An interview exploring how restaurants adopt emerging technologies, featuring Chuck Doran of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken.
On Adopting AI Drive-Thru Technology
Doran identifies three critical success factors: maintaining "a large network of business associates," staying "forward thinking" to identify trends, and "keeping an ear to the ground" regarding emerging technologies. His company became the first QSR to deploy an AI order-taker, addressing pandemic-era staffing shortages that had shifted sales from 60% to 75% through drive-thrus.
Business Ownership Motivation
After 16 and 13 years in previous positions, Doran felt constrained by organizational bureaucracy. He invested his life savings to launch his own venture, which he now views as his retirement.
Major Challenges (2021-2022)
Doran faced simultaneous crises: his wife's health emergency, partner absence for eight months, industry-wide staffing shortages, unexpected supply chain disruptions, and key personnel departures. Gross profit dropped nearly 7% due to cost increases across food, paper, and distribution.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Network with self-made business owners, establish relationships with qualified bankers, accountants, and attorneys. Accept that the first three years demand significant personal sacrifice.
Guiding Philosophy
Strong fundamentals—grounded in personal values and operational excellence—sustain businesses through difficulty.
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