ourth-generation leader Taylor Dorman, EVP of Operations at Kansas City’s Jack Stack Barbecue, shares how his family has grown a simple 1950s Hickory-smoked BBQ joint into six high-volume restaurants, a catering division, nationwide shipping, and a retail production facility—while staying true to the values that built the business. He explains the family rule that every next-generation member must work elsewhere and earn a promotion before returning, and why he chose to start back in the kitchen before stepping into leadership. Taylor breaks down their core “Hope Through Hospitality” values—Humility, Optimism, Passion, Engagement—which guide hiring, coaching, and daily execution across 850 team members. He discusses how Jack Stack stands out in a competitive BBQ market by offering an elevated but welcoming full-service experience, and how the company navigates rising beef costs, aggressive local competition, and evolving technology without sacrificing genuine hospitality. As a husband and father of three, Taylor also shares how he protects small pockets of time, avoids burnout, and approaches his role as a steward of a 68-year legacy focused on long-term impact rather than short-term gains.

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