693: Terry Pham on Failure is Not Trying Restaurant Unstoppable with Eric Cacciatore

Terry and Jennifer Pham opened the first Fat Straws in 2002 and, despite a challenging economic climate, grew 15-20% each year. In 2007, Fat Straws launched its second store in north Dallas.
Even the 2008 recession didn’t slow Fat Straws’ continued growth, due in part to the Pham's focus on quality control, outstanding service, community-based marketing and an emphasis on strong relationships–with customers and employees.
Today, Fat Straws has reached a total store count of 4 locations and is looking to expand across the DFW area to bring “happiness in a cup” to even more thirsty customers.
Check out RestaurantOwner.com as mentioned in today's episode!
Check out Entrepreneur's Organization as mentioned in today's episode
Check out Indistractable by Nir Eyal as mentioned in today's episode!
Show notes… Calls to ACTION!!! Subscribe to the Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel Join the private Unstoppable Facebook Group Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!) Favorite success quote or mantra: "Failure is not tied to outcome, failure is not even trying." In today's episode with Terry Pham we will discuss:
Gaining regulars becoming a staple in your customer's day/life Go out of your way to show you care The importance of sensory details of a restaurant Communication and "bedside manner" Importance of a smile The intricacies of training Entrepreneur peer groups How to survive a recession Constant improvement Guerilla marketing Quality control Expansion and scaling Honesty and goodness as inherent in people Today's sponsor: BentoBox empowers restaurants to own their presence, profits and relationships. The hospitality platform disrupts third-party services that come between the restaurant and the guest. BentoBox puts the restaurant first and offers tools that drive high-margin revenue directly through the restaurant’s website. BentoBox is trusted and loved by over 5,000 restaurants worldwide including Union Square Hospitality Group, Eleven Madison Park, Gramercy Tavern, Lilia and more.

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Knowledge bombs
Which "it factor" habit, trait, or characteristic you believe most contributes to your success? 5:30am accountability call Monday-Friday What is your biggest weakness? Not asking for help What's one question you ask or thing you look for during an interview? Wanting to know who they really are without trying to impress What's a current challenge? How are you dealing with it? More competition now than when we started Share one code of conduct or behavior you teach your team. Serving others What is one uncommon standard of service you teach your staff? Having empathy for others What's one book we must read to become a better person or restaurant owner? Setting the Table by Danny Meyer GET THIS BOOK FOR FREE AT AUDIBLE.COM  What's one thing you feel restaurateurs don't know well enough or do often enough? Deep understanding of financials Name one service you've hired. O&H Brand Design What's one piece of technology you've adopted within your restau