🎙️ From Healthcare Tech to Mediterranean Innovation: Dan Simpson's Journey Building Taziki's Culture

In this inspiring episode, Dan Simpson, CEO of Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, shares his unconventional path from healthcare technology to leading a 109-location restaurant chain dedicated to authentic Mediterranean cuisine and elevated hospitality. After successfully scaling healthcare companies and launching technology ventures, Dan joined Taziki's as Chief Innovation Officer before transitioning to CEO—a rare career arc that brought fresh perspective to traditional restaurant operations. Through candid discussions about overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating COVID-19 challenges, and advocating for immigration solutions in Washington DC, Dan demonstrates how empathy-driven leadership, strategic technology integration, and commitment to community can create sustainable growth in the competitive restaurant industry.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Transitioning from healthcare tech entrepreneurship to restaurant leadership without industry experience

• Implementing AI-driven personalization: custom training paths and guest experience optimization

• Launching successful bowl program: most successful limited-time offer in 27-year company history

• Building hybrid franchise model: 60% traditional franchises, 40% company joint ventures with local equity partners

• Overcoming imposter syndrome when transitioning from advisor to CEO role

• Navigating COVID-19 by "breaking all rules": empowering franchisees to innovate locally

• Creating elevated fast-casual experience: wine service, imported Mediterranean ingredients, community atmosphere

• Advocating for immigration solutions in Washington DC to address workforce challenges

• Using data integration to personalize customer experiences while maintaining authentic hospitality

• Building company culture around empathy, partnership, and employee equity opportunities

🌟 Dan's Key Influences:

• AIM Healthcare Leadership: Taught speed-to-trust approach and empowering talented people in deep-end challenges

• Michael Bodner (Fresh Hospitality): Connected Dan to restaurant industry through technology integration partnerships

• Keith Richards (Taziki's Founder): Mentored transition from consultant to CEO, emphasized authentic Mediterranean cuisine

• David Wilcox Quote: "Live where you swim close enough to shore to stay alive, far enough to feel alive"

• Armando Perez Success Story: Venezuelan immigrant who rose from entry-level to managing 13 locations with equity

• COVID-19 Crisis: Forced innovation, rule-breaking, and focus on core hospitality values

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about building inclusive workplace culture, leveraging technology for authentic hospitality, and how personal vulnerability can drive organizational transformation in challenging times.

🔗 Connect with Dan Simpson:

• Website: tazikis.com

• LinkedIn: Dan Simpson

• Company: Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe

• Locations: 109+ locations across multiple states

• Address: 4511 Nebraska Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37209

• Franchise Opportunities: Available through website contact

📄 Transcript Available: The Outsider's Advantage: How Dan Simpson Transformed Taziki's Through Fresh Perspective

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📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

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