In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Lauren Fernandez, founder and CEO of the investment firm Full Course. Lauren was general counsel for Focus Brands and then became an operator as a Chicken Salad Chick franchisee. After she sold her units back to Chicken Salad Chick, she launched Full Course in a mission to give back to small business restaurateurs. Lauren was a panelist at NRN’s recent CREATE Road Show in Atlanta, and the next day sat down in person with Sam for this conversation covering her career, her tips for emerging brands looking to secure capital, and her thoughts on how to get more women and minorities involved in foodservice leadership.

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• Training in your restaurants gives you a foundation to know what the brand needs
• Servant leaders don’t talk about doing the work — they just do the work 
• Leaders should seize the moment to invest in themselves
• Most American restaurants are independents who just need resources to get to the next level
• Global fast casuals are the category to bet on 
• You never know where the next best idea for your brand is going to come from
• If you’re looking for capital, prepare by having clean books and a clear purpose

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