Taking over at Popeyes in 2007 wasn’t an easy job. The chain was struggling to drive sales, profits were negative and franchisees were not happy. But when Cheryl Bachelder was named CEO, after stints at Yum! Brands Inc. and Domino’s Pizza Inc., she focused her energy on key deliverables: build a distinctive brand; run great restaurants; grow restaurant profits; and accelerate quality openings.
Fast forward seven years later and Bachelder can say the brand has completed a turnaround. System sales have grown steadily, same-store sales are positive and and profits have increased.
What’s more, Bachelder did it her way. She focused on her primary tenant of servant leadership — serving others over self — and remained focused, disciplined and transparent. Earlier this year, Bachelder wrote a book, Dare to Serve, on her journey with Popeyes and the ideas behind servant leadership.
Bachelder spoke with NRN last month. Listen to the full interview here:
