Contributed by Brian Fuder, second-generation multi-unit franchisee and VP of the Association of Taco John’s Franchisees
Balancing tradition with innovation is a defining challenge in any multi-generational family business. As a second-generation Taco John’s® franchisee, I’ve learned firsthand how to carry the torch of legacy from one generation to the next while steering our family business into its next chapter of growth.
My journey with Taco John’s began at 11 years old, growing up in a tight-knit small town where my parents purchased their first location in 1985. Immersed in the business from an early age, my childhood was a mix of dishwashing, taking orders, cleaning tables and heading to school smelling like Potato Olés®. Those early experiences shaped my understanding of the hard work and perseverance that goes into entrepreneurship.
Initially, I didn’t envision a long-term career in the restaurant industry. It wasn’t until I stepped into full-time management of my family business in the late 90s that I realized its potential. Today, my sister Kari and I proudly co-own and operate four Taco John’s locations, continuing the legacy our parents began. Together, we’ve drawn on decades of experience to adapt our family business to the demands of today’s competitive industry while staying true to the values that brought us here.
Over the years, we’ve gained invaluable lessons from navigating the complexities of a multi-generational business. Here are five lessons that have shaped how we operate, innovate, and grow:
Harness Generational Strengths
A key advantage of running a multi-generational business is the unique blend of perspectives and skillsets that each generation contributes. For us, our parents laid the groundwork by instilling a strong work ethic and emphasizing the importance of treating people well—values that continue to guide our operations today. My sister Kari and I built on that foundation, each bringing our own strengths to the table. Her expertise in HR and bookkeeping complements my focus on operations and strategic growth.
This dynamic isn’t unique to our family. Successfully blending generational strengths is achievable in any family business, as long as there’s a shared understanding and respect for each person’s role. By leaning into individual expertise, and utilizing the foundation left by the previous generation, we’ve honored the legacy our parents started while ensuring our business remains competitive in an ever-changing market.
Combining time-tested values with forward-thinking strategies allows you to create a balanced, resilient approach that bridges tradition and innovation.
Reinvent Tradition with Innovation
While Taco John’s is deeply rooted in tradition, embracing innovation has been crucial to staying competitive. For example, we’ve adopted digital ordering systems and mobile apps to streamline customer experiences while maintaining the quality and nostalgia that define our brand. Balancing these elements requires a clear vision of what traditions to preserve and where modern tools can enhance efficiency and engagement.
Put People First
The heart of any successful business lies in its people, which means building trust and open lines of communication across all levels of your business is essential. This especially rings true when operating in tight-knit communities, where your brand has an established reputation. Developing strong relationships with team members and customers creates a solid foundation of trust, necessary for long-term success.
Prioritizing even the smallest interactions with your community can make for big rewards. For example, during the challenges of COVID-19, when dining rooms were closed, we saw an overwhelming amount of support from our community, with drive-thru lines stretching down the block, reinforcing the benefit of investing in relationships.
Underscoring a people-first culture especially rings true in multi-unit businesses. By prioritizing your team members and their professional development, you create further growth opportunities for the entire organization. As a multi-unit owner, you can’t be everywhere at once, but training, investing in, and trusting our excellent team members creates opportunities for both parties.
Anchor the Business in the Community
Small-town values are a significant part of who we are and how we treat our team and community members. In a generational business, the community may know who you and your family are and what you stand for, but what if you have multiple locations or start expanding into new territories? That ease of familiarity might not automatically click.
Take the time to find out how your business can positively impact the community outside of your product or service. Simply remember a daily customer’s name, explore hosting a charity drive sponsored by your business, or attend a community event to introduce yourself to the neighbors. All of these can make a lasting impression.
If you are a multi-unit operator like us, train and empower the team at each store to value the communities they serve and conduct local initiatives. This level of involvement not only strengthens our ties but also inspires loyalty from customers who see us as more than just a restaurant.
Collaborate for Scalable Solutions
Lastly, establish open lines of communication with corporate leaders and fellow franchisees to address challenges collectively. In the franchise model, we have access to so many different tools and resources within our organization; lean into them frequently. This ensures alignment between a franchisee’s needs and the brand’s goals, driving overall success.
Our franchise experience with Taco John’s has become more than a business—it’s a family legacy, a way to give back to our community, and a platform for growth. For other entrepreneurs looking to create the same legacy, at the end of the day success in a multi-generational business isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about working hard, treating people right, and staying true to your values while embracing change. It’s been a great journey so far, and we look forward to all the future has in store for us.