award-Winning Franchise Opportunity
Our handcrafted food and diverse menu, modern and inviting restaurant atmosphere, and genuine hospitality continue to resonate with Guests and franchise business owners alike. We take pride in our fresh, made-to-order menu offerings as well as our Guest-first service mentality which has allowed us to collect a few distinctions this year. The Habit has been recognized on the Contenders list of QSR Magazine’s QSR 50, named by Newsweek as one of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains in 2022, and ranked #148 on the Franchise Times Top 500 list, 23 spots higher than in 2021. Furthermore, we received the Zor Award by Franchise Times as the Top Brand to Buy. We have positioned the brand to continue to have long-term Guest appeal as we continue our incredible growth in the better burger category with qualified restaurant owners and operators.

Championing Innovation and Diversity in Business

The Habit’s robust and proprietary business systems along with the backing and scale of Yum! Brands enables us to build a healthy business and working culture for all of our partners. We aim to nurture a culture of innovation and diversity across all facets of our organization. In August, Yum! Brands was named one of the top franchise companies doing the most to champion diversity through its Unlocking Opportunity initiative. The Habit Burger Grill is an integral part of this program and it allows us and our partners to promote equity & inclusion, education, and entrepreneurship. We advocate for capable and committed individuals from all walks of life to be a part of our brand and support their professional and business development journey.

 

Looking to the Franchise Future

The Habit’s growth momentum from 2022 continues to build both in our equity and our franchise restaurant presence on our journey to over 2,000 restaurants nationwide. With our title as a top franchise opportunity, the future for our brand has unlimited growth potential. Our Guest experience is unrivaled and our marketing and supply chain expertise puts The Habit in a prime position to face economic challenges should they arise. This year alone, we opened 33 new restaurants bringing our footprint to a total of 348 locations.

 

To learn more about The Habit franchise opportunity and discover the available options to further your professional and business goals in 2023 with our renowned brand, please explore our website to learn more about The Habit franchise and fill out our initial inquiry form to get in touch with our franchise development team.

 

The Habit Paves Way for Multi-Unit Franchise Success

 

With restaurant franchise ownership comes the opportunity for sophisticated investors to expand their portfolio. In fact, multi-unit ownership is steadily on the rise and according to FRANdata, 54% of all franchises in the U.S. are owned by multi-unit operators. The Habit’s multi-unit franchise opportunity allows our owners to diversify their revenue channels and scale their business by leveraging existing overhead. Below are key factors of our franchise model that allow The Habit’s multi-unit operators to unlock new levels of success:

 

Variety of Real Estate Models

Giving our owners a wide range of real estate models to choose from, The Habit’s flexible footprint means franchisees can leverage a variety of optimal sites for their restaurants. In-line end caps, end-cap drive-thrus and free-standing drive-thrus all fit well in suburban markets and our non-traditional venues offer unique options for colleges and universities, airports and amusement park complexes.

 

Area Development and Securement Support

After the development agreement is finalized, our team provides owners with suburban-centric market planning, site selection guidance, exterior and interior store designs, support through the construction process and access to a list of preferred vendors. Following the buildout process, our team will continue providing support in several aspects of training and equipment sourcing so you can optimize the performance potential of your future restaurants.

 

On-Going Franchise Assistance

Once franchisees have their restaurants up and running, The Habit’s hands-on guidance continues. From marketing and our in-house Restaurant Service Helpdesk technology aid to our brand-standard training and product innovation, The Habit franchise team has got our owners covered, allowing them to focus on diversifying their investment by adding more units. The Habit’s largest multi-unit franchisee, Stan Singh, began his franchise journey with 20 KFC restaurants. Singh has since added 12 Habit Burger Grill restaurants and two food trucks to his portfolio, a milestone he was able to reach because of the all-access guidance of our franchisee support team.

 

Singh recently stated, “The Habit team’s hands-on guidance and proven business model have allowed me to grow my portfolio beyond what I expected.”

 

If you’re looking for a multi-unit franchise opportunity that will take your investment to the next level, inquire about our franchise opportunity by filling out our inquiry form and start your franchising journey with The Habit!

Executing Strategic Expansion with Shannon Hennessy, President of The Habit Burger Grill

Shannon Hennessy

 

If you haven’t yet heard, our leadership team has recently grown with the addition of a new skilled member. Shannon Hennessy joins The Habit Burger Grill team to take on the new role of President, after nearly three years of delivering steadfast results-driven work as Global CFO of KFC. Since welcoming Shannon to the position, we’ve taken the time to chat with her about her career and what motivates her as a leader and trailblazer in the franchise and restaurant industries.

 

Learn more about Shannon’s journey that led her to The Habit in the exclusive Q&A below:

 

You have recently joined The Habit Burger Grill. What aspects of this role are you most looking forward to?

 

SH: I am very excited to join the brand during an aggressive growth phase, and work alongside our teams in marketing, development, franchising and finance. I fell in love with the Habit on my first bite of a charburger, sitting on a sunny patio in Arizona! I have since grown to understand and appreciate the operational system that delivers incredible consistency of operations and customer experience, which is particularly impressive given the complexity of our menu and food preparation. Furthermore, I’m eager to work alongside such a passionate team. As I’ve met the rest of The Habit team, I’ve seen and truly admire their hustle – for example, the pivot from dine-in to digital is phenomenal and showcases our speed and agility.

 

What shapes your leadership style and what motivates you in the workplace?

 

SH: I always say the two things that motivate me are people and problems. I love working in teams and having different perspectives provide insight when problem-solving. My eyes light up when encountering a new and complex problem. To me, execution is a complex and vital process and one of my biggest learnings from working with KFC on the global level. I am also incredibly committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion and advancing equity and belonging in the workplace. These passions of mine have shaped me into the leader I am today, and I aim to keep bringing people together to creatively solve problems and drive change.

 

How do you see your new role as president fitting into the company and driving strategy?

 

SH: I was a consultant for many years before joining YUM, and have a deep appreciation for strategy. The Habit has so many great things going for us that will fuel our growth – we’re positioned in an elevated “craft casual” segment, our die-hard food fans visit us frequently, and we have very strong capabilities in operations and technology. We also have some challenges to sort out to ensure we can scale our concept in a consistent and profitable way. I look forward to working with our teams to drive higher brand awareness and sales, clarify our expansion strategy, define the format of the future, and improve margins while preserving our high standards for quality and freshness.

 

I’m a big advocate of the Yum! Leadership model of smart, heart and courage. I am a heart-first leader through and through. I love working in this people-driven business as much as I love food, and I’m happy to partner with the winning team at The Habit!

 

Shannon Hennessy is as passionate about the craft as much as The Habit is, and her guidance through our growth initiative will prove invaluable to our fast casual restaurant franchise. If you want to get in on our growth plans and learn from experts like Shannon as a Habit franchisee, inquire about our franchise opportunity by filling out our inquiry form to start your multi-unit franchising journey with The Habit!

Mid-Year Report: The Habit’s Growth is Heating Up

 

After rounding out the first half of 2022, The Habit Burger Grill continues down the path to notable franchise growth.

Now with over 330 restaurants in 14 U.S. states and 11 international locations, we’d like to reflect on achievements and milestones we’ve reached at the mid-point of the year.

In Q1 of 2022, our system sales grew 17 percent year-over-year, fueled by 13 percent unit growth and a 3 percent same-stores sales increase. Plus, over the past six months, we’ve been turning up the heat to open more locations with qualified investors and supporting franchisees in every step of running successful restaurants.

As of June of this year, 20 new Habit Burger Grill restaurants have opened globally, expanding our franchise development footprint in California, North Carolina, Arizona, New Jersey, Washington, and Cambodia. Along with openings, The Habit franchise system has secured development agreements in various markets. A recently signed development agreement for 12 new locations in San Bernardino county with Aharon Aminpour is an exciting step towards more multi-unit growth in our home state.

“There are so many advantages to The Habit Burger Grill’s franchise model, the opportunity to help grow the brand’s footprint in Southern California felt like a no-brainer,” said Aminpour.

Rounding out the second quarter, we were ecstatic to have our franchise efforts recognized after being been named a Top Food Franchise and a Top Global Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine, ranking #116 in the Top Global Franchises category and #6 in the “Best of: Hamburgers” ranking. In addition, earlier this year, The Habit Burger Grill was not only named as a “Best Buy” franchise, but a finalist in the ‘Full Speed Ahead’ category at the Franchise Times annual Zor Awards.

With our innovative menu, extensive training and franchisee support, and all-access digital customer experience, we are thrilled to continue introducing our award-winning and delicious chargrilled burger concept to new and expanding areas from coast-to-coast.

Don’t just take it from us – you can read all about our recent wins in this article from QSR Magazine and visit our website to start your franchise journey with The Habit!

Nurturing Diversity Within The Habit Burger Grill System

For Lee Mitchell, multi-unit franchisee of The Habit Burger Grill, the journey to business ownership started early in his career working as an assistant manager at Taco Bell, our sister brand also under the Yum! Brands umbrella. From a young age, Mitchell knew he was destined to be a business owner. So, while in his managerial position in the restaurant, he simultaneously set out to obtain a master’s degree in business. Through his persistence and dedicated efforts to explore entrepreneurial endeavors, the opportunity for Mitchell to buy a Taco Bell franchise presented itself.

After making the decision to become a franchisee, Mitchell did not look back and has since enhanced his investment portfolio with a signed area development agreement for five new restaurants in Coachella Valley.

Recently, Mitchell participated in a webinar for Global Franchise’s Multi-Unit Month regarding Diversity in Franchising, where he discussed his own journey, how brands can advocate for minorities in franchising, and Yum! Brands’ program to help people of color interested in franchising at the University of Louisville and Howard University.

Watch the full webinar linked here: https://bit.ly/3t9RHWU

Lee Mitchell Global Franchise Webinar

At The Habit Burger Grill, we pride ourselves in lifting up diverse voices and perspectives, championing opportunities for minority franchise owners for the betterment of the system and for committed owners like Mitchell.

Learn more about The Habit Burger Grill’s franchise model and our strong support aspects on our website. Fill out our inquiry form if our established brand sounds like the right venture for you!

A 1-on-1 Conversation with The Habit CEO Russ Bendel

One of the driving forces behind The Habit’s proven model, franchise growth strategy and leading sales performance is CEO Russ Bendel. Bendel first joined The Habit Burger Grill in 2008 and has since helped grow the brand from 16 restaurants to more than 300 locations, while also integrating major brand transformations like our modernized technology platforms and operational tools.

Learn more about Bendel’s triumphant journey with The Habit, his restaurant industry know-how and how he continues to keep the brand’s growth at the forefront in this exclusive Q&A below:

What is one thing that makes you most proud of your time at The Habit?

RB: What’s made me most proud is the opportunities and growth that we’ve created for our team. People who have joined us mid-stage or early in their restaurant industry journeys have the opportunity to grow through playing many different roles. Oftentimes, they take with them skills that they maybe didn’t have before they joined us. The Habit has always been about personal and professional growth, doing good work, and being able to allow our team members to navigate their careers. I’m also incredibly proud to be a part of a team that has seen pronounced success through our development efforts with an increased number of stores and surpassing $700 million in sales.

What differentiates The Habit from other franchise concepts?

RB: The Habit is a concept that falls under the burger category, which is domestically the largest limited-service category of restaurants and has historically been dominated by QSR brands. But, the “better burger” category is much smaller and faster-growing. Consumers today are looking for cooked-to-order meals made with fresh ingredients, which are practices The Habit was built on. It helps that the breadth of our menu is major, with 60% of our offerings being burgers and 40% being other unique menu items. All of these aspects really fit into today’s consumer as they look for inclusive dining options.

Where do you look for inspiration or motivation, and how do you keep your team motivated?

RB: You have to work for an organization and people who share a common passion or belief. Something that resonates with restaurant sector consumers and people is a compelling consumer proposition – working with good people who want to grow and provide opportunities for other individuals. The restaurant industry allows people to enter with various degrees of experience, and can help them grow both personally and professionally. If you are hard-working, passionate and have good sense, growing with a concept like The Habit is encouraged and welcomed.

Bendel’s passion for the hospitality business and longstanding history with our brand has helped create an even more attractive franchise opportunity for prospective investors. Learn more about The Habit’s franchise model on our website and fill out our inquiry form if our powerfully-led brand sounds like the right venture for you!

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