Take Away Podcast: How Lauren Fernandez Plans to Help Small Business
2 Minutes Read
Empowering Emerging Restaurant Brands: Insights from Lauren Fernandez, CEO of Full Course
In the competitive landscape of the restaurant industry, emerging brands often face significant challenges in scaling operations and securing equitable capital. Lauren Fernandez, CEO and Founder of Full Course, has dedicated her career to addressing these obstacles, offering a unique blend of investment and development support tailored to the needs of small restaurant businesses.
A Journey from Law to Restaurant Leadership
Lauren Fernandez's path to the restaurant industry is both unconventional and inspiring. With a background in law and an MBA, she transitioned from serving as General Counsel for FOCUS Brands—overseeing franchises like Carvel, Cinnabon, and Moe’s Southwest Grill—to becoming a hands-on restaurant operator. In 2016, she co-founded Origin Development Group, acquiring and revitalizing three underperforming Chicken Salad Chick units and expanding to eight additional locations within 20 months. This hands-on experience provided her with invaluable insights into the operational challenges and growth potential of emerging restaurant brands.
Identifying Industry Challenges
Through her entrepreneurial journey, Fernandez recognized three primary challenges hindering small restaurant businesses:
The Full Course Approach
Full Course operates as an incubator, accelerator, and investor, providing a comprehensive suite of services to early-stage restaurant brands. Their approach includes:
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
A cornerstone of Full Course's mission is supporting underrepresented founders, including women, minorities, and immigrants. Fernandez, drawing from her own experiences as the daughter of Cuban immigrants, is passionate about providing opportunities and resources to those who have been historically overlooked in the industry. This commitment is reflected in Full Course's investment strategy and educational programs, aiming to create a more inclusive and diverse restaurant landscape.
Educational Resources and Mentorship
Beyond financial investment, Full Course offers extensive educational resources and mentorship programs. Their free learning center and Navigator group coaching program are designed to equip restaurant owners with the knowledge and tools necessary for success. Fernandez believes that education is a critical component of empowerment, enabling founders to make informed decisions and effectively lead their businesses.
Conclusion
Lauren Fernandez's innovative approach through Full Course is redefining how emerging restaurant brands navigate growth and investment challenges. By providing equitable capital, operational expertise, and unwavering support, Full Course empowers small businesses to thrive in a competitive industry. This holistic model not only fosters business success but also champions diversity and inclusion, paving the way for a vibrant and dynamic restaurant community. Read Full Article
In the competitive landscape of the restaurant industry, emerging brands often face significant challenges in scaling operations and securing equitable capital. Lauren Fernandez, CEO and Founder of Full Course, has dedicated her career to addressing these obstacles, offering a unique blend of investment and development support tailored to the needs of small restaurant businesses.
A Journey from Law to Restaurant Leadership
Lauren Fernandez's path to the restaurant industry is both unconventional and inspiring. With a background in law and an MBA, she transitioned from serving as General Counsel for FOCUS Brands—overseeing franchises like Carvel, Cinnabon, and Moe’s Southwest Grill—to becoming a hands-on restaurant operator. In 2016, she co-founded Origin Development Group, acquiring and revitalizing three underperforming Chicken Salad Chick units and expanding to eight additional locations within 20 months. This hands-on experience provided her with invaluable insights into the operational challenges and growth potential of emerging restaurant brands.
Identifying Industry Challenges
Through her entrepreneurial journey, Fernandez recognized three primary challenges hindering small restaurant businesses:
- Access to Fair and Equitable Capital: Many emerging brands struggle to secure funding on terms that allow them to maintain control and sustain growth.
- Expertise in Scaling Operations: Founders often lack the resources and knowledge to effectively scale their businesses.
- Support and Mentorship: There is a significant need for guidance and mentorship to navigate the complexities of the restaurant industry.
The Full Course Approach
Full Course operates as an incubator, accelerator, and investor, providing a comprehensive suite of services to early-stage restaurant brands. Their approach includes:
- Growth Capital: Offering investment that allows founders to retain operational control while providing the necessary funds for expansion.
- Operational Support: Assisting with process optimization, staff training, and implementing scalable systems.
- Development Expertise: Guiding brands through strategic growth, including site selection, market analysis, and brand development.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
A cornerstone of Full Course's mission is supporting underrepresented founders, including women, minorities, and immigrants. Fernandez, drawing from her own experiences as the daughter of Cuban immigrants, is passionate about providing opportunities and resources to those who have been historically overlooked in the industry. This commitment is reflected in Full Course's investment strategy and educational programs, aiming to create a more inclusive and diverse restaurant landscape.
Educational Resources and Mentorship
Beyond financial investment, Full Course offers extensive educational resources and mentorship programs. Their free learning center and Navigator group coaching program are designed to equip restaurant owners with the knowledge and tools necessary for success. Fernandez believes that education is a critical component of empowerment, enabling founders to make informed decisions and effectively lead their businesses.
Conclusion
Lauren Fernandez's innovative approach through Full Course is redefining how emerging restaurant brands navigate growth and investment challenges. By providing equitable capital, operational expertise, and unwavering support, Full Course empowers small businesses to thrive in a competitive industry. This holistic model not only fosters business success but also champions diversity and inclusion, paving the way for a vibrant and dynamic restaurant community. Read Full Article
