• leadership starting in the restaurant as fry cook and cashier
• earning collars and building credibility through hands-on training
• pandemic lessons and respect for restaurant operations
• what “one love” means and why fans call themselves Caniacs
• the origin of the Raising Cane’s name and the Cane mascot story
• why Topeka was on the expansion list and how markets get chosen
• opening new restaurants by developing leaders instead of filling roles
• handling Google reviews and unrealistic complaints without losing focus
• why the menu stays intentionally small and why ranch is never coming
• Todd Graves’ business plan story and the one-thing-done-right gamble
• Plush Puppies campaigns and partnering with local pet welfare groups
• people-first culture and supporting short-staffed restaurants
• toast strategy, “the Bob,” and off-menu honey mustard
• why only managers make Cane’s sauce and how often it’s made
• catering large orders and showing up for community events
________________________________________
Visit chooseTopeka.com and apply today.
________________________________________
0:00 - Cold Open And Choose Topeka
0:38 - Meet The Cane’s Kansas Leadership
3:39 - One Love And Caniac Loyalty
7:46 - Why Topeka Got A Cane’s
10:17 - Training And Promotion From Within
12:44 - Google Reviews And Guest Expectations
15:52 - Focused Menu And Founder’s Gamble
19:33 - Plush Puppies Charity And Topeka Build
23:04 - Work Hard Have Fun Culture
30:10 - Toast Tricks Off-Menu Custom Orders
33:36 - Sauce Secrets And Catering Stories
37:11 - Rapid Fire Favorites And Farewell
________________________________________
Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS
Website -- https://topekainsider.com/
Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider
Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/
Follow Your Hosts: 📱
Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.
Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/
Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd
For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!