Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit
Learn extra about John Lucas, VP of Farmer Boys in right now’s Speaker Highlight.
Photograph: Networld Media Group
January 13, 2026 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Market & Meals Truck Operator
Franchisees and franchisors will collect on the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit in San Diego from March 16 to 18 to community and be taught from a formidable array of panels protecting all the new button points within the business. For instance, one panel will take a deep dive into how one can construct an unstoppable franchise crew by lowering turnover, streamlining operations, and implementing methods to coach the most effective employees.
John Lucas, VP of brand name and franchise improvement at Farmer Boys will be part of this panel to offer insights into how he created a profitable crew. Learn extra about him in right now’s Speaker Highlight.
Describe your present position.
I oversee each the franchise operations and franchise improvement of Farmer Boys.
What was your first-ever profession position and what’s one vital lesson you realized from it?
My first profession position was at Rossi’s Restaurant, a small, nice eating Italian place in Cranston, Rhode Island. Essentially the most priceless lesson I realized was teamwork.
What impressed you to work in your business?
My Nonna! She was a tremendous Italian dwelling cook dinner. I spent a few of my childhood on a step stool by her range watching and studying. She was actually my first inspiration to hitch the business. I keep in mind in third grade telling a classmate that I used to be going to be a chef once I grew up!
What do you take pleasure in most about your present position?
The unbelievable crew I’ve the distinction to guide, and moreover, the wonderful franchisees that I’ve the pleasure of partnering with every day to assist develop their enterprise, create generational wealth and supply a path ahead for the model.
What’s a typical false impression folks have about what you do?
That promoting franchise areas is simple! It is a vital funding with some degree of danger and it requires substantial time in constructing robust, trusting relationships to assist transfer new franchisees ahead.
What’s one profession achievement you are most pleased with?
Turning into an govt chef by 30 years outdated. I used to be very targeted on this purpose popping out of culinary faculty and owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the cooks that helped me construct my expertise and put together for the position.
Who’s/was your mentor and what’s one vital lesson you realized from them?
Throughout my early profession I had the nice fortune of working with a fantastic chef from Good, France. He was a fantastic position mannequin as a sort and galvanizing chief. I’m very lucky that our paths crossed.
What business tendencies do you assume are at the moment over-hyped and why?
AI and automation. Individuals will at all times need service and hospitality to be a part of their eating expertise, and machines won’t ever be capable of efficiently reproduce the nice and cozy welcomes, constructive vibes and nice service {that a} good restaurant crew can ship.
What business tendencies do you assume do not get sufficient consideration and why?
Expertise pushed eating. With youthful folks ingesting much less, they’re looking for a fantastic night time out with out consuming copious quantities of alcohol, and locations that ship a enjoyable, interactive, sharing expertise are poised to be very profitable.
What recommendation would you give to somebody simply beginning out in your business?
It actually hasn’t modified in my a few years within the business. Past studying your craft and turning into expert in your position, discover ways to be a fantastic teammate. A “good” participant who works effectively with others will at all times beat out a “nice” participant that does not.
In the event you weren’t working in your present area, what would you be doing as a substitute?
Instructing culinary arts or restaurant administration.
What do you do to have enjoyable exterior of labor?
I like to ski and hike, and luxuriate in nice meals and wine.
Are you concerned in any charitable organizations that you just wish to inform folks about?
I am a volunteer ski teacher for a gaggle known as The Achievers, (a part of Transfer United), that helps people with bodily and psychological disabilities. This offers me an amazing quantity of inspiration and gratitude.
Click on right here to register for RFIS. Use the code AMCEDIT20 for 20% off at checkout.
About Bradley Cooper
