In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks Joe and John Lanni, the brother cofounders of Thunderdome Restaurant Group, a Cincinnati-based outfit that is among the 10 largest restaurant groups in the U.S., and which counts the 23-unit fast casual Currito among its portfolio. Currito is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and the Lanni brothers are looking to rapidly expand through franchising. Joe and John joined the podcast to talk about what it was like to grow up in the restaurant industry — their father Nick Lanni founded Great Steak and Potato Company and grew it to over 250 locations — and to talk about how they’ve adapted the brand alongside consumer demand over the past two decades. 

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• You need to listen to customers, even if it means changing your brand
• Brand associations can be good for launching a business, but not for sustaining it
• When marketing a new business, nothing beats free food 
• Franchisees are people — and sometimes they need a break
• Building a portfolio with a variety of concepts offers valuable perspectives
• Delicious food will never fall out of style

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