Owning and operating a restaurant often requires consistent attention and a flexible schedule, ensuring that the location continues to operate smoothly and teams have the resources and support they need to adequately serve guests.
For owners and operators with Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the rapidly growing chicken finger franchise, a similar level of commitment is required, but there is also a level of flexibility that can be very fulfilling. 1851 Franchise spoke with Eliot McDonald, a team member with E3 Franchise who oversees the operations of multiple Layne’s locations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and soon-to-be Ohio, for a behind-the-scenes look at what owners and operators can expect on a day-to-day basis.
McDonald’s primary responsibility is ensuring that all the Layne's locations he oversees run smoothly, which requires him to be actively involved in both the operational and administrative sides of the business.
“Day to day, I’m in and out of the restaurants as needed,” he said. “We have general managers in place at each location, and my job is to make sure we have a handle on everything. I review the numbers on a daily basis to make sure we’re on track, and we meet as a team weekly to review and discuss.”
He also works closely with the general managers to make sure that daily operations, from food quality to customer service, meet Layne's high standards. While the general managers are directly in charge of running the restaurants, McDonald ensures that they have the support they need to deliver.
“I’ll step in if needed, especially if there’s a problem or if we’re experiencing something unusual, like a staffing issue or unexpected change,” he said.
A substantial part of McDonald’s role revolves around tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) at a larger scale. Things like sales trends, food costs and labor costs are important to monitor and adapt in response to when necessary.
“I’m consistently reviewing these KPIs to see how we’re doing financially and to help me identify areas of opportunity,” said McDonald. “For example, in our business, chicken prices are one of the biggest factors affecting the bottom line. We’re lucky right now that they’re pretty good, but you have to stay on top of these fluctuations … The goal is to always be proactive, not reactive.”
In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the existing locations, McDonald is involved in the growth of the business. Currently, he’s overseeing the opening of the newest location in Parma, Ohio.
“I’m involved in the construction process, making sure things are moving along as planned,” he said. “In many cases, this work is largely cosmetic, but it’s important to stay involved and ensure everything stays on track for a successful opening.”
Finding a balance between daily efforts and tasks that will contribute to the long-term growth of the business is important.
“I balance this by keeping my team involved and informed,” McDonald said. “Our general managers are key players in the process. We keep them up to date with everything from menu changes to new location developments so they know they’re valued members of the team and key contributors to our growth.”
Still, McDonald ensures he’s available for any needs that could come up at the restaurant level.
“I make sure I’m available during all hours of operation,” he said. “I may not always be working directly, but I’m available for calls and ready to step in if there’s an issue. If our restaurants close at 2:30 a.m., I’m awake and available for our teams until 2:30 a.m.”
McDonald’s day-to-day responsibilities overseeing Layne’s operations involve a delicate balance between hands-on management, financial oversight and expansion planning. His role requires flexibility, strong leadership and a commitment to Layne’s core values.
Through his constant attention to the operational details, from staffing and customer service to construction and growth, McDonald’s ensures his restaurants continue to thrive — maintaining growth while staying true to the Layne’s mission.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.
Layne's Chicken Fingers
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Eliot McDonald, who oversees operations of multiple chicken finger franchises across two states, discusses his daily responsibilities, work-life balance and involvement in the brand's growth.
Owning and operating a restaurant often requires consistent attention and a flexible schedule, ensuring that the location continues to operate smoothly and teams have the resources and support they need to adequately serve guests.
For owners and operators with Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the rapidly growing chicken finger franchise, a similar level of commitment is required, but there is also a level of flexibility that can be very fulfilling. 1851 Franchise spoke with Eliot McDonald, a team member with E3 Franchise who oversees the operations of multiple Layne’s locations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and soon-to-be Ohio, for a behind-the-scenes look at what owners and operators can expect on a day-to-day basis.
McDonald’s primary responsibility is ensuring that all the Layne's locations he oversees run smoothly, which requires him to be actively involved in both the operational and administrative sides of the business.
“Day to day, I’m in and out of the restaurants as needed,” he said. “We have general managers in place at each location, and my job is to make sure we have a handle on everything. I review the numbers on a daily basis to make sure we’re on track, and we meet as a team weekly to review and discuss.”
He also works closely with the general managers to make sure that daily operations, from food quality to customer service, meet Layne's high standards. While the general managers are directly in charge of running the restaurants, McDonald ensures that they have the support they need to deliver.
“I’ll step in if needed, especially if there’s a problem or if we’re experiencing something unusual, like a staffing issue or unexpected change,” he said.
A substantial part of McDonald’s role revolves around tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) at a larger scale. Things like sales trends, food costs and labor costs are important to monitor and adapt in response to when necessary.
“I’m consistently reviewing these KPIs to see how we’re doing financially and to help me identify areas of opportunity,” said McDonald. “For example, in our business, chicken prices are one of the biggest factors affecting the bottom line. We’re lucky right now that they’re pretty good, but you have to stay on top of these fluctuations … The goal is to always be proactive, not reactive.”
In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the existing locations, McDonald is involved in the growth of the business. Currently, he’s overseeing the opening of the newest location in Parma, Ohio.
“I’m involved in the construction process, making sure things are moving along as planned,” he said. “In many cases, this work is largely cosmetic, but it’s important to stay involved and ensure everything stays on track for a successful opening.”
Finding a balance between daily efforts and tasks that will contribute to the long-term growth of the business is important.
“I balance this by keeping my team involved and informed,” McDonald said. “Our general managers are key players in the process. We keep them up to date with everything from menu changes to new location developments so they know they’re valued members of the team and key contributors to our growth.”
Still, McDonald ensures he’s available for any needs that could come up at the restaurant level.
“I make sure I’m available during all hours of operation,” he said. “I may not always be working directly, but I’m available for calls and ready to step in if there’s an issue. If our restaurants close at 2:30 a.m., I’m awake and available for our teams until 2:30 a.m.”
McDonald’s day-to-day responsibilities overseeing Layne’s operations involve a delicate balance between hands-on management, financial oversight and expansion planning. His role requires flexibility, strong leadership and a commitment to Layne’s core values.
Through his constant attention to the operational details, from staffing and customer service to construction and growth, McDonald’s ensures his restaurants continue to thrive — maintaining growth while staying true to the Layne’s mission.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers.
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