In this episode, Claudia Saric and Spencer Michiel sit down with Cody Bates, restaurateur, hospitality leader, and co-founder of Bates Co.- the group behind Kansas favorites like the Burger Stand, Taco Zone, Bon Bon, and the art-driven Cider Gallery. Over the past 17 years, Cody and her husband, Simon, have grown a single neighborhood burger spot into a portfolio of creative, community-focused concepts.

Cody shares her journey from a 22-year-old barista and student to running multiple restaurants, including the early days of flipping a $2,500 kitchen into a gourmet burger spot. She reflects on lessons learned from building a business without investors, developing a unique staff culture with livable wages, and navigating the challenges of tipping, hospitality fees, and pandemic-era disruptions.

Beyond her restaurants, Cody is a board member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition and founding board member of the Lawrence Restaurant Association, fighting for workforce sustainability and independent small business resilience. She also discusses how her background in art and passion for creating “third spaces” inspired the Cider Gallery, a thriving combination of gallery, event space, and catering hub.

Listeners will gain insight into what it takes to innovate in the restaurant industry, prioritize community and staff, and balance creative vision with sustainable operations. Cody’s story is a testament to how independent restaurateurs can make a meaningful impact—both locally and nationally - while staying true to their values.

Key Takeaways:

• Building a restaurant business organically without outside investors
• Strategies for livable wages, team culture, and equitable tip-sharing
• Creating multi-use spaces that combine dining, art, and community
• Advocacy for independent restaurants on national policy issues like credit card fees

(00:52 – 02:53) – Introduction & Early Beginnings

Meet Codi Bates, restaurateur and community advocate, and hear how she and Simon started their first burger spot in Lawrence, Kansas.

(02:54 – 06:03) – From One Restaurant to a Growing Portfolio

The story of how Bates Co. expanded from a single gourmet burger concept to multiple locations, learning on the fly.

(06:04 – 09:31) – Wearing All the Hats: Lessons in Operations

Insights on running a restaurant, solving problems from plumbing to tech, and being hands-on in every aspect of the business.

(09:32 – 16:41) – Staffing, Wages & Creating Culture

How Codi built a team-focused culture, implemented livable wages, experimented with a hospitality fee, and maintained trust with staff and guests.

(16:42 – 18:10) – The Economics of Independent Restaurants

Understanding razor-thin margins, community impact, and why independent restaurants reinvest most of their revenue locally.

(18:11 – 25:28) – Expanding Into Unique Concepts & Community Spaces

From Taco Zone to Bon Bon to the art-driven Cider Gallery—how creative spaces and mixed-use concepts shaped Bates Co.’s growth.

(25:29 – 27:11) – Advocacy & the Independent Restaurant Coalition

Codi discusses her national work with the IRC, advocacy efforts, and issues like credit card processing fees affecting the industry.

(27:12 – 32:00) – Credit Card Fees & Financial Challenges

Deep dive into the Credit Card Competition Act, the real costs of card processing for independent operators, and how these policies affect restaurants’ bottom line.

(32:01 – 36:00) – Supporting the Independent Restaurant Community

The role of advocacy in workforce sustainability, small business resilience, and Codi’s perspective on keeping independent restaurants thriving post-COVID.

(36:01 – 40:30) – Lessons Learned & Advice for Restaurateurs

Codi shares key takeaways from 17+ years in hospitality, advice for aspiring operators, and reflections on balancing passion, community, and business.

(40:31 – End) – Closing Thoughts & What’s Next for Bates Co.

Codi wraps up with insights on future projects, maintaining authenticity, and continuing to create community-centered restaurant experiences.

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Connect with the Podcast

Full Episodes: https://linktr.ee/soyouwanttorunarestaurant

Follow Claudia: @claudia.saric

Follow Spencer: @RestaurantSpenny