Growth Club
1851 Growth Club
Young Ones To Watch: Rachel Layton, Vice President of Marketing and Growth for Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
The 31-year-old marketing innovator suggests younger executives shouldn’t be so focused on plans that they forget to live out their dreams.
Rachel Layton, 31, joined Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe as Vice President of Marketing and Growth in March of 2018. Prior to joining the Mediterranean food concept, Layton worked for a privately-owned restaurant company. She was brought onto the Taziki’s team by current CEO Dan Simpson, who had been mentoring her on marketing and growth ideas.
In an interview with 1851 Franchise, Layton shared what drew her to franchising, her advice for other up-and-comers and the advice she’d give her younger self.
1851: What initially drew you to franchising?
Layton: I fell in love with the idea of empowering future entrepreneurs. Franchising offers someone who hasn't owned a business before a chance to try something new and I just found that to be particularly inspiring.
1851: Where do you see the most opportunity in franchising and why are you excited about the future of the industry?
Layton: Restaurant franchising is continuing to grow, which is creating a lot of opportunities for our industry to participate in thought leadership on very important topics, like sustainable food-growing practices for the future and waste reduction. As more people become business owners, more voices make their way to the table.
1851: What advice do you have for other young up-and-comers in the space?
Layton: Jump in and get on the front lines. The best way to advance in an industry is to become an expert at the entry and mid-level positions. That's where most of the future problem-solving comes in as you grow. Put your ego aside and learn as much as you can.
1851: What advice would you give your younger self?
Layton: Don't be so focused on your plans that you forget to live out your dreams.
1851: Who is someone you look to for inspiration?
Layton: Honestly, being in the field at Taziki's locations and meeting the staff and managers is what inspires me the most. I find conversations with them to always yield new learnings and findings for me.
