Welcome to Takeaway with Sam Ocas, a podcast for leaders of growing restaurant companies looking to take their businesses to the next level.

In nearly two decades covering restaurants, I've gained access to some of this industry's most influential decision makers, and I'm letting you in on the conversations.

In today's episode, you'll hear from the founder of a beloved New Orleans daytime cafe

that has built a legion of obsessed fans.

And you'll find out how that brand has managed to maintain that special relationship with guests,

even as it has grown to a couple dozen locations.

Jennifer Wysop is the founder of Ruby Slipper, a breakfast, brunch, and lunch joint that first

opened in New Orleans in 2008 and has since grown to 26 locations across the south.

Jennifer was inspired to open Ruby Slipper after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city,

and the restaurant quickly became a cornerstone of the recovering community.

18 years later, Ruby Slipper has turned its family-like atmosphere into a burgeoning multi-unit group

with a unique menu and devoted fans who have grown accustomed to the restaurant's

caring hospitality. The brand recently won the fan vote in NRN's

Breakfast Showdown, and Jennifer joined the episode to share how Ruby Slippers' five core traits

being gracious, genuine, neighborly, adaptable, and optimistic, have helped it develop such

loyal fans and prepare the way for even more growth.

In this conversation, you will learn more about why customers can help to guide your menu

expectations, why you must be very intentional with your core values as you grow, and why a

sense of place can help to define your brand so long as you respect each individual location. If you learn something from

this episode, go follow takeaway wherever you're listening to podcasts and leave some feedback. It is the

best way to get those lessons to a fellow restaurant leader. Jumping now into my interview with

Ruby Slipper founder Jennifer Wysop. Also, don't forget to stick around after the interview,

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