In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Scott Taylor, the CEO of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. Founded by former LSU basketball walk-on Brandon Landry and backed by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees, Walk-On’s has grown to 75 locations in 20 years and is expecting 15 more franchises to open in 2023. Scott joined the podcast to talk about the brand’s deep commitment to people and culture and how it’s trying to balance that people-forward mentality with innovation in areas like technology. 

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• Restaurant people are underdogs
• Technology should enhance the guest experience first and foremost, while efficiency is a great byproduct
• Loyalty is about emotion
• Franchising is the perfect model to scale culture 
• If you put people first, everything else will follow 
• If you invest enough into your culture, it should transfer to your digital experience too
• Your menu is how you make money, so don’t cut any corners
• Don’t innovate for innovation’s sake

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at [email protected].