A Louisiana native, Ronnie was always enamored with Southern heritage and foodways. While earning his Bachelor's in Business Management, Ronnie spent every spare minute in small mom and pop kitchens and earned his college drinking money at a beloved barbecue joint. That experience changed his entire trajectory. In 2012, Ronnie and Phil created Blue Oak BBQ, changed the face of 'cue in NOLA and beyond, and never looked back.

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Favorite success quote or mantra:

• "Work hard and have fun."

In this episode with Ronnie Evans we will discuss:

• Franchising?
• Pop ups
• Securing funding
• BOH
• Real estate
• Health insurance in restaurants
• Personal growth
• The importance of understanding psychology in the restaurant industry

Today's sponsor:

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Knowledge bombs

1. Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success?
   • Persistence
2. What is your biggest weakness?
   • Get hyped up too easily
3. What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview?
   • Great attitude and great work ethic
4. What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it?
   • People/labor
5. Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team.
   • Honesty
6. What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff?
   • always have a smile on your face
7. What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner?
   • Setting The Table by Danny Meyer
   • GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM
8. What is something restaurateurs don't do well enough or often enough?
   • Appreciate their people
9. What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restaurant walls and how has it influence operations?
   • Toast On-line Ordering
10. Name one service you've hired.
    • Accounting - Tim Baudier at DTS
11. If you got the news that you'd be leaving this world tomorrow and all memories of you, your work, and your restaurants would be lost with your departure with the exception of 3 pieces of wisdom you could leave behind for the good of humanity, what would they be?
    • Work hard
    • Have fun
    • Save some time for your family

Contact info:

Website: blueoakbbq.com

Instagram: @blueoakbbq

Thanks for listening!

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Huge thanks to Ronnie Evans for joining me for another awesome episode. Until next time!

Restaurant Unstoppable is a free podcast. One of the ways I'm able to make it free is by earning a commission when sharing certain products with you. I've made it a core value to only share tools, resources, and services my guest mentors have recommend, first. If you're finding value in my podcast, please use my links!