🎙️ From Adrenaline Rush to Pizza Passion: Carl Bachmann's Journey to Building Riko's National Brand
In this inspiring episode, Carl Bachmann, President and COO of Riko's Pizza, shares his remarkable 30-year journey in the food and beverage industry, from washing dishes to leading major restaurant chains through transformational growth. Carl reveals how a near-death COVID experience reshaped his leadership philosophy and led him to Riko's, where he's building something truly special - a unique tavern-style pizza concept that lets toddlers hold their own slices. Through personal stories of triumph over adversity, Carl demonstrates how servant leadership, passion for people, and the right foundational pillars can transform both businesses and lives.
✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:
The five foundational pillars for scaling restaurant chains successfully
Why tavern-style pizza creates magical family dining experiences
How to hire for passion over experience and train the right attitude
Building company culture through servant leadership principles
Real estate selection strategies: growing like a bush, not a vine
Learning management systems that actually engage restaurant employees
Franchising approaches for sustainable geographic expansion
Crisis leadership lessons from managing during early COVID pandemic
The power of vulnerability and authentic leadership in business growth
How personal adversity can redirect career priorities toward meaningful work
🌟 Carl's Key Mentors:
Kent State Football Coaches: Taught technique, teamwork, and keeping your eyes up
Early Restaurant Managers: Instilled passion for service and joy in hospitality
BurgerFi and Smashburger Teams: Collaborated on turnaround strategies and restructuring
Rico (Founder): Demonstrated authentic passion for people, product, and community impact
Hospital Staff During COVID: Showed true servant leadership during life-threatening crisis
👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building restaurant empires, overcoming life-threatening illness, and how finding your true purpose can transform both personal fulfillment and business success.
🔗 Connect with Carl Bachmann: Email: carl@ricospizza.com Website: ricospizza.com
📄 Transcript Available:Five Pillars of Restaurant Success: Carl Bachmann's Riko's Pizza Revolution
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