5 Lessons from a $100M Restaurant CEO

Running a successful restaurant isn’t easy — but scaling it to $100M? That takes a different level of strategy and execution. The restaurant business is competitive, unpredictable, and constantly evolving. But the most successful restaurant CEOs follow a pattern — they focus on the right things and make the right decisions when it matters most.

We’ve worked with over 500 restaurants across the US, helping them grow their revenue and customer base through better operations and smarter marketing. Along the way, we’ve seen firsthand how successful restaurant owners think and operate.

Here are 5 powerful lessons from a $100M restaurant CEO that could change the way you run your business:

1. Focus on One Type of Customer

Successful restaurants don’t try to serve everyone — they find their ideal customer and build their brand around them. Whether you’re a high-end steakhouse or a casual taco spot, knowing your customer helps you refine your menu, marketing, and service experience.

Instead of trying to appeal to every type of diner, zero in on your core audience. Are they young professionals looking for quick takeout? Families seeking a relaxed dining experience? Or foodies hunting for authentic flavors?

Once you know your audience, you can adjust everything — from the design of your website to the tone of your ads — to speak directly to them.
Our platform helps you capture customer data and order patterns, so you can identify your most valuable customers and focus your efforts on retaining them.

2. Drive Focus from Complaints

Complaints aren’t just noise — they’re free business advice. The most successful restaurant CEOs don’t get defensive; they lean into complaints and fix the underlying issues.

If you’re hearing that your food takes too long to arrive or your delivery service is unreliable — that’s a signal to improve operations. If customers are complaining about missed orders, it might be time to upgrade your ordering system.

Our platform helps streamline your online ordering process, making it easy for customers to place accurate orders — reducing complaints and improving satisfaction.
Our AI-powered phone ordering system also ensures that no call goes unanswered, so you’re not losing orders during busy times.

3. Prioritize Technology

The restaurant industry has changed — and the most successful operators are the ones embracing technology. From online ordering to loyalty programs to AI-driven phone ordering, technology makes it easier to grow revenue and serve customers better.

Instead of relying on walk-ins or phone orders alone, successful CEOs are investing in platforms that automate ordering, track customer behavior, and improve customer retention.

Our platform gives you an online store with pickup and delivery options, integrated loyalty programs, and real-time customer insights — all in one place.
With AI phone ordering, you can handle more customers without increasing staff, ensuring that no order is missed even during peak hours.

4. Double Down in Crisis

During tough times — like the pandemic — many restaurants cut back and tried to survive. But the most successful restaurant CEOs took the opposite approach — they doubled down. They invested in delivery, improved customer service, and expanded their online presence while others pulled back.

When things are tough, it’s tempting to cut costs — but that’s exactly when you should lean in and create more value for customers. Strengthening your brand during a crisis builds customer loyalty and sets you up for long-term success.

Our solution helps you pivot quickly in challenging times by offering delivery, pickup, and online ordering options that keep revenue flowing even when dine-in traffic drops.

5. Watch Your Competitors

Successful restaurant CEOs don’t operate in a vacuum — they watch their competitors closely. They look at what’s working (and what’s not) and adjust their strategy accordingly. If a competitor is ranking higher on Google or getting more customer reviews, it’s time to step up your game.

Pay attention to customer feedback, menu changes, and marketing tactics from nearby competitors. Adapt quickly and out-position them with better service and smarter outreach.

Our platform helps you track customer feedback and order trends, so you can adjust your strategy based on real data.
We also help you improve your local SEO rankings — so when customers search for a restaurant in your area, you’re the first option they see.

It’s Not Just About Food — It’s About Strategy

A $100M restaurant isn’t built on luck — it’s built on smart decisions and strong execution.

If you want to grow your restaurant and get more customers through your doors, we can help. We’ve already helped 500+ restaurants rank #1 on Google and increase their revenue with better ordering systems, improved customer engagement, and smarter marketing.

Stop guessing and start growing — contact us today and let us help you take your restaurant to the next level.