Food And Beverage Chain Mission Statements

Every retail company in the world might seem to have the same mission statement: crush the competition and make as much profit as possible. And while that might be the written or unwritten goal of 98% of all members of the U.S. retail industry, this is not the only “mission” that defines their businesses.

Companies such as Applebee’s, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts and Subway Sandwiches all want to dominate their retail categories and create profits, but each of them has a distinct way of doing their retail business that is aligned with and defined by their respective mission statements.

Discover the mission and vision statements of some of the world’s largest retail food and beverage chains, and discover what drives their decisions and actions and creates their success every day.

Dunkin’ Donuts Mission: 12 Values of Quick, Fresh, Delicious

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The original mission statement for Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants was created by its founder. Today, the Dunkin’ Brands 12 Values and Principles guide franchise owners to the same quick, fresh, and delicious outcome that the founder had envisioned.

Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Dunkin’ Donuts store was opened by William Rosenberg in 1950 in Quincy Massachusetts. The first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise was opened in 1955, and today there are more than 10,000 Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in 36 states in the U.S. and 32 countries around the world. In 1990, Allied Lyons, the parent company of the Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream chain, purchased Dunkin’ Donuts, and in 2004 the name of the parent company was changed to Dunkin’ Brands.

Dunkin’ Donuts Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise, along with with the headquarters of the Dunkin’ Brands group, is located in Canton, Massachusetts.

Mission Statement of Dunkin’ Donuts Stores

The original mission statement (referred to as the “philosophy”) of Dunkin’ Donuts came straight from the founder:​

“Make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores.”

Today, because 100 percent of the 10,000+ Dunkin’ Donuts stores located around the world are franchisee-owned and operated, each individual Dunkin’ Donuts store could have its own mission statement. But as the parent company of the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, Dunkin’ Brands has 12 Values and Principles that the company believes should guide the decisions of everyone associated with Baskin-Robbins retail outlets and lead all Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees to success. The Dunkin’ Brands Values and Guiding Principles are:

Honesty - Embrace the truth about oneself and the world.Transparency - Demonstrate openness and vulnerability.Humility - Acknowledge own mistakes and commit to learning.Integrity - Say what you think and do what you say.Respectfulness - Honor the dignity, inclusion, and diversity of others.Fairness - Do what is right based on common principles.Responsibility - Make yourself accountable to the community.

Guiding Principles

Leadership - Responsibility with passion at every level.Innovation - Excellence in everything we do.Execution - Ownership, and accountability for results, success, and failure.Social Stewardship - Demonstration of good corporate citizenship and responsibility to all constituencies.Fun - Approach every challenge with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement. “Celebrate every step of the way!”

McDonald’s Restaurants Mission: A Common Mission With Branded Values

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The mission statement of McDonald’s fast-food restaurants is a common mission for every restaurant, but the McDonald’s Values reflect the McDonald’s experience. (See the complete McDonald’s mission statement below.) It is the principles and influences of McDonald’s founders that make the McDonald’s restaurant chain the iconic American brand that it is today.

Mission Statement of McDonald’s Fast Food Restaurants

The mission statement of McDonald’s fast-food restaurants around the world is not much different from any restaurant chain.

“McDonald’s brand mission is to be our customers’ favorite place and way to eat.”

That broad and common mission statement is more clearly defined by the McDonald’s Values, which reflect the experience that customers can expect when walking into a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant no matter where it is located.

We place the customer experience at the core of all we do.We are committed to our people.We believe in the McDonald’s System.We operate our business ethically.We give back to our communities.We grow our business profitably.We strive continually to improve.

In 2013 McDonald’s implemented a global strategy it called “Plan to Win,” which was designed to create a consistently excellent customer experience in McDonald’s restaurants. The five key facets of that McDonald’s experience were defined as being People, Products, Place, Price, and Promotion.

McDonald’s Restaurants Founders

Almost always, a company’s mission statement is a reflection of the vision and values of the person who founded the company.  In the case of the McDonald’s restaurant chain, it would be the reflection of three founders – Dick and Mack McDonald and Ray Kroc.Most people think that the McDonald’s restaurant chain was started by Ray Kroc, which isn’t exactly true. The first McDonald’s restaurant was called McDonald’s Bar-B-Que restaurant, which was opened by Dick and Mack McDonald in 1940 in San Bernardino, CA. They didn’t convert to a simple hamburger and potato chips menu until 1948. In 1949 french fries replaced the potato chips and triple thick milkshakes were added to the menu.Technically Kroc was not a “founder” at all.  But he is the man credited with “founding” the international expansion of the McDonald’s restaurant chain. The four principles that Kroc and his franchisees lived by were Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value. Kroc is the “founder” of Hamburger University, the official McDonald’s franchisee training facility that delivered mandatory training classes for the purpose of maintaining a consistent McDonald’s experience in every individual McDonald’s location around the world.

McDonald’s Restaurants Headquarters

The worldwide headquarters of the McDonald’s restaurant chain is in Oak Brook, IL, along with its training facility called Hamburger University.

Burger King Mission: Vision for Food, Speed, and Customer Experience

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The founders of Burger King restaurants had a vision for their fast-food chain which included food, speed, and customer experience. The mission and commitments of Burger King today are aligned with that original vision.

Burger King Founders Facts and Trivia

The Burger King restaurant chain was started in 1953 by Matthew Burns and Keith J. Kramer in Jacksonville, Florida as the Insta-Burger King restaurant, featuring an Insta-Broiler to cook the food. In 1954 when the company was having financial problems, two franchises, James McLamore, and David Edgerton purchased the right to operate the chain and changed the name to Burger King.Once established, expansion and growth happened quickly for the Burger King restaurant chain. The Whopper was introduced in 1957, the first Burger King franchise was opened in 1959, the first Burger King international location opened in Puerto Rico in 1965, and the company was purchased by Pillsbury in 1967.

Burger King Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Burger King fast-food restaurant chain is located in Miami, Florida, where the original franchise of McLamore and Edgerton was located.

The Mission Statement of Burger King Restaurants

The vision of McLamore and Edgerton when they purchased the Insta-Burger King restaurant concept has remained the vision and mission of Burger King restaurants throughout the world and is referenced in the individual international Burger King restaurant websites. That original Burger King Vision was:

“Offering reasonably priced quality food, served quickly, in attractive, clean surroundings.”

Today in the U.S., Burger King uses “commitments” to guide its business, in addition to that original mission statement. Specifically, Burger King commitment is:

“Our commitment to premium ingredients, signature recipes, and family-friendly dining experiences is what has defined our brand for more than 50 successful years.”

Burger King corporate further defines the commitments that guide its daily business operations in its corporate governance documents:

Food: “For over 50 years, our restaurants have been serving high quality, great-tasting and affordable food around the world. Our commitment to the food we serve is what defines us as a company and is at the center of our HAVE IT YOUR WAY brand promise.“People: “We are dedicated to supporting and investing in our people – employees, franchisees, suppliers and restaurant guests – because they are the cornerstone of our business. In many different ways, we do all that we can to serve employees and guest alike.”Also, Burger King has a clear statement of “What We Believe,” which also serves as a mission statement, although not officially identified as one:

What Do We Believe? “We believe in working together with and listening to our employees, guests, business partners and the people in the communities in which we live and work. We share their concerns for our neighborhoods, educating children, preserving the environment, providing jobs and doing our part to help families eat and live better by offering more nutritious food options and promoting healthy lifestyle messages. We know we have a role to play in each of these areas.”

Subway Mission: Freshness + Customer Satisfaction = The Exceptional

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The mission statement, vision, and values of Subway Sandwich fast-food restaurants focus on freshness and customer satisfaction, which creates an exceptional Subway experience.

Subway Sandwich Franchises Facts and Trivia

Subway was founded in 1965 when 17-year-old ​Fred DeLuca partnered with Dr. Peter Buck and opened the first Pete’s Subway in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Subway didn’t start franchising until 1974, when its first franchise location opened in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Subway Sandwich Restaurants Headquarters:

The international headquarters for Subway Sandwich restaurants and franchises are located in Milford, Connecticut.

The Subway Sandwich Fast Food Mission Statement

In its clarity, simplicity, and achievability, the Subway Sandwich Restaurant chain has one of the best mission statements in the U.S. restaurant industry. The Subway mission statement is:​

“Delight every customer, so they want to tell their friends – with great value through fresh, delicious, made-to-order sandwiches, and an exceptional experience.”

Subway fast-food restaurants also have a larger vision, which is the inspiration for its international restaurant operations. The Subway restaurants and franchises vision is: 

“Be the #1 Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) franchise in the world, while delivering fresh, delicious sandwiches and an exceptional experience.”

How Subway Sandwich restaurant franchisees and employees achieve the company’s mission and make the Subway vision a reality is further defined by the Subway Core Values and Philosophy:

Family – We build our business relationships by serving each other, our customers and our communities, much as we do within our own families.Teamwork – We challenge ourselves and each other to succeed through teamwork, against shared goals and to be accountable for our responsibilities.Opportunity – We create an entrepreneurial, ever-growing SUBWAY® community, increasing the opportunity for everyone.

Chick-Fil-A Restaurants Mission: Quick Service, Positive Purpose

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The mission statement of the Chick-Fil-A restaurants is the same as any other quick-service restaurant chain in the U.S., but the Chick-Fil-A corporate purpose reveals an identity and values that give meaning to the Chick-Fil-A operations.

Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The Chick-fil-A history extends back to 1946 when Truett Cathy opened up his first restaurant, which he called The Dwarf Grill, in Atlanta, Georgia. It wasn’t until 18 years later that Cathy invented what is known today as the Chick-Fil-A sandwich. Three years later, in 1967 Cathy opened a restaurant in a shopping mall named after the Chick-Fil-A sandwich he had invented.

The first free-standing Chick-Fil-A restaurant was opened in Druid Hills, Georgia in 1986. As of 2019, there were more than 2,000 Chick-fil-A restaurant locations.

The Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Chick-Fil-A quick-service restaurant chain is located where the company has its roots, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mission Statement and Corporate Values of Chick-Fil-A 

The mission statement of the Chick-Fil-A restaurant chain is pretty much the same mission as any big or small restaurant chain in the U.S. The Chick-Fil-A mission statement is:

“Be America’s best quick-service restaurant.”It’s the Chick-Fil-A Corporate Purpose that reveals the identity and character behind the Chick-fil-A operations and gives meaning to the employees as they take actions and make decisions every day. The Chick-fil-A Corporate Purpose is:​

“To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-Fil-A.”

Starbucks Mission: Inspiration and Connection One Cup at a Time

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Starbucks’ mission to “inspire the human spirit” is something that can’t be served in a cup with whipped cream.

Starbucks Coffee Founder Facts and Trivia

The first Starbucks location opened in 1971 in Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA. Eleven years later, Howard Schultz was hired by the company to be the director of retail operations and marketing. The first Starbucks with the current coffee house look and feel was opened in 1984 in downtown Seattle. Starbucks went on to change supply chain management.

Starbucks Coffee Headquarters

The Starbucks headquarters are still located in Seattle, Washington.

Starbucks Coffee Mission Statement

“Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”

To accomplish its mission, Starbucks has principles that guide all of its employees as they go about their daily business:

Our Coffee – It has always been, and will always be, about quality.Our Partners – We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard.Our Customers – When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers – even if just for a few moments.Our Stores – It’s about enjoyment at the speed of life – sometimes slow and savored, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity.Our Neighborhood – We can be a force for positive action – bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day.Our Shareholders - We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks – and everyone it touches – can endure and thrive.

Kroger Supermarkets Mission: Being the Leader With Values

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From a single store opened in 1883, Kroger is achieving its mission to “be a leader” with some clearly defined values.

The Kroger Company Founder

Barney Kroger opened a grocery store in downtown Cincinnati in 1883 by investing his life savings of $372. His “mission statement” from the beginning was:

“Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself.”

The Kroger Company Headquarters

The Kroger Company headquarters is located not far from the location of its first store in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Kroger Company Mission/Vision Statement

“Our mission is to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, pharmacy, health, and personal care items, seasonal merchandise, and related products and services.“To accomplish its mission, Kroger has six values that provide guidance to its employees about how they do what they do every day. Those values are:

Honesty - Doing the right things, telling the truth.Integrity - Living our values in all we do; unified approach to how we do business and treat each other.Respect for Others - Valuing opinions, property, and perspectives of others.Diversity - Reflecting a workplace that includes a variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures; diversity of opinions and thoughts.Safety - Watching out for others; being secure and safe in your workplace.Inclusion - Your voice matters, working together works, encouraging everyone’s involvement, being the best person you can be.

Trader Joe’s Mission: Fun, Individual Pride, and Company Spirit

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The mission of Trader Joe’s grocery stores includes fun, individual pride, and company spirit, which helps create the constantly upbeat Trader Joe’s customer experience. 

Trader Joe’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Trader Joe’s opened in 1967 in Pasadena, California, and is still in operation in the same location today. Trader Joe’s started selling private label merchandise and reusing canvas bags in 1977, long before many major grocery store chains adopted these practices in the 21st century. The founder of Trader Joe’s is Joe Coulombe, who earned an MBA at Stanford University and positioned Trader Joe’s like the grocery store for “overeducated and underpaid people.”

Trader Joe’s Headquarters

Trader Joe’s was purchased by Aldi Nord in 1979, and it now has headquarters in Monrovia, California, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Trader Joe’s Mission, Vision, and Values

Trader Joe’s says its first mission statement was written in chalk, 24 years after its first store opened. The current mission statement of Trader Joe’s is more official and not as easily erasable: 

“The mission of Trader Joe’s is to give our customers the best food and beverage values that they can find anywhere and to provide them with the information required to make informed buying decisions. We provide these with a dedication to the highest quality of customer satisfaction delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, fun, individual pride, and company spirit.”

Panera Bread Mission: All About Bread at Panera Restaurants

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The Panera Bread restaurant chain’s mission statement is completely bread-focused and seemingly unobtainable. But the success of the Panera chain proves that the best mission statements are less about the “statement,” and more about the “mission” that the leaders of the company embrace.

The Mission Statement and Leadership Goal of Panera Bread Restaurants (PNRA)

The published mission statement of the Panera Bread Restaurant Chain is:“A loaf of bread in every arm.“Because of its narrow focus on one product, the Panera Bread mission statement falls short is in its ability to guide employees at any level in their daily operations, interactions, and decision-making unless they are the baker of the bread, the line cook who uses the bread or the server who serves the meals that include the bread.To further clarify things, Panera also publishes its “bread leadership goal”:“With the single goal of making great bread broadly available to consumers across America, Panera Bread freshly bakes more bread each day than any bakery-cafe concept in the country.“Again with the narrow focus on its product, rather than the overall philosophy, experience, or any type of overarching purpose, the Panera Bread company mission statement seemingly fails in the ways that a traditional mission statement inspires and guides its employees.

However, the success of the Panera Bread restaurant chain in the U.S. retail industry proves that mission statements are less about the “statement” and more about the “mission” that the leaders carry out.  In the case of Panera Bread, the “mission” of its leaders comes from two different men from two different worlds and the outlook that each brought into their business world.

Panera Bread Restaurant Chain Founders Facts

The Panera Bread restaurant chain was founded by Ron Shaich and Louis Kane as Au Bon Pain Co. After acquiring the St. Louis Bread Co. chain, the Panera Bread concept evolved. In 1999 the Au Bon Pain restaurants were sold, and the company put its primary focus on growing the Panera Bread restaurants. The St. Louis Bread Co. restaurants continue to operate with the same Panera Bread concept and menu in the state of Missouri.

Panera Bread Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of the Panera Bread Restaurant chain are located in Richmond Heights, MO.

Ben & Jerry’s Mission: Product, Social, Economic Missions for Change

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The mission statement of Ben and Jerry’s goes far beyond its ice cream products and retail stores and defines the company’s social and economic missions for changing the world.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Ben and Jerry’s ice cream store was opened on May 5, 1978, in Burlington, Vermont after Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield completed a correspondence course on ice cream making from the Pennsylvania State University Creamery.Ben and Jerry were born four days apart and met in junior high school. The first Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavors included Dastardly Mash, Heath Bar Crunch, Chunky Monkey, Tuskegee Chunk, and Cherry Garcia.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Headquarters

The headquarters of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream is located where the company first began in Burlington, Vermont.

The Mission Statement of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream

The mission of Ben and Jerry’s is really about contributing to making a positive change in the world. To do that, Ben and Jerry’s has three missions that the company strives to integrate into its daily business operations:

Ben and Jerry’s Social Mission

“To operate the Company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Ben and Jerry’s Product Mission

“To make, distribute and sell the finest quality all-natural ice cream and euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment.”

Ben and Jerry’s Economic Mission

“To operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for our stakeholders and expanding opportunities for development and career growth for our employees.”

Buffalo Wild Wings Mission: A Big Mission With How-to-Wow Directions

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The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar mission statement could belong to any restaurant chain or retail company, but it’s the four how-to-wow statements that tell BWW employees how to accomplish the BWW mission in a way that is uniquely BWW.

Buffalo Wild Wings Founders Facts and Trivia

The Buffalo Wild Wings history extends back to 1982 when Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery opened a restaurant on the campus of Ohio State University which they called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck. “Weck” referred to a type of sandwich served almost exclusively in the Buffalo, New York area consisting of roast beef and horseradish sauce on a salty bread called a kummelweck roll. There’s no official word on why the Weck was dropped from the name, and the sandwich was eventually dropped from the menu.

Buffalo Wild Wings became a publicly-traded company in 2003, and as of 2017, there were more than 1,200 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in the U.S. The first international BWW restaurant opened in Toronto, Canada in 2011.

The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Buffalo Wild Wings casual dining restaurant chain is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mission Statement of Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurants

The mission statement of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants is short and leaves no room for doubt about what is the most important thing for all employees at all levels. The Buffalo Wild Wings mission statement is:”Our mission is to WOW people every day.”

Along with this BWW mission statement are four specific how-to-wow strategies, which guide employees in their behaviors, actions, decisions, and priorities each day. The Buffalo Wild Wings how-to-wow guidelines are:

We are Guest Driven - We will WOW our guests every day.We are Team-Focused - We will WOW our team members.We are Community-Connected - We will WOW the communities where we do business.We are Dedicated to Excellence - We will WOW our franchisees and stakeholders.

Coca-Cola Mission: 7 Values, 6 P’s, 5 Behaviors, 1 Happy Mission

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It takes seven values, a vision with six P’s, and five behaviors to achieve the one mission of The Coca-Cola Company: happiness.

Coca-Cola Founders Facts and Trivia

The beverage known as Coca-Cola was invented by a pharmacist, John Pemberton, in Atlanta, Georgia in 1886. Pemberton invented the syrup and then went to nearby Jacobs Pharmacy to add the carbonated water. Customers who tasted the first batch of the new beverage responded favorably, so Jacobs Pharmacy started selling it for five cents per glass. Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, is credited for naming the drink Coca-Cola, and for creating the distinctive Coca-Cola script, which is used as the logo for both the soft drink and the company more than 131 years later.Pemberton died just two years later. Reportedly sales of Coca-Cola at that time was nine glasses per day.

Coca-Cola Company International Headquarters

The Coca-Cola Company headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, where the beverage was invented.

Coca-Cola Company Mission Statement

The mission of the Coca-Cola Company extends far beyond the manufacturing of beverage products and focuses on the impact the company wants to make on the global customers who consume the Coca-Cola beverage products. The mission statement of the Coca-Cola Company is:“To refresh the world… To inspire moments of optimism and happiness…To create value and make a difference.“Beyond its mission, the Coca-Cola company also has an official Vision to help it achieve sustainable growth. This Vision consists of six Ps:

PeoplePortfolioPartnersPlanetProfitProductivity

In order to fulfill its vision, the Coca-Cola Company has defined six behaviors of a Winning Culture that define the attitude that it expects all Coca-Cola employees will embrace as they go about their daily work. The six winning behaviors are:

Focus on the MarketWork SmartAct Like OwnersBe the BrandLive Our Values

One final set of guidelines that Coca-Cola provides its employee team is the seven “values” that they are expected to “live.” The values of the Coca-Cola Company are:

LeadershipCollaborationIntegrityAccountabilityPassionDiversityQuality

Cheesecake Factory Restaurants Mission: Baking a Legacy of Excellence

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The mission statement of the Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, along with its company Vision and Values, is designed to build the Cheesecake Factory brand and create a “continuing legacy of excellence.”

Cheesecake Factory Founders Facts and Trivia

The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain started first with a cheesecake recipe created by Evelyn Overton in Detroit, Michigan. Evelyn baked cheesecakes in her basement and sold them wholesale to local Detroit restaurants for more than 20 years. After her two children were grown, Evelyn and her husband Oscar decided to move their cheesecake business to Los Angeles in 1972. They opened a 700-square-foot store where they sold retail and wholesale cheesecakes. Over the next five years, Evelyn created 20 different varieties of cheesecake, and Oscar established hundreds of wholesale accounts.In 1978 the Overtons’ son, David, opened the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, which had a full menu in addition to his mother’s cheesecakes and desserts. As of 2012, there are more than 150 Cheesecake Factory locations in the U.S., and the company has a licensing agreement to open 22 restaurant locations in the Middle East by 2016.

The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant Headquarters

The company headquarters of The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain is located in Calabasas Hills, California.

Mission Statement of Cheesecake Factory Restaurants

The mission statement of the Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain lets Cheesecake Factory employees know what’s most important about their work. The Cheesecake mission statement is:”To create an environment where absolute guest satisfaction is our highest priority.”Then the company goes further with its Vision statement, which more specifically defines what the Cheesecake Factory “environment” looks, feels, smells, and tastes like to its customers. The Cheesecake Factory company vision is:“Through a shared commitment to excellence, we are dedicated to the uncompromising quality of our food, service, people, and profit, while taking exceptional care of our guests and staff. We will continuously strive to surpass our own accomplishment and be recognized as a leader in our industry.”To further clarify the unique Cheesecake Factory experience and how employees are expected to create it, Cheesecake Factory outlines six values that every Cheesecake Factory employee is expected to embrace, saying: “These values guide our behavior, bind us together, and provide a framework for making decisions – defining for us the right courses of action. We set our objectives, formulate our strategies, and judge our results consistent with these values.”

A Passion for ExcellencePassion fuels our commitment to the endless quest for excellence.Integrity, Respect, and ResponsibilityWe are committed to doing what is right without exception.People – Our Greatest ResourceOutstanding people make it all happen – they will lead us toward the future.Service-MindednessWe are dedicated to unparalleled hospitality and genuine care of our guests.DynamicAs leaders of our Company, we must have dynamic energy and the ability to energize others.High PerformanceWe are dedicated to maximum levels of performance and productivity in all areas of our business.

In-N-Out Burger Mission: Simple Philosophy Not Easy to Serve Up

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The In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain mission statement is a hamburger fast-food chain philosophy that’s simple to define, but not easy to deliver.

In-N-Out Burger History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

In-N-Out Burger was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder, with the first In-N-Out Burger restaurant location opening in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California. It served a menu of hamburgers, french fries made from fresh-cut potatoes, and drinks. The first In-N-Out Burger had no freezers or microwaves, and that is still the case in the more than 300 restaurants in the In-N-Out Burger fast-food chain today.The first In-N-Out Burger restaurant used a two-way speaker system to allow customers to order from the outside of the restaurant, instead of using the car-hop delivery service system that was the standard at the time. This made the Baldwin Park In-N-Out Burger Restaurant the first drive-thru restaurant in the state of California. 

In-N-Out Burger Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain is located in Irvine, California.

Mission Statement of In-N-Out Burger Restaurant

The mission of the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain came from the founders; it is referred to as their “philosophy.” It seems clear that the Snyders felt that the formula for creating an excellent hamburger restaurant was simple. In fact, the In-N-Out Burger philosophy/mission is so simple that it’s no different from any of In-N-Out’s fast-food competitors. But just because the In-N-Out Burger mission/philosophy is simple doesn’t mean it’s easy to serve up consistently. It is the fact that In-N-Out Burger has a reputation for delivering on the promise of its mission/philosophy that differentiates the chain from its fast-food competitors.

The In-N-Out Burger Mission/Philosophy:

“Since 1948, we have maintained a simple philosophy – serve only the highest-quality product, prepare it in a clean and sparkling environment, and serve it in a warm and friendly manner. We have built a reputation for fresh, made-to-order foods prepared and served by friendly, well-trained Associates.”

Wendy’s Company Mission: Keeping the Spirit of Dave Thomas Alive

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Wendy’s employees keep the spirit of founder Dave Thomas alive by following the company’s “What We Believe” guidelines.

Wendy’s Fast Food Restaurant Chain Founder

After working directly with Colonel Harland Sanders in Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises, Dave Thomas started his own fast food franchise business in 1969, which he named after his daughter, Melinda Lou (nicknamed “Wenda,” which was how she pronounced her name as a toddler).

Wendy’s Headquarters

Wendy’s headquarters are located in the city where the company’s first restaurant was opened, Columbus, Ohio.

Wendy’s Mission Statement

Wendy’s provides its employees with “What We Believe” guidelines, which serve as both an internal mission statement and an external customer service goal. For those who put on a Wendy’s nametag, this is “What We Believe”:

Quality Is Our Recipe - We don’t cut corners on our products, service, or employees!Treat Everyone With Respect - Be genuine and kind and lend each other a helping hand!Do the Right Thing - Honesty and integrity are rules we live by!Profit Means Growth - Teamwork is the key to our success!Give Back - Make your community better every day!

Domino’s Pizza Restaurants Mission: Being World’s Best With Culture

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The Domino’s mission to be the best in the world is built around a work environment that values employee contributions and a culture of team member diversity.

Domino’s Pizza Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The history of Domino’s Pizza extends back to 1960 when brothers Tom and James Monaghan bought an existing pizza delivery business located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which was named “DomNick’s.” The company was renamed “Domino’s” in 1965.The first Domino’s Pizza International restaurant was opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on May 12, 1983. Domino’s Pizza is sold in more than 16,100 Domino’s Pizza restaurants located in 60+ countries.

Domino’s Pizza Restaurant Delivery Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Domino’s Pizza restaurant chain is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Mission Statement, Vision and Values of Domino’s

The mission statement of the Domino’s Pizza Restaurant could be – and probably is – the mission statement of pizza restaurants small and large around the world:

”Exceptional people, all with a shared goal: to be the best pizza delivery company in the world. That’s Domino’s Pizza’s vision.”

Further explanation about what Domino’s considers to be “exceptional” in its team members and the Domino’s “vision” comes from what Domino’s refers to as its “core commitments,” which defines its employee culture:“Our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles make up the core commitments that govern our business decisions. Domino’s Pizza is committed to an inclusive culture which values the contributions of our customers, team members, suppliers, and neighbors.The cornerstones of our diversity philosophy will be clearly communicated to each team member, with a promise that we are committed to providing an environment in which:

Team members are treated fairly.Team members are recognized and rewarded based on ability and merit for their contributions.Team members have equal access to opportunity for growth and advancement.Team members respect each other and are free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance.The management and development of our team members is recognized as crucial to the success of the business.”

PepsiCo Mission: Honesty, Fairness, Integrity and Convenient Foods

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The mission of PepsiCo is about honesty, fairness, integrity and convenient foods.

PepsiCo Founders Facts and Trivia

The beverage that became known as Pepsi Cola was invented by a pharmacist, Caleb Bradham, in New Bern, North Carolina in 1893 (seven years after Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta Georgia). The name Pepsi Cola was chosen after the kola nut extract in the recipe, and after the pepsin enzyme which aids digestion, because Bradham believed his new drink had positive digestive properties, even though the recipe didn’t contain any pepsin. The Pepsi Cola Company was incorporated in 1898.Meanwhile, the Frito Company was founded by Elmer Doolin in 1932, and the H. W. Lay Company was founded by Herman W. Lay in that same year. Those two companies merged into the Frito-Lay company in 1961. When the Pepsi Cola company merged with the Frito-Lay company in 1965, PepsiCo Inc. was born.

PepsiCo Company International Headquarters

The PepsiCo company headquarters are located in Purchase, New York.

PepsiCo Mission Statement, Vision, and Purpose

The mission of PepsiCo focuses on products and performance primarily, with a few values thrown in for good measure. The mission statement of the PepsiCo Company is:“Our mission is to be the world’s premier consumer products company focused on convenient foods and beverages. We seek to produce financial rewards to investors as we provide opportunities for growth and enrichment to our employees, our business partners and the communities in which we operate. And in everything we do, we strive for honesty, fairness, and integrity.“PepsiCo has also defined a Vision for its business, which provides a less practical, and more inspiring motivation for its employees and leaders. The PepsiCo Vision is:“PepsiCo’s responsibility is to continually improve all aspects of the world in which we operate - environment, social, economic - creating a better tomorrow than today.”PepsiCo provides one more specific set of guidelines to its employee team which it calls “Performance with Purpose.” Although PepsiCo doesn’t label these guidelines as values, they do provide the “how” behind PepsiCo’s intention to “create a better tomorrow.” Performance With Purpose at PepsiCo includes:

Human Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Talent Sustainability

Jamba Juice Mission: Personal Health and Well-Being With FIBER Values

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With a healthy mission statement and a set of FIBER Values, the Jamba Juice Restaurant Chain intends to make a positive impact on planetary well-being.

Jamba Juice Founders Facts and Trivia

Jamba Juice was first called Juice Club Inc., and the first retail store was opened in San Luis Obispo, California, by founder Kirk Perron, a dedicated fitness advocate, and cyclist.

Jamba Juice Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The headquarters for the Jamba Juice fast food restaurant chain is located in Emeryville, California.

The Jamba Juice Mission Statement

Like the food and beverages it sells, the mission statement of the Jamba Juice restaurant chain is all about health and well-being. The Jamba Juice mission statement is:“Jamba! Enriching the daily experience of our customers, our community and ourselves through the life-nourishing qualities of fruits and vegetables.“To help employees understand what “enriching the daily experience of our customers” means, Jamba Juice, Inc. also has what they call their FIBER Values:

Fun -  Smile and create a spirit of celebration for your customers. Integrity -  Demonstrate good character and encourage an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Balance - Consider the needs of customers, team members and shareholders alike. Empowerment -  Be responsive and innovative. Do whatever it takes to make your customer happy. Respect - Help each other to grow. Contribute to a vibrant and diverse community.”

Whole Foods Markets Mission: Motto, Mission, Core Values and Standards

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The mission statement of the Whole Foods Markets is derived from its motto, and its core values and quality standards turn the words of the mission into real Whole Foods employee actions, which creates the Whole Foods shopping experience.

Whole Foods Markets Founders Facts and Trivia

The original Whole Foods Market store was opened in Austin, Texas, on September 20, 1980, by four people: current CEO John Mackey, Rene Lawson Hardy, Craig Weller, and Mark Skiles. Prior to that Weller and Skiles had owned a Clarksville Natural Grocery and Mackey and Hardy had owned a health food store called SaferWay, where they also lived and bathed using the kitchen’s Hobart dishwasher. Since that first opening, Whole Foods Company has acquired 15 businesses and retail chains as part of its expansion to the Whole Foods Market grocery chain that is known today.

Whole Foods Headquarters

The headquarters of the Whole Foods Company is located where the company began, in Austin, Texas.

Mission Statement of the Whole Foods Company

The mission statement of the Whole Foods Company and Whole Foods Markets begins with its motto:“Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"The Whole Foods mission explains and defines what that motto means. This mission explanation includes: 

Whole Foods - We obtain our products locally and from all over the world, often from small, uniquely dedicated food artisans.Whole People - We recruit the best people we can to become part of our team. We empower them to make their own decisions, creating a respectful workplace where people are treated fairly and are highly motivated to succeed.Whole Planet - We recognize the connection between our lives, our communities, and the environment.”

The Whole Foods Motto and Mission are further defined by a list of Core Values that guide the decisions and actions of employees in all job positions every day. The Whole Foods Core Values define how Whole Foods leaders and employees interact with their products, customers, employee team, shareholders, communities, suppliers, and align everyone behind the mission of improving health in general.The Whole Foods Quality Standards clearly define what’s important when making decisions about the Whole Foods product mix.

Chili’s Restaurant Mission: Chili’s Mission is Brinker’s Vision Too

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The mission statement of the Chili’s restaurant chain is really the philosophy and motto of its parent company, Brinker International; they are completely aligned because they are the same.

Chili’s Grill and Bar Facts and Trivia

The first Chili’s was opened in Dallas, Texas, by Larry Lavine after becoming a chili cook-off enthusiast in 1967. Twenty-three Chili’s restaurants were acquired by Norman Brinker in 1983. The 1,000th Chili’s restaurant was opened on August 3, 2004, in Dallas, Texas.In 1991 the name of the parent company officially became Brinker International.

Chili’s Restaurants Headquarters

The Chili’s Restaurant and Brinker International Headquarters are located in Northbrook, Illinois. 

The Chili’s Grill and Bar Mission Statement

The mission statement of Chili’s Grill and Bar is really the same as its parent company, Brinker International, which is not referred to as a mission, but rather a “philosophy” and a “motto.” The Philosophy of Brinker and Chili’s is:“We believe in celebrating the differences that make a good company great, and in leveraging individual strengths to create an innovative inclusive and unified team.“The official motto of all Brinker International says everything about the tone of all Brinker International retail restaurant chains. The motto is simply:“Let’s Play Restaurant!”

Five Guys Restaurant Mission: Burgers Are the Business and the Mission

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Burgers are the products, the business, and the mission of the Five Guys Burgers & Fries Restaurant Chain.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Founders Facts and Trivia

The Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant chain began with a single location in Arlington, Virginia, which was opened by Jerry Murrell and four of his sons. Today the “five guys” that lead the chain are the five Murrell brothers: Matt, Jim, Chad, Ben, and Tyler.

Five Guys Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant chain is located in Lorton, Virginia.

Mission Statement of Five Guys Burgers and Fries

The Five Guys mission statement, as simple as its menu, is aligned with the philosophy that if you’re going to sell hamburgers and french fries in a restaurant industry that is crowded with hamburgers-and-french-fries chains, you’d better do hamburgers and french fries better than anyone else. Simply stated, the mission statement of Five Guys Burgers and Fries is:

“We are in the business of selling burgers.“To expand on the obvious, the Five Guys also has a “goal”:“Five Guys goal is to sell the best quality burgers possible. To sell the best burger possible, we focus on Quality, Service, and Cleanliness.“Many customers have noticed a sign that hangs on the beverage machine at every Five Guys restaurant, which is sometimes referred to as a “mission statement,” but is really more of a Service Promise:

You the customer are the most important visitor on our premises.You are not dependent on us; we are dependent on you. You are not an outsider in our business – you are a part of it.We are not doing you a favor by serving you –- you are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Mission: 12 Values and Principles for Success

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The Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream mission statement is comprised of 12 Values and Principles for Success fashioned by its parent company, Dunkin’ Brands.

Baskin-Robbins Founders Facts and Trivia:

Baskin-Robbins was founded by brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, who each started their own ice cream shops and then merged them together to create the Baskin-Robbins concept. Irv’s ice cream store was Snowbird Ice Cream, which he opened in Glendale, California in 1945, featuring 21 different ice cream flavors. Burt’s ice cream shop was called Burton’s Ice Cream Shop, and the first one opened in Pasadena, California in 1946.In 1953 more than 40 Burton’s and Snowbird Ice Cream shops were rebranded as Baskin-Robbins 31 Ice Cream, with “31” representing a different flavor for every day of the month. Baskin-Robbins was acquired by London-based J. Lyons & Co and is now part of the Dunkin’ Brands group along with the Dunkin’ Donuts chain.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream is located with the headquarters of the Dunkin’ Brands group in Canton, Massachusetts.

Mission Statement of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ 

Since 100 percent of the more than 7,800 Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream stores in 50 countries are franchise-owned, each Baskin-Robbins franchise owner could have their own mission statement. But as the parent company of Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’ Brands has 12 Values and Principles that the company believes should guide the decisions of everyone associated with Baskin-Robbins retail outlets, leading Baskin-Robbins franchisees toward success. The Dunkin’ Brands Values and Guiding Principles are:Values: 

Honesty - Embrace the truth about oneself and the world.Transparency - Demonstrate openness and vulnerability.Humility - Acknowledge own mistakes and commit to learning.Integrity - Say what you think and do what you say.Respectfulness - Honor the dignity, inclusion, and diversity of others.Fairness - Do what is right based on common principles.Responsibility - Make yourself accountable to the community.

Guiding Principles

Leadership - Responsibility with passion at every level.Innovation - Excellence in everything we do.Execution - Ownership, and accountability for results, success, and failure.Social Stewardship - Demonstration of good corporate citizenship and responsibility to all constituencies.Fun - Approach every challenge with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement…celebrate every step of the way!”

Papa John’s Pizza Mission: 4 Missions and 6 Core Values for P.A.P.A. Focus

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Papa John’s has four mission statements and six core values designed to keep employees focused and to keep the P.A.P.A. in Papa John’s.

Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Papa John’s pizza restaurant opened in a converted broom closet in the back of his father’s tavern, Mick’s Bar, in 1983 in Jeffersonville, Indiana by founder John Schnatter. John sold his 1972 Z28 Camaro to buy $1,600 worth of used restaurant equipment to start his first Papa John’s Pizza location, and 37 years later he tracked that very same Camaro down and bought it back for $250,000.The first standalone Papa John’s restaurant was opened in 1985.

Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Headquarters

Papa John’s corporate headquarters are located in Louisville, Kentucky.

Mission Statement of Papa John’s Pizza

Papa John’s has four different mission statements that apply to four different groups of Papa John’s stakeholders. Those four mission statements are:“Customers: Papa John’s will create superior brand loyalty, i.e. ‘raving fans,’ through (a) authentic, superior-quality products, (b) legendary customer service and (c) exceptional community service.Team Members: People are our most important asset. Papa John’s will provide clear, consistent, strategic leadership and career opportunities for Team Members who (a) exhibit passion toward their work, (b) uphold our Core Values, (c) take pride of ownership in building the long-term value of the Papa John’s brand and (d) have ethical business practices.Franchisees: We will work as a team with our franchisees to create continued opportunity for outstanding financial returns to those franchisees who (a) adhere to Papa John’s proven Core Values and systems, (b) exhibit passion in running their businesses and (c) take pride of ownership in building the long-term value of the Papa John’s brand.Shareholders: We will produce superior long-term value for our shareholders.”

Additionally, Papa John’s has defined six core values to keep all Papa John’s stakeholders focused on “the main thing,” and to keep the P.A.P.A. in Papa John’s pizza restaurants and delivery no matter where they are operating. The Core Values of Papa John’s restaurants are:

Focus: We must keep The Main Thing, The Main Thing. We will consistently deliver a traditional Papa John’s superior-quality pizza.Accountability: We do what we say we are going to do when we say we are going to do it. We earn the right to hold others to a higher level of accountability by being accountable to ourselves, our customers and our business partners.Superiority: Our customer satisfaction must be consistent, quantifiable and demonstrable. At Papa John’s we expect excellence – the ‘best in its class’ in everything we do.P.A.P.A.: People Are Priority Always. Our success depends upon our ability, as a team, to work together to achieve our goals and expectations.Attitude: If you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right! The difference between winners and losers is a positive mental attitude. Our attitude is a reflection of what we value: successful team members must be upbeat, proactive and passionate about everything they do.Constant Improvement: We never stop trying to surpass our previous best. We constantly ‘Raise the Bar.’ No matter how good we are, we will always get better.

Applebee’s Restaurant Mission: One Key Aspect of the Dining Experience

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The Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurant chain’s mission focuses on one key aspect of the Applebee’s dining experience.

Applebee’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Applebee’s restaurant was opened by Bill and TJ Palmer in Atlanta, Georgia in 1980 under the name of T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs. The Palmers sold their restaurant concept to W.R. Grace and Company in 1983, and Bill Palmer then became an Applebee’s franchisee. The name of the restaurant was officially changed to Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in 1986, and Applebee’s International (APPB) became a publicly-traded company in 1989. The name of the company changed to Dine Equity (DIN) in 2008. 

Applebee’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of the Applebee’s Restaurant chain is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Vision and Values of Applebee’s

The Applebee’s mission statement, vision, and values are those of its parent company, Dine Equity, which focus Applebee’s franchisees and employees on the one key aspect of the Applebee’s dining experience that is the most important. The Dine Equity (and Applebee’s) vision is:“DineEquity unites great franchisees, brands, and team members to create the world’s leading restaurant company, one guest experience at a time.“To clarify how Applebee’s franchisees and employees will “create the world’s leading restaurant company,” Dine Equity provides these Company Values:

Integrity: We do the right thing. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.Excellence: We expect the best from ourselves and each other.Innovation: We find creative, new ways to delight our guests.Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We are responsible for our actions.Inclusion: We respect and value the diversity of others. We benefit from many points of view.Trust: We collaborate and build trust through open, honest communication.Community: We make a difference in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve.

Publix Supermarkets Mission: Customers, Stockholders and Employee Value

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The mission statement of Publix Supermarkets is built on a commitment to provide value to customers, stockholders, and employees.

Publix Grocery Store Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The Publix grocery store chain started as a single store in Winter Haven, Florida, opened in the midst of The Great Depression by the founder George W. Jenkins. From the beginning, Publix was known for its high standards of cleanliness and customer service. The Publix customer service philosophy is summed up in its commitment “to never knowingly disappoint our customers,” and its high customer service standards have been recognized by the harshest critics of all – its customers.From the beginning, Publix has also been well known for its employee-relation practices. Founder George Jenkins established a profit-sharing and employee ownership structure, and more than 80 years later, Publix is still privately owned by its employees.

Publix Corporate Headquarters

The company headquarters of Publix is located where the chain originally began in Winter Haven, Florida.

Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of Publix 

The mission statement of the Publix grocery store chain is more of a global vision statement and one that any grocery store chain in the world might have. The Publix mission statement is:”To be the premier quality food retailer in the world..”To make the Publix “mission” more real and achievable to its employees, Publix has also defined a set of “commitments” that clearly define the vision for how Publix wants to do business on a daily basis. Publix expects the commitments of all employees at all levels to be:

Passionately focused on Customer ValueIntolerant of WasteDedicated to the Dignity, Value and Employment Security of Associates Devoted to the highest standards of stewardship for our StockholdersInvolved as Responsible Citizens in our Communities.

Panda Express:Mission: Exceptional Asian Dining, Inspired Employees

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The Panda Express restaurants mission statement is about an exceptionally fast, casual Asian dining experience and the inspired employees who will create that.

Panda Express History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Panda Express was founded by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng. The first Panda Express restaurant opened in 1973 under the name Panda Inn Mandarin Cuisine in Pasadena, California. Panda Inn was a full-service restaurant, and the menu introduced Szechuan and Mandarin Cuisine to Southern California.Ten years later, the first Panda Express restaurant was opened as a fast-casual restaurant and became the quick-service Mandarin cuisine to copy. Panda Express was the first quick-service restaurant to open an outlet inside a grocery store in 1988. The first Panda Express with a drive-thru opened in 1997, and the first international Panda Express opened in Mexico in 2011.As of 2019, the Panda Express Restaurant Group operated five Panda Inn full-service restaurants and more than 2,000 Panda Express fast-casual restaurants located in 50 American states, as well as Mexico and Puerto Rico. The Panda Express Restaurant Group also owns and operates the Hibachi-San Japanese Grill restaurant chain.

Panda Express Restaurant Group Headquarters:

The headquarters of the Panda Express Restaurant Group is located in Pasadena, California, where all the Panda fun began.

Mission Statement of Panda Express 

The mission statement of the Panda Express Restaurant Group is the mission of its parent company, Panda Restaurant Group. The mission statement is equally relevant to headquarters management-level Panda Restaurant Group employees as it is to the employees who work in all three branded restaurant chains: Panda Inn, Panda Express, and Hibachi-San. The Panda mission statement is:

”Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.”

To further define how to create an “exceptional dining experience” and “inspired people,” the Panda Restaurant Group defines a list of corporate values:

Proactive: We identify opportunities.Respect/Win-Win: We treat each other with respect.Growth: For Panda to grow, we must each learn and grow.Great Operation: Great operations are a competitive advantage.Giving: We give our time and resources.

Arby’s Restaurants Mission: Six Core Values Behind Goals and Decisions

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The Arby’s mission statement is a combination of six core values that drive goals, build relationships, and guide decisions for all Arby’s employees and franchisees.

Arby’s Fast Food Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Arby’s restaurant was opened by Leroy and Forrest Raffel in Boardman, Ohio, on July 23, 1964, selling roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and iced tea. The first Arby’s franchise opened just one year later.Arby’s was purchased by Triarc Companies in 1993, and Triarc merged with Wendy’s in 1993 to become the Wendy’s Arby’s Group. In 2011, a private equity group, Roark Capital Group, purchased the Arby’s restaurant operation and separated it from Wendy’s Group. Arby’s was the first American fast food restaurant chain to introduce a lite (low-calorie) menu and also the first to ban smoking in all its company-owned restaurants in 1994.

Arby’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Arby’s restaurant chain are located in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The Mission Statement of Arby’s Fast Food Restaurants

Instead of one static mission statement, the Arby’s Group uses its Six Core Values to guide its employees and franchisees in setting goals, building relationships, and making decisions. The Six Core Values of the Arby’s Group are:

Dream Big: We believe in the unlimited potential that lies within all people, and we are committed to providing opportunities for people to achieve their dreams.Work Hard: We believe that hard work and front end effort are prerequisites for success.Get it Done: We believe that achieving positive results is the key to continued success for everyone.Play Fair: We believe that winning teams play by the Golden Rule. We treat our customers, business partners, and the team as they want to be treated - with respect.Have Fun: We believe that life is meant to be enjoyed. Success comes more quickly by having fun while working toward our objectives.Make A Difference: We believe that as a company and as individuals we have the responsibility to improve the quality of life for our employees and communities. 

Jimmy John’s Restaurants Mission: Fresh, Freaky, Fast and Fanatical

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The mission statement of the Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant chain is fresh, freaky, fast, and fanatical.

Jimmy John’s History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Jimmy John’s restaurant chain was founded by Jimmy John Liautaud. The first Jimmy John’s Restaurant was opened by 19-year-old Jimmy John in 1983 in Charleston, IL. The first Jimmy John’s menu included four different kinds of sandwiches made on fresh-baked bread and soda with no ice because founder Jimmy John couldn’t afford an ice machine. Delivery began as a marketing strategy to secure more business in a college town market.

The first franchise store was opened in 1993. In 2019 there are more than 2,800 Jimmy John’s restaurant locations in the U.S. According to the Jimmy John’s franchise prospectus, the average franchised location will gross $1.4 million, and make a net profit of more than $300,000.

Freshly baked bread, freshly sliced meats, and vegetables, high-quality condiments, quick preparation, and crazy fast delivery, have been the hallmarks of the Jimmy John’s brand from the beginning, which gives it a recognizable niche in the extremely competitive quick-service sandwich market.

The headquarters of the Jimmy John’s restaurant chain is located in Champaign, Ilinois.

Mission Statement of Jimmy John’s Restaurant Chain

Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant chain is anything but traditional, so it’s no surprise that the company doesn’t have a traditionally labeled “mission statement.” What Jimmy John’s does have are two overarching slogans that identify its brand, define its culture, and guide its employees, which fulfills the purpose of a mission statement. Those Jimmy John’s “mission” slogans are:

“freaky fast…freaky good” “Subs So Fast You’ll Freak!”

A more traditional “mission” is found in the company description that is provided to potential franchisees: 

“Our business is about simplicity, quality, speed, and delivery. The best sandwiches in the business, made with the best meats, cheese, and bread! Lightning-fast service and delivery!”

Additionally, Jimmy John’s has used one guiding principle since the beginning, which is referred to as Jimmy John’s “Golden Rule”:

”Make a deal, keep a deal.”

In terms of a sandwich restaurant franchise, “making a deal and keeping a deal” is further defined by founder Jimmy John’s “Components to the Brand,” which says:

Simple: Bottom line, we make gourmet sandwiches, and we avoid anything that complicates the process or our image.Honest: We promise an honestly good sandwich and deliver on that promise.Makes it Happen: As long as we’re fanatical about Jimmy John’s, customers will be fanatical about us.”

Safeway Supermarkets Mission: Earning Customer Loyalty in Four Ways

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The vision and mission of the Safeway corporation and Safeway retail grocery store chain is focused on customer loyalty and the four ways to earn that loyalty.

Safeway Corporation Founders Facts and Trivia

Safeway’s history extends back to 1915 when M.B. Skaggs purchased a small grocery store from his father in American Falls, Idaho. He opened 428 Skaggs stores in the next 11 years in 10 different states. In 1926 he purchased 322 Safeway (Selig) stores. Safeway’s innovations in the U.S. grocery store industry include pricing by the pound, nutritional labeling, and customer parking lots at its retail stores.

Safeway has been listed on the New York Stock exchange since 1928, and its retail grocery store brands include Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Genuardi’s, and Carrs.

Headquarters of the Safeway Corporation

The Safeway corporate headquarters are located in Pleasanton, California.

Mission and Vision of the Safeway Corporation

The mission of the Safeway corporation and the Safeway Supermarket chain begins first with a general vision that focuses its employees on building a loyal relationship with Safeway customers. The vision of the Safeway corporation is:“We earn the loyalty of the people we serve through the talents and passion of employees.“To make this vision statement more real and actionable, Safeway also provides its employees with a more specific Mission Statement which specifies the four ways in which Safeway employees work to earn that customer loyalty every day in their daily work at all levels. The Safeway Mission Statement is:​"We earn the loyalty of the people we serve by first anticipating, then fulfilling their needs with our superior-quality products, a unique shopping experience, customer-focused service, and continuous innovation, while generating long-term profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Dairy Queen Restaurant Chain Mission: Making Memories, Not Fast Food

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The mission statement of the Dairy Queen restaurant chain is about making memories, not fast food.

Dairy Queen History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

J.F. “Grandpa” McCullough and his son Alex McCullough invented the soft-service ice cream that was the primary product the entire Dairy Queen restaurant brand and concept was built around.

On June 22, 1940, the first Dairy Queen restaurant opened in Joliet, Ilinois, jointly owned by the McCulloughs and Sherb Noble. When the McCulloughs first conceptualized the idea of soft-serve ice cream, Sherb Noble was the first to test the product in his store, which then served traditional hard-frozen ice cream. Noble’s soft-serve ice cream pilot was considered successful after 1,600 servings of soft serve were dished up to his customers in just two hours.The menu at the first Dairy Queen was simply this new soft-service ice cream product, which required a specially designed and patented machine to dispense it. The first 1,400 Dairy Queen locations served soft-serve ice cream in a cone, sundaes in a cup, and take-home pints or quarts of ice cream. Dairy Queen was in business for almost a decade before introducing milkshakes, malts, and banana splits to the menu. Some Dairy Queen restaurants added hot food items to their menus.Dairy Queen became a publicly-traded company in 1972, and in May of that year, the first international Dairy Queen store was opened in Tokyo, Japan. In 1987 International Dairy Queen Inc. acquired Orange Julius. In 1986 Dairy Queen acquired the Karmelkorn chain. In 1997 Dairy Queen was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway.

International Dairy Queen Restaurant Headquarters:

The headquarters of International Dairy Queen, Inc., is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mission Statement of the Dairy Queen Restaurant Chain

Being in the restaurant business, it would seem logical that the Dairy Queen mission statement would be focused, at least in part, on food, particularly on its signature soft-serve ice cream product. But the leaders of Dairy Queen use their mission statement to focus the DQ organization, instead, on the customer experience. The Dairy Queen mission statement is:

”To create positive memories for all who touch DQ®.”

But the DQ leaders haven’t forgotten the industry that they’re in, so they have also crafted a Vision Statement that articulates their place in the global retail restaurant industry. The Vision Statement of International Dairy Queen Inc. is:

”DQ® - the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.”

California Pizza Kitchen Mission: ROCK Philosophy and 4 Success Keys

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In place of a formal mission statement, California Pizza Kitchen guides its employee team with a “ROCK Philosophy” and “Four Keys to Success.”

California Pizza Kitchen Founders Facts and Trivia

The first California Pizza Kitchen restaurant was opened in Beverly Hills, California, in 1985 by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. What defined the first California Pizza Kitchen was the hearth-baked pizzas made with global recipes and a unique combination of non-standard pizza ingredients. 

California Pizza Kitchen Restaurant Chain Headquarters

In alignment with the name of the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) chain, the CPK headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California.

The California Pizza Kitchen Mission Statement:

Instead of a formal mission statement, the California Pizza Kitchen restaurant chain has something it calls its “ROCK Philosophy,” which creates a foundation for the California Pizza Kitchen employee culture. The CPK ROCK Philosophy is:

Respect: Simply said, all voices matter, and our focus on respect ensures that all voices are heard.Opportunity: Through exciting career growth and cross-training, we’re always looking to develop and refine our top talent to drive the business and lead others.​Communication: We have an open-door policy and a culture where everyone is known on a first-name basis and always welcome to speak up.​Kindness: Kindness defines the energy and spirit of California Pizza Kitchen.

In addition to the ROCK Philosophy, California Pizza Kitchen also has Four Keys of Success that help define the CPK employee and workplace culture. The CPK Four Keys of Success are:

The First Key is our employees: we make CPK a great place to work.The Second Key is our guests: we strive to amaze every guest every time.The Third Key is our focus on sales and profit growth: it’s important for everyone to achieve financial success.The Fourth Key is community: we are deeply committed to supporting our local communities.

Jack in the Box Mission: Innovative, Customized, Anytime Food

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The Jack in the Box restaurant chain mission statement is a restaurant concept focused on innovative, customized food that’s available at any time of the day.

Jack in the Box History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Jack in the Box Restaurant was founded by Robert O. Peterson. Opened in 1951 in San Diego, California, the first Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant sold hamburgers for 18 cents, had a drive-thru with a two-way intercom, and a jack-in-the-box head on top of the building.

Although the In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain lays claim to opening the first drive-thru in the state of California, Jack in the Box claims to be the “first major hamburger chain to develop and expand the concept of drive-thru dining. Other “firsts” that Jack in the Box claims to have achieved in the fast-food niche of the U.S. restaurant industry include:

The first breakfast sandwich in 1969. (The McDonald’s Egg McMuffin was not “born” until 1972.)The first “portable salad” in 1982. (Wendy’s first offered the salad bar in its restaurants in 1979.)The first quick-serve restaurant chain “to integrate video graphics in order-confirmation displays” in 1997.The first in-store self-serve ordering kiosks in 2006.Offered the first 100-percent Sirloin Burger on a fast-food menu in 2007.

The headquarters of the Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant chain is located in San Diego, California.

Mission Statement of Jack in the Box Restaurant

Although Jack in the Box doesn’t have a published company mission statement, in its stockholders reports, it defines the Jack in the Box “restaurant concept,” which sufficiently serves as a mission statement in providing direction and vision to the employees and franchisees responsible for delivering the innovative, customized food served any time of the day, which is the promise of today’s Jack in the Box brand.

“Jack in the Box offers a broad selection of distinctive, innovative products targeted primarily at the adult fast-food consumer. Our menu features a variety of items including hamburgers, tacos, specialty sandwiches, drinks, real ice cream shakes, salads, and side items. Jack in the Box restaurants also offers guests the ability to customize their meals and to order any product, including breakfast items, any time of the day.” 

IHOP Restaurants Mission: Most Important Part of the IHOP Experience

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The International House of Pancakes restaurant chain’s mission focuses on franchisees and employees on the most important part of the IHOP experience every day.

International House of Pancakes Founders Facts

The First International House of Pancakes was opened in 1958 by Al and Jerry Lapin, and Al and Trudy Kallis in Toluca Lake, California. The company first referred to itself as IHOP as part of a marketing campaign in 1973. IHOP Corp. acquired the Applebee’s restaurant chain in 2007, and the name of the parent company changed to Dine Equity (DIN) in 2008. 

IHOP Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

IHOP headquarters are located near where its first restaurant was opened, in Glendale, California.

Vision and Values of IHOP

The IHOP mission statement, vision, and values are those of its parent company, Dine Equity, which focuses on IHOP’s franchisees and employees on the most important part of the IHOP experience every day. The Dine Equity (and IHOP) vision is:

“DineEquity unites great franchisees, brands, and team members to create the world’s leading restaurant company, one guest experience at a time.”

To clarify how IHOP franchisees and employees will “create the world’s leading restaurant company,” Dine Equity provides these Company Values:​

Integrity: We do the right thing. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.​Excellence: We expect the best from ourselves and each other.​Innovation: We find creative, new ways to delight our guests.​Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We are responsible for our actions.​Inclusion: We respect and value the diversity of others. We benefit from many points of view.​Trust: We collaborate and build trust through open, honest communication.​Community: We make a difference in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Mission: Defining the Difference in Fast Food

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Carl’s Jr. fast-food restaurant mission statement defines the competitive difference of Carl’s Jr. product and experience in a crowded fast-food market.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

Carl’s Jr. restaurants have their roots in a hot dog cart that was purchased with $311 borrowed against a Plymouth car and $15 from the savings account of Carl and Margaret Karcher in 1941 in Los Angeles, California. This first fast-food venture sold hot dogs for a dime and soda for a nickel and took in $14.75 on the first day. Less than five years later, after opening three more hot dog carts, the Karcher’s opened Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue in Anaheim, California, which was the first to have hamburgers on the menu.After founder Carl Karcher died in 1992, the company took on a new structure, with CKE Restaurants Inc. as its parent company. CKE purchased the Hardee’s fast-food chain in 1997.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Carl’s Jr. restaurants is located in Carpinteria, California, close to where the first hamburger-serving restaurant was opened.

Mission Statement of Carl’s Jr. Fast Food Restaurants

Although it is not labeled officially as a “mission statement,” this statement by Andrew Puzder, President and CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., is exactly what a good corporate mission statement should be because it defines the competitive difference of the product and the experience in a crowded fast-food market. That “mission” statement from Andrew Puzder is:”CKE’s brands, Carl-s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, “craveable” fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” - Andrew F. Puzder, President, and CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Bob Evans Restaurants Mission: Friends, Family and Being the BEST

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The mission statement of Bob Evans Restaurants is not about food, but rather about customers who are treated like friends and family and the BEST dining experience that can be created with the Bob Evans Special Touch and Brand Builders. 

Bob Evans Restaurant Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

Bob Evans Farms was founded by Bob Evans in 1948 when he began making sausage from the hogs that were raised on his farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. Bob was motivated to make the sausage to serve at a 12-stool diner that he owned in Gallipolis, Ohio. The sausage was so popular with the diners that Bob decided to focus on building a sausage-making business.

After the Bob Evans sausage business became well known, Bob opened up a 12-stool restaurant on his farm property, which he called The Sausage Shop. This original restaurant still operates today with 134 seats and is considered to be the first Bob Evans restaurant.

As of 2012, Bob Evans Farms, Inc. consisted of more than 700 Bob Evans casual dining restaurants, more than 100 Mimi’s Cafe restaurants, Bob Evans branded grocery products, and Ownes Country Sausage branded grocery products. 

Bob Evans Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and the Bob Evans casual dining restaurant chain are located in Columbus, Ohio.

Mission Statement, Values and Core Goals 

The mission statement of the Bob Evans restaurant chain focuses the Bob Evans employees and leaders on the dining customers, and how they should be treated in every interaction. The Bob Evans mission statement is:​

”At Bob Evans, we treat strangers like friends and friends like family.”

Since every employee would have their own interpretation about how to treat friends and family, Bob Evans provides further clarity with its definition of being the BEST, which is an acronym for Bob Evans Special Touch. Being the BEST means going above and beyond expectations in three key areas:

QualityServiceCleanliness

According to Bob Evans, BEST is also the sum total of embracing 8 Core Values in every action and decision. The Bob Evans Core Values are:

ConsistencyIntegritySafetyTeamworkHonestyQualitySincerityTradition

While the Core Values give guidelines for how Bob Evans employees do business, there are five core goals which are called the Bob Evans Brand Builders that provide specific guidance about specific actions that Bob Evans employees should take, which help prioritize what is most important to accomplish every day. The Bob Evans Brand Builders are:

Win Together as a TeamConsistently Drive Sales GrowthImprove Margins with an Eye on CustomersBe the Best at Operations ExecutionIncrease Returns on Invested Capital

Waffle House Mission: Uniquely Consistent People-First Experience

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The mission statement of Waffle House restaurants is all about creating a customer experience that is uniquely consistent and aligned with the belief of co-founder Joe Rogers, Sr. that people come first and food second.

Waffle House Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain was co-founded by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner in 1955 when they opened up their first Waffle House restaurant on Labor Day in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Prior to that Tom was working for the Toddle House restaurant chain, Joe was working in real estate, and the two men were neighbors.

These Waffle House co-founders wanted to create a business that had shared ownership with the management team, and Waffle House compensation was structured that way from the very beginning. It wasn’t until 1961 that Joe and Tom left their other jobs to work full-time in their Waffle House business. 

Waffle House Restaurants Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain is located in Norcross, Georgia, not far from where the first Waffle House restaurant was located, 

Mission Statement of Waffle House

Co-founder Joe Rogers, Sr. established the Waffle House business philosophy when he said, “We’re not in the food business… we are in the people business.” The Waffle House Mission Statement is aligned with that founder’s philosophy and focuses Waffle House employees on creating a people-first experience that is uniquely consistent throughout the Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain.

The Mission Statement of Waffle House

”Our mission is to deliver a unique experience to our customers through delivering great food, friendly, attentive service, excellent price, and a welcoming presence.”

Hardee’s Restaurants Mission: Vision for a Fast Food Difference

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The Hardee’s mission statement is the vision of its parent company CKE, which defines what makes Hardee’s food and dining experience different from that of its fast-food competitors.

Hardee’s Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Hardee’s restaurant was opened in 1960 in Greenville, South Carolina by founder Wilber Hardee. The first Hardee’s franchise was opened five months later, and the first international franchise location was opened in Germany that decade. Hardee’s became well known for its biscuits in the 1970s.Hardee’s acquired the Burger Chef chain in the 1980s and then CKE Restaurants, Inc. acquired the Hardee’s chain in 1997. After the CKE acquisition, the Hardee’s menu shifted to be in alignment with its new sister company, Carl’s Jr.

Hardee’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Carl’s Jr. restaurants are located in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Mission Statement of Hardee’s Fast Food Restaurants

Although it is not labeled officially as a “mission statement,” one particular statement attributed to Andrew Puzder, President and CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., on the CKE corporate website is exactly what a good corporate mission statement should be because it defines the competitive difference of the Hardee’s product and the experience in a crowded fast-food market. That “mission” statement from Andrew Puzder is:”CKE’s brands, Carl-s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, “craveable” fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” - Andrew F. Puzder, President and CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Checkers Restaurants Mission: A Guest-Obsessed Double Drive-Thru

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The Checkers mission statement differentiates the chain from all other fast-food hamburger restaurant competitors with Guest Obsessed and double-drive-thru service experiences.

Checkers Restaurant History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Jim Mattei, Mark Reed, and Herbert Brown, the first location opened in Mobile, Alabama in 1986 with the Checkers name, reportedly named after the concept of checkered taxi cabs. The first Checkers restaurant had a simple menu focused on low-priced hamburgers and combo meals. Checkers is credited for starting the “value” menu trend in U.S. fast food, and for revolutionizing the fast food concept with modular restaurants that had no dining rooms and no parking lots. Checkers claimed that each of its restaurants could serve twice as many customers in half the time at a fraction of the price of its major hamburger fast-food competitors, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King.The Checkers hamburger chain merged with another double drive-thru competitor, the Rally’s chain, in 1999.

Checker’s Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the Checker’s/Rally’s restaurant chains are located in Tampa, Florida.

Mission Statement of Checker’s Hamburger Restaurant 

In the crowded and fiercely competitive hamburger fast food niche of the U.S. restaurant industry, it’s important that the Checkers mission statement defines the Checkers restaurant difference and guides its employees and franchisees in delivering that uniquely branded Checkers restaurant difference. The Checkers mission statement successfully defines the Checkers “guest-obsessed double drive-thru” experience:​

“To serve top-quality meals at a great value with Guest-Obsessed© hospitality, speed, and accuracy at our double drive-thru lanes, and to foster a culture where employees are well-trained and well rewarded, and franchisees are supported in their endeavors to better the brand.”

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Mission: 3 Core Values to Create Great

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Papa Murphy’s mission is three common-core values which, when done consistently, create a “great” Papa Murphy’s pizza experience.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

Papa Murphy’s is the combination of two separate pizza chains, both of which were using the take-and-bake concept to sell pizzas. Papa Aldo’s was started in Hillsboro, Oregon in 1981, and Murphy’s Pizza was started in Petaluma, California in the early 1990s. In 1995, Terry Collins became a major investor in both businesses and merged them into one chain which he called Papa Murphy’s.

In 2013, Papa Murphy’s was the fifth largest retail pizza chain in the U.S. with more than 1,200 stores operating in 37 different states. In 2013 Papa Murphy’s was also recognized as one of the top three pizza restaurant chain “movers and shakers” by PizzaMarketplace.com ahead of much larger chains like Pizza Hut and Little Caesars.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chain Headquarters

Papa Murphy’s corporate headquarters is located in Vancouver, Washington.

Mission Statement of Papa Murphy’s

The mission statement of the Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizza chain is really three core values, which are simple and common not only to all pizza restaurants but to just about every company in the U.S. restaurant industry. The core values/mission of Papa Murphy’s is:

”Great quality. Great value. Great customer service.”

These core values are so basic that it might not seem that they could possibly create effective results in guiding the actions and decisions of a retail organization. But Papa Murphy’s clarifies how and why it has chosen to build its business around this simple mission in this way:

“Papa Murphy’s was built on these core values from day one, and they continue to distinguish Papa Murphy’s today. These values aren’t revolutionary, but when they’re done consistently they allow our guests to leave our stores with the best pizza and experience possible – it’s the reason we’ve been named the #1 Rated Pizza Chain. Papa Murphy’s will keep on evolving, but our foundation is set in stone.” 

Little Caesars Mission: Principles for Happy! Happy! Customers

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The Little Caesars mission statement is about Happy! Happy! and the operating principles that create them.

Little Caesars Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Little Caesars restaurant was opened in Garden City, Michigan on May 8, 1959, by husband-and-wife team Michael and Marian Ilitch, who reportedly invested $10,000 of their own money to fund their dream. Michael wanted to call the new restaurant Pizza Treat. Marian wanted to call it Little Caesars (which is how she characterized her husband). They compromised and called the first restaurant Little Caesar’s Pizza Treat. In addition to pizza, the first Little Caesars restaurant also served hot dogs, chicken, shrimp, and fish.

Little Caesars partnered with Kmart in the 1990s, opening up Little Caesars stores within the Kmart stores. Coincidentally, both the Kmart and Little Caesars chain started in Garden City.

The first Little Caesars U.S. franchise restaurant was sold in 1961, and the first Little Caesars international location was opened in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in 1969.

Little Caesars Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The headquarters of the Little Caesars pizza restaurant chain is located not far from where the chain began, in Detroit, Michigan.

Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of Little Caesars

The mission statement of Little Caesars is defined for both Little Caesars employees and Little Caesars franchisees. While both mission statements are similar and compatible, they are notably different. The mission statement provided to Little Caesars employees is:

“We Want Happy! Happy! Customers. Our mission is to provide delicious, high-quality products at an affordable price, with friendly, prompt, and courteous service.”

The separate mission statement specified for franchisees is:

“To be the best take-home pizza chain by exceeding customer expectations with extraordinary value, great tasting products, and outstanding people while providing strong returns to our stakeholders.”

To specifically define how Little Caesars expects its employees and franchisees to achieve the Little Caesars mission statement, the Little Caesars leaders have created five “Stakeholder Operating Principles”:

Customers: To develop a fun-loving and lasting relationship with every customer.Franchisees: To provide our Franchisees with value-added support and discipline.Colleagues: To train and encourage Colleagues to achieve excellence.Suppliers: To develop mutually beneficial relationships built on trust and respect.Communities: To maintain an image that is a constant source of pride and quality in our communities.

Boston Market Restaurant Mission: An Awesome Mission Not Well Defined

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The “awesome” mission statement of the Boston Market fast-casual restaurant chain is designed to create a positive dining experience but leaves a lot of room for interpretation and execution because of its broad and undefined goals.

Boston Market Founders Facts and Trivia

Arthur Cores and Steven Kolow opened the first Boston Chicken restaurant in Newton, Massachusetts in 1985. The name was changed to New Boston Chicken, Inc. when a third partner, Goerge Naddaff, joined the company. The company name was shortened to Boston Chicken, Inc. in 1992 before going public in 1993. The chain was renamed Boston Market in 1995 to reflect an expansion of the menu and the addition of other meats besides the original rotisserie chicken.

The Boston Market chain was purchased by the McDonald’s corporation in 2000, two years after the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The Boston Market chain was then sold by McDonald’s to Sun Capital Partners in 2007.

Boston Market Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Boston Market restaurants are located in Golden, Colorado.

Mission Statement and Values of Boston Market 

The mission statement of Boston Market restaurants is obviously fashioned to help create a positive dining experience for Boston Market customers. But the mission statement is worded so broadly that it leaves a lot of room for interpretation by individual Boston Market employees, and therefore, inconsistent experience for the Boston Market diner. The Boston Market mission statement is:

”To create awesome food, served quickly by warm and friendly people!!”

Some specific clarification is provided to Boston Market leaders about creating a workplace that would attract and retain the “warm and friendly people” in the Boston Market mission statement. Although not specifically labeled, these could be considered either the Boston Market workplace qualities or leadership values:

Pride: Every day we have a sense of pride about what we do.Walk the talk: We all try and ‘walk the talk,’ which could include going through the dining room, filling up drinks, picking up plates and talking with our guests.Clear Direction: Our managers set a clear direction for our teams.Career Growth: Our employees know that not only do they have a job with Boston Market, but they also know they can grow that job into a career.Fun: Most importantly, it’s fun to work at Boston Market.

Red Mango Yogurt Mission: Focus on Products With a Competitive Edge

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The competitive edge for Red Mango Yogurt stores is its product offerings, and the Red Mango mission statement focuses employees on the delivery of that.

Red Mango Yogurt Stores Founders Facts and Trivia

Red Mango was founded in Seoul, South Korea by Roni Akeakamai Choo in 2002. The U.S. “founder” and Chief Concept Officer, Dan Kim, opened the first U.S. Red Mango yogurt store in 2007 in Westwood, California, near the UCLA campus.

Red Mango Headquarters

The U.S. headquarters for Red Mango is located in Dallas, Texas. The headquarters for Relay International Co., Inc. is located in Seoul, South Korea.

Mission Statement of Red Mango USA

The competitive edge of Red Mango is its product offerings, with their probiotic ingredients that are healthy and tasty at the same time. The Red Mango mission statement focuses employees on the uniqueness of the Red Mango product offerings:

“To help our customers treat themselves well with the healthiest and best tasting frozen yogurt, smoothies, beverages, and quick refreshments.”

Del Taco Restaurants Mission: A Bolder, Fresher, Better Brand

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The mission statement of the Del Taco fast food chain defines what makes Del Taco different from all other Mexican fast-food chain competitors, and guides employees about how to deliver a bolder, fresher, better restaurant brand.

Del Taco Restaurant History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Del Taco founders Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson opened the first Del Taco restaurant in Yermo, California in 1964 under the name Casa Del Taco. The menu of the first Casa Del Taco fast-food Mexican restaurant included tacos, tostadas, french fries, and cheeseburgers.

Del Taco Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the Del Taco fast-food Mexican restaurant chain is located in Lake Forest, California.

Mission Statement of Del Taco Fast Food Restaurant 

With significant competition from fast-food and fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains like Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Qdoba, the Del Taco restaurant chain differentiates itself from its competitors with a mission statement that describes how Del Taco products and employees create a uniquely branded Del Taco experience. Although it’s not specifically identified as a “mission,” the statement made to potential franchisees is:​

“With over 550 restaurants and growing, we’ve built a bolder, fresher, better brand offering unbelievable value, uncompromising quality and freshness, and a taste for every appetite and budget.”

Additionally, Del Taco defines “The Del Difference,” which includes:

Menu items are prepared to order using the freshest ingredients with no microwaves.Menu innovations that keep fans engaged and coming back for more.A combination of value-oriented offerings and premium items.A clean, welcoming atmosphere inside restaurants.Great Mexican food at a great value.

Tony Roma’s Mission: Focused on the Ultimate Goal of Guest Loyalty

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Tony Roma’s restaurant mission statement focuses its employees on what is considered to be the ultimate Tony Roma’s goal: guest loyalty.

Tony Roma’s Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Tony Roma’s restaurant was opened on January 20, 1972, in Miami, Florida by founder Tony Roma. The original menu included steaks and hamburgers. Ribs were first offered as a weekend special and were so popular that they quickly became the centerpiece of the Tony Roma’s menu.

Just four years later, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys ate at Tony Roma’s while he was in Miami for the Super Bowl, which his team lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the trip was not fully disappointing for Clint Murchison, Jr. because he liked the Tony Roma’s restaurant food so much that he purchased a big chunk of the restaurant’s U.S. franchise rights, and became the driving force behind the Tony Roma’s U.S. and international expansion. 

Tony Roma’s Restaurants Headquarters

The international headquarters of the Tony Roma’s restaurant chain is located in Dallas, Texas.

Mission Statement of Tony Roma’s 

Tony Roma’s mission statement does one thing that every good mission statement should do. It clearly defines the motivation that all employees should have behind everything they do by stating the goal that is the most important thing to the company. In this case, that ultimate goal to Tony Roma’s is guest loyalty. The Mission Statement of Tony Roma’s Restaurants is:​​

“Great Food delivered by Professional, Friendly Team Members resulting in Guest loyalty… Worldwide.”

Along with this mission statement, Tony Roma’s has identified qualities that it expects its employees to demonstrate in order to do things the “Tony Roma’s Way.” Although these qualities are not labeled as such, in essence, these PICI2 qualities could be considered service standards. Tony Roma’s PICI2 qualities are:

PassionIntelligenceCompassionIntegrityIntensity

Bojangles Restaurant Mission: Best-Tasting, Quick, Quality Chicken

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The mission statement of the Bojangles chicken-based fast-food restaurant chain is about being the best, quickest, highest quality, and friendliest choice in the highly competitive quick-service chicken restaurant niche.

Bojangles Chicken History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas, the first Bojangles Fast Food Chicken Restaurant Location opened in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first Bojangles restaurant had no seating and no drive-thru window. The Bojangles chain started as a walk-in, takeout-only restaurant. The first franchised Bojangles location opened up in 1978. In 2014, the 600th Bojangles location was opened, and the fried chicken restaurant chain reached $1 billion in historical sales.

From the beginning, Bojangles distinguished itself in the fast-food chicken niche with distinct Cajun seasonings, and menu items like freshly baked, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, dirty rice, and “Cajun pintos.” Bojangles also offers breakfast menu items all day, every day.

Bojangles Chicken Restaurant Group Headquarters

The headquarters of the Bojangles fast-food chicken restaurant chain is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Bojangles brand and concept were born.

Mission Statement of Bojangles Chicken Chain

Although not identified specifically as its “mission statement,” Bojangles specifies that employees at all levels of its organization are committed to the “Bojangles difference,” which is:

”…ensuring that our guests always get the best-tasting, highest-quality products possible, served quickly by friendly people in a clean and pleasant environment.” 

Considering the purpose of a mission statement is to focus employees on what the organization values and what makes its products and services distinct, this “Bojangles difference” commitment serves the Bojangles restaurant chain well as a mission statement.

Captain D’s Restaurants Mission: Be Best With Fresh, Honest, Quality

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The mission of Captain D’s seafood restaurant chain is its Brand Promise to be the best, which Captain D’s believes is a result of fresh, honest, and quality food.

Captain D’s Seafood Founders Facts and Trivia

The Captain D’s restaurant chain began in 1969 when Ray Danner of Danner Foods opened a Mr. D’s restaurant in Donelson, Tennessee. In 1974 Danner Foods merged with Shoney’s and then Mr. D’s restaurants were renamed, Captain D’s.

Captain D’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The headquarters of Captain D’s are located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mission Statement and Brand Promise of Captain D’s 

The mission statement of Captain D’s is referred to as its Brand Promise, and focuses on the qualities of Captain D’s products that are necessary to be the “best.” The Brand Promise of Captain D’s is:

“At Captain D’s we challenge ourselves to be the best seafood restaurant. We promise to deliver unique and fresh ingredients, prepare them honestly and with flavor, and to deliver quality.

We believe that our guests deserve great food that they can enjoy every day.”

In addition, Captain D’s has defined “The Captain’s Difference,” which is similar to the Brand Promise but written for an internal employee audience. “The Captain’s Difference” is:​

“At Captain D’s, we work hard to deliver quality seafood at competitive prices. We search the globe for the best quality seafood at the best value possible and deliver that experience to our guests in the restaurants every day.”

Stater Bros. Markets Mission: Family, Loyalty, and the American Dream

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The mission statement of Stater Bros. Markets is not focused on groceries, but rather on family, loyalty, and the American Dream.

Stater Bros. History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

The first Stater Bros. Market was opened in August 1936 in Yucaipa, California after 24-year-old twins Leo and Cleo Stater purchased it for $800 from Cleo’s boss. The company’s first slogan “The low price leader in your hometown,” was chosen because the Stater Bros. embarked on their grocery store business adventure the middle of the Great Depression.

When the U.S. entered World War II, the Stater brothers left to serve as Army Air Force pilots. In their absence, their parents ran their grocery store chain, which had grown to four retail locations. After World War II a third and younger Stater brother, Savoy, joined the business, making three Stater brothers running the Stater Bros. Markets chain.

Stater Bros. Markets Retail Headquarters

The headquarters of Stater Bros. Markets is located in San Bernardino, California.

Stater Bros. Supermarkets Corporate Mission and Values

The mission statement of Stater Bros. Markets is not focused on the groceries that the company sells or services that it provides. Rather, the Stater Bros. company mission statement focuses on how the company does business and the way that it interacts with its customers and communities. The Stater Bros. mission statement is:​

“To always offer outstanding value in our prices, high quality in all our merchandise, and friendliness in our service, so that our loyal customers and their families, the dedicated members of the Stater Bros. “family” of employees, and the communities we are privileged to serve may all share in the American Dream.”

Save Mart Supermarkets Mission: People, Passion, Shopping Experience

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The mission statement of Save Mart Supermarkets is about people, passion, and the remarkable shopping experience they can create.

Save Mart History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Mike Piccinini and his brother, Nick Tocco, the first Save Mart Supermarket opened on January 17, 1952, in Modesto, California. In addition to groceries, the first Save Mart retail store also sold pre-packaged meats, yard and garden supplies, plants, fresh-cut flowers, and gift items, which would have earned Save Mart a spot the Most Innovative Retailer list in the 1950s, if such a list existed then.

Save Mart Supermarkets Headquarters:

The headquarters of Save Mart Supermarkets is located in Modesto, California.

Save Mart Supermarkets Corporate Mission and Values

The mission statement for Save Mart Supermarkets accomplishes what a good mission statement is meant to accomplish, which is to identify what’s important, to inspire employees, and create a branded identity. The Save Mart Supermarket corporate mission statement, which is effective in its simplicity, is:

“Bringing People Together, Through Our Passion for Food and a Remarkable Shopping Experience”

Additionally, the Save Mart company provides some defined corporate values, which focus on the employees who will be responsible for delivering on the promise of the mission statement. The Values that guide decisions and actions with the Save Mart employee team are:

Our Values: Save Mart Supermarkets is committed to ensuring a quality workplace for every employee. This means treating people with dignity and respect, demonstrating trust, maintaining an inclusive work environment that values diversity and teamwork, ensuring a productive atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment, and providing a safe environment, free from injury, drug and alcohol use.Respect: Demonstrate respect and trust, value diversityOpportunity: Committed to your growth and successTeamwork: Make the employee connectionSafety: Maintain a safe workplace free from injury, drug and alcohol use

El Pollo Loco Restaurant Mission: Best Chicken and High Standards

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The El Pollo Loco fast-food restaurant chain mission statement is about serving the best chicken and doing business with the highest ethical standards.

El Pollo Loco History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founder Juan Francisco opened the first location in Mexico in 1964 with the El Pollo Loco name. The menu of the first El Pollo Loco fast-food location was focused on Mexican food. 

El Pollo Loco Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the El Pollo Loco fast-food chicken restaurant chain is located in Costa Mesa, California.

Mission Statement of El Pollo Loco Fast-Food Chicken 

The mission statement of the El Pollo Loco chicken restaurant chain is exemplary in its simplicity and clarity. But because it is oversimplified and non-specific, it could apply to any fast food restaurant chain in the world that has chicken as its main menu item. The mission statement of El Pollo Loco is:

" The primary mission of El Pollo Loco, Inc. is to serve the best chicken meal profitably.”

El Pollo Loco leaders provide employees with more specific guidance about making decisions and creating a unique El Pollo loco dining experience with its Code of Business Conduct:

Compliance with the Law: El Pollo Loco and its employees will abide by the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws and regulations and will act in such a manner that the full disclosure of all facts related to any activity will always reflect favorably upon the Company.Adherence to High Ethical Standards: El Pollo Loco and its employees will adhere to the highest ethical standards of conduct in all business activities and will act in a manner that enhances El Pollo Loco’s standing as a vigorous and ethical competitor within the business community.Responsible Business Citizenship: El Pollo Loco and its employees will act as responsible citizens in the communities where the Company does business.

Moe’s Southwest Grill Mission: Original Awesome Food, Energy

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The Moe’s Southwest Grill fast-casual restaurant chain mission statement defines the brand with awesome food, energetic service, originality, and irreverence.

Moe’s Southwest Grill History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founder Martin Sprock, then CEO of Raving Brands, opened the first location in December 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia, serving a menu of fresh, made-to-order Southwestern food. Today Moe’s differentiates itself from Mexican Restaurant competitors like Qdoba and Chipotle with all-natural chicken, grass-fed steak, organic tofu, along with vegetarian, flexitarians, kids’ and low-calorie options. The Moe’s Southwestern Grill branded experience also includes free chips and salsa and a legendary “Welcome to Moe’s” greeting for every in-store customer who walks in the door.

In 2007, Raving Brands and Martin Sprock sold a 345-unit Moe’s Southwest Grill Chain to FOCUS Brands. The first international Moe’s Southwest Grill opened in Turkey on March 8, 2011. As of 2019, there are more than 700 Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants operating in four countries.

Moe’s Southwestern Grill Headquarters

The headquarters of the Moe’s Southwest Grill is located with its parent company FOCUS Brands in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Mission Statement of Moe’s Southwest Grill 

The importance that Moe’s Southwest Grill places on its employee culture is unmistakable. Not only does Moe’s have a clearly defined Mission Statement, but it also provides its employees and franchisees with a clearly defined Vision, Purpose, and Objective:​

Our Vision: To deliver the best customizable Southwestern food and irreverent brand culture to communities around the world, making Moe’s Southwest Grill the choice restaurant for guests, franchisees, and associates.​Our Mission: To provide a one-of-a-kind experience that energizes everyone with an enthusiastic welcome, exceptional service, awesome food, killer tunes and an unforgettable time.​Our Purpose: To promote a culture that celebrates originality.​Our Objective: To create wealth, growth and personal fulfillment by living Moe’s distinct culture.

Each of these corporate statements provides a view of the “ideal” Moe’s customer and employee experience, and what Moe’s leaders and franchisees need to keep employees focused upon. Additionally, Moe’s Southwest Grill clearly defines its company values, which specifically guide franchisees and employees in their decision-making and in shaping the employee culture that is the foundation of the desired Moe’s branded customer experience. The Moe’s Guiding Values are:

Act With Integrity: We believe that all of us have the responsibility.Add Value: We believe everything we do should add value for our guests.Infuse Passion: We believe that our passion and enthusiastic welcome are the foundation of our brand.Provide Leadership: We believe great leadership establishes the foundation of our long-term success.Think Sustainability: We believe we have a social responsibility.Know & Share the Brand: We believe that our clear vision of the future is born from understanding our history.Be Yourself: We believe it is important not to take ourselves too seriously.Give Back We believe in pulling together.Have Fun: We believe that fun breeds creativity.

Fred’s Mission: Fast, Fun, and Friendly Shopping in Your Hometown

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The mission of Fred’s is to be a discount shopping leader, but its vision is not about profits, it’s about people.

Fred’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first store opened in Coldwater, Mississippi by Paul Baddour and his two brothers in 1947 was called “Good Luck.” As the chain expanded, the stores were named after one of the Baddour brothers, Fred.

Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores Headquarters

The headquarters of Fred’s Discount chain is located in Memphis, TN.

The Vision of Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores

“A smile on every customer’s face!” 

The Mission of Fred’s Hometown Discount Store:

“To be the Hometown Discount Store that provides a fast, fun and friendly low-price place to shop!”

In addition to its vision and mission, Fred’s makes “promises” to its shareholders, customers, and employees: 

Fred’s Promises to Its Shareholders: To our shareholders, we promise industry-leading financial performance through extraordinary results, not just extraordinary efforts.

Fred’s Promises to Its Customers: To our customers, we promise:

Team members who are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.Great prices that are clearly marked.A fast and easy shopping experience.Well-stocked stores.A treasure hunt of unique bargains.A clean environment.

Fred’s Promises to Its Employees: To each other, we promise:

To be decisive, accountable and results-focusedTo help team members be successful.Teamwork, mutual respect, and integrity.Open communication with candor.To embrace change and to achieve sustainable solutions.

Western Sizzlin Company Mission: Relaxed, Friendly Family Dining

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Western Sizzlin customers enjoy a relaxed, friendly family dining because of the company’s “perspectives.”

Western Sizzlin Restaurant Chain Founder

Nick Pascarella opened the first Western Sizzlin restaurant in Augusta, Georgia in 1962. The company began franchising its restaurants four years later.

Western Sizzlin Headquarters

Western Sizzlin corporate headquarters are located in Roanoke, Virginia, and Columbus, Ohio.

Western Sizzlin’s Mission Statement

Not specifically labeled as a “mission statement, Western Sizzlin has what it calls “company perspectives” that provides the same kind of vision and purpose as a mission statement:

“Our primary goal has always been to exceed our guests’ expectations for both quality and service. Our restaurants strive to provide a relaxing, enjoyable dining experience in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.”

Every retail company in the world might seem to have the same mission statement: crush the competition and make as much profit as possible. And while that might be the written or unwritten goal of 98% of all members of the U.S. retail industry, this is not the only “mission” that defines their businesses.

Companies such as Applebee’s, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts and Subway Sandwiches all want to dominate their retail categories and create profits, but each of them has a distinct way of doing their retail business that is aligned with and defined by their respective mission statements.

Discover the mission and vision statements of some of the world’s largest retail food and beverage chains, and discover what drives their decisions and actions and creates their success every day.

Dunkin’ Donuts Mission: 12 Values of Quick, Fresh, Delicious

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The original mission statement for Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants was created by its founder. Today, the Dunkin’ Brands 12 Values and Principles guide franchise owners to the same quick, fresh, and delicious outcome that the founder had envisioned.

Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Dunkin’ Donuts store was opened by William Rosenberg in 1950 in Quincy Massachusetts. The first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise was opened in 1955, and today there are more than 10,000 Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in 36 states in the U.S. and 32 countries around the world. In 1990, Allied Lyons, the parent company of the Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream chain, purchased Dunkin’ Donuts, and in 2004 the name of the parent company was changed to Dunkin’ Brands.

Dunkin’ Donuts Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise, along with with the headquarters of the Dunkin’ Brands group, is located in Canton, Massachusetts.

Mission Statement of Dunkin’ Donuts Stores

The original mission statement (referred to as the “philosophy”) of Dunkin’ Donuts came straight from the founder:​

“Make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores.”

Today, because 100 percent of the 10,000+ Dunkin’ Donuts stores located around the world are franchisee-owned and operated, each individual Dunkin’ Donuts store could have its own mission statement. But as the parent company of the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, Dunkin’ Brands has 12 Values and Principles that the company believes should guide the decisions of everyone associated with Baskin-Robbins retail outlets and lead all Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees to success. The Dunkin’ Brands Values and Guiding Principles are:

Honesty - Embrace the truth about oneself and the world.Transparency - Demonstrate openness and vulnerability.Humility - Acknowledge own mistakes and commit to learning.Integrity - Say what you think and do what you say.Respectfulness - Honor the dignity, inclusion, and diversity of others.Fairness - Do what is right based on common principles.Responsibility - Make yourself accountable to the community.

Guiding Principles

Leadership - Responsibility with passion at every level.Innovation - Excellence in everything we do.Execution - Ownership, and accountability for results, success, and failure.Social Stewardship - Demonstration of good corporate citizenship and responsibility to all constituencies.Fun - Approach every challenge with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement. “Celebrate every step of the way!”

McDonald’s Restaurants Mission: A Common Mission With Branded Values

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The mission statement of McDonald’s fast-food restaurants is a common mission for every restaurant, but the McDonald’s Values reflect the McDonald’s experience. (See the complete McDonald’s mission statement below.) It is the principles and influences of McDonald’s founders that make the McDonald’s restaurant chain the iconic American brand that it is today.

Mission Statement of McDonald’s Fast Food Restaurants

The mission statement of McDonald’s fast-food restaurants around the world is not much different from any restaurant chain.

“McDonald’s brand mission is to be our customers’ favorite place and way to eat.”

That broad and common mission statement is more clearly defined by the McDonald’s Values, which reflect the experience that customers can expect when walking into a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant no matter where it is located.

We place the customer experience at the core of all we do.We are committed to our people.We believe in the McDonald’s System.We operate our business ethically.We give back to our communities.We grow our business profitably.We strive continually to improve.

In 2013 McDonald’s implemented a global strategy it called “Plan to Win,” which was designed to create a consistently excellent customer experience in McDonald’s restaurants. The five key facets of that McDonald’s experience were defined as being People, Products, Place, Price, and Promotion.

McDonald’s Restaurants Founders

Almost always, a company’s mission statement is a reflection of the vision and values of the person who founded the company.  In the case of the McDonald’s restaurant chain, it would be the reflection of three founders – Dick and Mack McDonald and Ray Kroc.Most people think that the McDonald’s restaurant chain was started by Ray Kroc, which isn’t exactly true. The first McDonald’s restaurant was called McDonald’s Bar-B-Que restaurant, which was opened by Dick and Mack McDonald in 1940 in San Bernardino, CA. They didn’t convert to a simple hamburger and potato chips menu until 1948. In 1949 french fries replaced the potato chips and triple thick milkshakes were added to the menu.Technically Kroc was not a “founder” at all.  But he is the man credited with “founding” the international expansion of the McDonald’s restaurant chain. The four principles that Kroc and his franchisees lived by were Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value. Kroc is the “founder” of Hamburger University, the official McDonald’s franchisee training facility that delivered mandatory training classes for the purpose of maintaining a consistent McDonald’s experience in every individual McDonald’s location around the world.

McDonald’s Restaurants Headquarters

The worldwide headquarters of the McDonald’s restaurant chain is in Oak Brook, IL, along with its training facility called Hamburger University.

Burger King Mission: Vision for Food, Speed, and Customer Experience

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The founders of Burger King restaurants had a vision for their fast-food chain which included food, speed, and customer experience. The mission and commitments of Burger King today are aligned with that original vision.

Burger King Founders Facts and Trivia

The Burger King restaurant chain was started in 1953 by Matthew Burns and Keith J. Kramer in Jacksonville, Florida as the Insta-Burger King restaurant, featuring an Insta-Broiler to cook the food. In 1954 when the company was having financial problems, two franchises, James McLamore, and David Edgerton purchased the right to operate the chain and changed the name to Burger King.Once established, expansion and growth happened quickly for the Burger King restaurant chain. The Whopper was introduced in 1957, the first Burger King franchise was opened in 1959, the first Burger King international location opened in Puerto Rico in 1965, and the company was purchased by Pillsbury in 1967.

Burger King Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Burger King fast-food restaurant chain is located in Miami, Florida, where the original franchise of McLamore and Edgerton was located.

The Mission Statement of Burger King Restaurants

The vision of McLamore and Edgerton when they purchased the Insta-Burger King restaurant concept has remained the vision and mission of Burger King restaurants throughout the world and is referenced in the individual international Burger King restaurant websites. That original Burger King Vision was:

“Offering reasonably priced quality food, served quickly, in attractive, clean surroundings.”

Today in the U.S., Burger King uses “commitments” to guide its business, in addition to that original mission statement. Specifically, Burger King commitment is:

“Our commitment to premium ingredients, signature recipes, and family-friendly dining experiences is what has defined our brand for more than 50 successful years.”

Burger King corporate further defines the commitments that guide its daily business operations in its corporate governance documents:

Food: “For over 50 years, our restaurants have been serving high quality, great-tasting and affordable food around the world. Our commitment to the food we serve is what defines us as a company and is at the center of our HAVE IT YOUR WAY brand promise.“People: “We are dedicated to supporting and investing in our people – employees, franchisees, suppliers and restaurant guests – because they are the cornerstone of our business. In many different ways, we do all that we can to serve employees and guest alike.”Also, Burger King has a clear statement of “What We Believe,” which also serves as a mission statement, although not officially identified as one:

What Do We Believe? “We believe in working together with and listening to our employees, guests, business partners and the people in the communities in which we live and work. We share their concerns for our neighborhoods, educating children, preserving the environment, providing jobs and doing our part to help families eat and live better by offering more nutritious food options and promoting healthy lifestyle messages. We know we have a role to play in each of these areas.”

Subway Mission: Freshness + Customer Satisfaction = The Exceptional

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The mission statement, vision, and values of Subway Sandwich fast-food restaurants focus on freshness and customer satisfaction, which creates an exceptional Subway experience.

Subway Sandwich Franchises Facts and Trivia

Subway was founded in 1965 when 17-year-old ​Fred DeLuca partnered with Dr. Peter Buck and opened the first Pete’s Subway in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Subway didn’t start franchising until 1974, when its first franchise location opened in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Subway Sandwich Restaurants Headquarters:

The international headquarters for Subway Sandwich restaurants and franchises are located in Milford, Connecticut.

The Subway Sandwich Fast Food Mission Statement

In its clarity, simplicity, and achievability, the Subway Sandwich Restaurant chain has one of the best mission statements in the U.S. restaurant industry. The Subway mission statement is:​

“Delight every customer, so they want to tell their friends – with great value through fresh, delicious, made-to-order sandwiches, and an exceptional experience.”

Subway fast-food restaurants also have a larger vision, which is the inspiration for its international restaurant operations. The Subway restaurants and franchises vision is: 

“Be the #1 Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) franchise in the world, while delivering fresh, delicious sandwiches and an exceptional experience.”

How Subway Sandwich restaurant franchisees and employees achieve the company’s mission and make the Subway vision a reality is further defined by the Subway Core Values and Philosophy:

Family – We build our business relationships by serving each other, our customers and our communities, much as we do within our own families.Teamwork – We challenge ourselves and each other to succeed through teamwork, against shared goals and to be accountable for our responsibilities.Opportunity – We create an entrepreneurial, ever-growing SUBWAY® community, increasing the opportunity for everyone.

Chick-Fil-A Restaurants Mission: Quick Service, Positive Purpose

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The mission statement of the Chick-Fil-A restaurants is the same as any other quick-service restaurant chain in the U.S., but the Chick-Fil-A corporate purpose reveals an identity and values that give meaning to the Chick-Fil-A operations.

Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The Chick-fil-A history extends back to 1946 when Truett Cathy opened up his first restaurant, which he called The Dwarf Grill, in Atlanta, Georgia. It wasn’t until 18 years later that Cathy invented what is known today as the Chick-Fil-A sandwich. Three years later, in 1967 Cathy opened a restaurant in a shopping mall named after the Chick-Fil-A sandwich he had invented.

The first free-standing Chick-Fil-A restaurant was opened in Druid Hills, Georgia in 1986. As of 2019, there were more than 2,000 Chick-fil-A restaurant locations.

The Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Chick-Fil-A quick-service restaurant chain is located where the company has its roots, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mission Statement and Corporate Values of Chick-Fil-A 

The mission statement of the Chick-Fil-A restaurant chain is pretty much the same mission as any big or small restaurant chain in the U.S. The Chick-Fil-A mission statement is:

“Be America’s best quick-service restaurant.”It’s the Chick-Fil-A Corporate Purpose that reveals the identity and character behind the Chick-fil-A operations and gives meaning to the employees as they take actions and make decisions every day. The Chick-fil-A Corporate Purpose is:​

“To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-Fil-A.”

Starbucks Mission: Inspiration and Connection One Cup at a Time

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Starbucks’ mission to “inspire the human spirit” is something that can’t be served in a cup with whipped cream.

Starbucks Coffee Founder Facts and Trivia

The first Starbucks location opened in 1971 in Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA. Eleven years later, Howard Schultz was hired by the company to be the director of retail operations and marketing. The first Starbucks with the current coffee house look and feel was opened in 1984 in downtown Seattle. Starbucks went on to change supply chain management.

Starbucks Coffee Headquarters

The Starbucks headquarters are still located in Seattle, Washington.

Starbucks Coffee Mission Statement

“Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”

To accomplish its mission, Starbucks has principles that guide all of its employees as they go about their daily business:

Our Coffee – It has always been, and will always be, about quality.Our Partners – We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard.Our Customers – When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers – even if just for a few moments.Our Stores – It’s about enjoyment at the speed of life – sometimes slow and savored, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity.Our Neighborhood – We can be a force for positive action – bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day.Our Shareholders - We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks – and everyone it touches – can endure and thrive.

Kroger Supermarkets Mission: Being the Leader With Values

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From a single store opened in 1883, Kroger is achieving its mission to “be a leader” with some clearly defined values.

The Kroger Company Founder

Barney Kroger opened a grocery store in downtown Cincinnati in 1883 by investing his life savings of $372. His “mission statement” from the beginning was:

“Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself.”

The Kroger Company Headquarters

The Kroger Company headquarters is located not far from the location of its first store in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Kroger Company Mission/Vision Statement

“Our mission is to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, pharmacy, health, and personal care items, seasonal merchandise, and related products and services.“To accomplish its mission, Kroger has six values that provide guidance to its employees about how they do what they do every day. Those values are:

Honesty - Doing the right things, telling the truth.Integrity - Living our values in all we do; unified approach to how we do business and treat each other.Respect for Others - Valuing opinions, property, and perspectives of others.Diversity - Reflecting a workplace that includes a variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures; diversity of opinions and thoughts.Safety - Watching out for others; being secure and safe in your workplace.Inclusion - Your voice matters, working together works, encouraging everyone’s involvement, being the best person you can be.

Trader Joe’s Mission: Fun, Individual Pride, and Company Spirit

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The mission of Trader Joe’s grocery stores includes fun, individual pride, and company spirit, which helps create the constantly upbeat Trader Joe’s customer experience. 

Trader Joe’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Trader Joe’s opened in 1967 in Pasadena, California, and is still in operation in the same location today. Trader Joe’s started selling private label merchandise and reusing canvas bags in 1977, long before many major grocery store chains adopted these practices in the 21st century. The founder of Trader Joe’s is Joe Coulombe, who earned an MBA at Stanford University and positioned Trader Joe’s like the grocery store for “overeducated and underpaid people.”

Trader Joe’s Headquarters

Trader Joe’s was purchased by Aldi Nord in 1979, and it now has headquarters in Monrovia, California, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Trader Joe’s Mission, Vision, and Values

Trader Joe’s says its first mission statement was written in chalk, 24 years after its first store opened. The current mission statement of Trader Joe’s is more official and not as easily erasable: 

“The mission of Trader Joe’s is to give our customers the best food and beverage values that they can find anywhere and to provide them with the information required to make informed buying decisions. We provide these with a dedication to the highest quality of customer satisfaction delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, fun, individual pride, and company spirit.”

Panera Bread Mission: All About Bread at Panera Restaurants

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The Panera Bread restaurant chain’s mission statement is completely bread-focused and seemingly unobtainable. But the success of the Panera chain proves that the best mission statements are less about the “statement,” and more about the “mission” that the leaders of the company embrace.

The Mission Statement and Leadership Goal of Panera Bread Restaurants (PNRA)

The published mission statement of the Panera Bread Restaurant Chain is:“A loaf of bread in every arm.“Because of its narrow focus on one product, the Panera Bread mission statement falls short is in its ability to guide employees at any level in their daily operations, interactions, and decision-making unless they are the baker of the bread, the line cook who uses the bread or the server who serves the meals that include the bread.To further clarify things, Panera also publishes its “bread leadership goal”:“With the single goal of making great bread broadly available to consumers across America, Panera Bread freshly bakes more bread each day than any bakery-cafe concept in the country.“Again with the narrow focus on its product, rather than the overall philosophy, experience, or any type of overarching purpose, the Panera Bread company mission statement seemingly fails in the ways that a traditional mission statement inspires and guides its employees.

However, the success of the Panera Bread restaurant chain in the U.S. retail industry proves that mission statements are less about the “statement” and more about the “mission” that the leaders carry out.  In the case of Panera Bread, the “mission” of its leaders comes from two different men from two different worlds and the outlook that each brought into their business world.

Panera Bread Restaurant Chain Founders Facts

The Panera Bread restaurant chain was founded by Ron Shaich and Louis Kane as Au Bon Pain Co. After acquiring the St. Louis Bread Co. chain, the Panera Bread concept evolved. In 1999 the Au Bon Pain restaurants were sold, and the company put its primary focus on growing the Panera Bread restaurants. The St. Louis Bread Co. restaurants continue to operate with the same Panera Bread concept and menu in the state of Missouri.

Panera Bread Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of the Panera Bread Restaurant chain are located in Richmond Heights, MO.

Ben & Jerry’s Mission: Product, Social, Economic Missions for Change

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The mission statement of Ben and Jerry’s goes far beyond its ice cream products and retail stores and defines the company’s social and economic missions for changing the world.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Ben and Jerry’s ice cream store was opened on May 5, 1978, in Burlington, Vermont after Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield completed a correspondence course on ice cream making from the Pennsylvania State University Creamery.Ben and Jerry were born four days apart and met in junior high school. The first Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavors included Dastardly Mash, Heath Bar Crunch, Chunky Monkey, Tuskegee Chunk, and Cherry Garcia.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Headquarters

The headquarters of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream is located where the company first began in Burlington, Vermont.

The Mission Statement of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream

The mission of Ben and Jerry’s is really about contributing to making a positive change in the world. To do that, Ben and Jerry’s has three missions that the company strives to integrate into its daily business operations:

Ben and Jerry’s Social Mission

“To operate the Company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Ben and Jerry’s Product Mission

“To make, distribute and sell the finest quality all-natural ice cream and euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment.”

Ben and Jerry’s Economic Mission

“To operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for our stakeholders and expanding opportunities for development and career growth for our employees.”

Buffalo Wild Wings Mission: A Big Mission With How-to-Wow Directions

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The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar mission statement could belong to any restaurant chain or retail company, but it’s the four how-to-wow statements that tell BWW employees how to accomplish the BWW mission in a way that is uniquely BWW.

Buffalo Wild Wings Founders Facts and Trivia

The Buffalo Wild Wings history extends back to 1982 when Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery opened a restaurant on the campus of Ohio State University which they called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck. “Weck” referred to a type of sandwich served almost exclusively in the Buffalo, New York area consisting of roast beef and horseradish sauce on a salty bread called a kummelweck roll. There’s no official word on why the Weck was dropped from the name, and the sandwich was eventually dropped from the menu.

Buffalo Wild Wings became a publicly-traded company in 2003, and as of 2017, there were more than 1,200 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in the U.S. The first international BWW restaurant opened in Toronto, Canada in 2011.

The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Buffalo Wild Wings casual dining restaurant chain is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mission Statement of Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurants

The mission statement of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants is short and leaves no room for doubt about what is the most important thing for all employees at all levels. The Buffalo Wild Wings mission statement is:”Our mission is to WOW people every day.”

Along with this BWW mission statement are four specific how-to-wow strategies, which guide employees in their behaviors, actions, decisions, and priorities each day. The Buffalo Wild Wings how-to-wow guidelines are:

We are Guest Driven - We will WOW our guests every day.We are Team-Focused - We will WOW our team members.We are Community-Connected - We will WOW the communities where we do business.We are Dedicated to Excellence - We will WOW our franchisees and stakeholders.

Coca-Cola Mission: 7 Values, 6 P’s, 5 Behaviors, 1 Happy Mission

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It takes seven values, a vision with six P’s, and five behaviors to achieve the one mission of The Coca-Cola Company: happiness.

Coca-Cola Founders Facts and Trivia

The beverage known as Coca-Cola was invented by a pharmacist, John Pemberton, in Atlanta, Georgia in 1886. Pemberton invented the syrup and then went to nearby Jacobs Pharmacy to add the carbonated water. Customers who tasted the first batch of the new beverage responded favorably, so Jacobs Pharmacy started selling it for five cents per glass. Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, is credited for naming the drink Coca-Cola, and for creating the distinctive Coca-Cola script, which is used as the logo for both the soft drink and the company more than 131 years later.Pemberton died just two years later. Reportedly sales of Coca-Cola at that time was nine glasses per day.

Coca-Cola Company International Headquarters

The Coca-Cola Company headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, where the beverage was invented.

Coca-Cola Company Mission Statement

The mission of the Coca-Cola Company extends far beyond the manufacturing of beverage products and focuses on the impact the company wants to make on the global customers who consume the Coca-Cola beverage products. The mission statement of the Coca-Cola Company is:“To refresh the world… To inspire moments of optimism and happiness…To create value and make a difference.“Beyond its mission, the Coca-Cola company also has an official Vision to help it achieve sustainable growth. This Vision consists of six Ps:

PeoplePortfolioPartnersPlanetProfitProductivity

In order to fulfill its vision, the Coca-Cola Company has defined six behaviors of a Winning Culture that define the attitude that it expects all Coca-Cola employees will embrace as they go about their daily work. The six winning behaviors are:

Focus on the MarketWork SmartAct Like OwnersBe the BrandLive Our Values

One final set of guidelines that Coca-Cola provides its employee team is the seven “values” that they are expected to “live.” The values of the Coca-Cola Company are:

LeadershipCollaborationIntegrityAccountabilityPassionDiversityQuality

Cheesecake Factory Restaurants Mission: Baking a Legacy of Excellence

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The mission statement of the Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, along with its company Vision and Values, is designed to build the Cheesecake Factory brand and create a “continuing legacy of excellence.”

Cheesecake Factory Founders Facts and Trivia

The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain started first with a cheesecake recipe created by Evelyn Overton in Detroit, Michigan. Evelyn baked cheesecakes in her basement and sold them wholesale to local Detroit restaurants for more than 20 years. After her two children were grown, Evelyn and her husband Oscar decided to move their cheesecake business to Los Angeles in 1972. They opened a 700-square-foot store where they sold retail and wholesale cheesecakes. Over the next five years, Evelyn created 20 different varieties of cheesecake, and Oscar established hundreds of wholesale accounts.In 1978 the Overtons’ son, David, opened the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, which had a full menu in addition to his mother’s cheesecakes and desserts. As of 2012, there are more than 150 Cheesecake Factory locations in the U.S., and the company has a licensing agreement to open 22 restaurant locations in the Middle East by 2016.

The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant Headquarters

The company headquarters of The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain is located in Calabasas Hills, California.

Mission Statement of Cheesecake Factory Restaurants

The mission statement of the Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain lets Cheesecake Factory employees know what’s most important about their work. The Cheesecake mission statement is:”To create an environment where absolute guest satisfaction is our highest priority.”Then the company goes further with its Vision statement, which more specifically defines what the Cheesecake Factory “environment” looks, feels, smells, and tastes like to its customers. The Cheesecake Factory company vision is:“Through a shared commitment to excellence, we are dedicated to the uncompromising quality of our food, service, people, and profit, while taking exceptional care of our guests and staff. We will continuously strive to surpass our own accomplishment and be recognized as a leader in our industry.”To further clarify the unique Cheesecake Factory experience and how employees are expected to create it, Cheesecake Factory outlines six values that every Cheesecake Factory employee is expected to embrace, saying: “These values guide our behavior, bind us together, and provide a framework for making decisions – defining for us the right courses of action. We set our objectives, formulate our strategies, and judge our results consistent with these values.”

A Passion for ExcellencePassion fuels our commitment to the endless quest for excellence.Integrity, Respect, and ResponsibilityWe are committed to doing what is right without exception.People – Our Greatest ResourceOutstanding people make it all happen – they will lead us toward the future.Service-MindednessWe are dedicated to unparalleled hospitality and genuine care of our guests.DynamicAs leaders of our Company, we must have dynamic energy and the ability to energize others.High PerformanceWe are dedicated to maximum levels of performance and productivity in all areas of our business.

In-N-Out Burger Mission: Simple Philosophy Not Easy to Serve Up

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The In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain mission statement is a hamburger fast-food chain philosophy that’s simple to define, but not easy to deliver.

In-N-Out Burger History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

In-N-Out Burger was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder, with the first In-N-Out Burger restaurant location opening in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California. It served a menu of hamburgers, french fries made from fresh-cut potatoes, and drinks. The first In-N-Out Burger had no freezers or microwaves, and that is still the case in the more than 300 restaurants in the In-N-Out Burger fast-food chain today.The first In-N-Out Burger restaurant used a two-way speaker system to allow customers to order from the outside of the restaurant, instead of using the car-hop delivery service system that was the standard at the time. This made the Baldwin Park In-N-Out Burger Restaurant the first drive-thru restaurant in the state of California. 

In-N-Out Burger Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain is located in Irvine, California.

Mission Statement of In-N-Out Burger Restaurant

The mission of the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain came from the founders; it is referred to as their “philosophy.” It seems clear that the Snyders felt that the formula for creating an excellent hamburger restaurant was simple. In fact, the In-N-Out Burger philosophy/mission is so simple that it’s no different from any of In-N-Out’s fast-food competitors. But just because the In-N-Out Burger mission/philosophy is simple doesn’t mean it’s easy to serve up consistently. It is the fact that In-N-Out Burger has a reputation for delivering on the promise of its mission/philosophy that differentiates the chain from its fast-food competitors.

The In-N-Out Burger Mission/Philosophy:

“Since 1948, we have maintained a simple philosophy – serve only the highest-quality product, prepare it in a clean and sparkling environment, and serve it in a warm and friendly manner. We have built a reputation for fresh, made-to-order foods prepared and served by friendly, well-trained Associates.”

Wendy’s Company Mission: Keeping the Spirit of Dave Thomas Alive

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Wendy’s employees keep the spirit of founder Dave Thomas alive by following the company’s “What We Believe” guidelines.

Wendy’s Fast Food Restaurant Chain Founder

After working directly with Colonel Harland Sanders in Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises, Dave Thomas started his own fast food franchise business in 1969, which he named after his daughter, Melinda Lou (nicknamed “Wenda,” which was how she pronounced her name as a toddler).

Wendy’s Headquarters

Wendy’s headquarters are located in the city where the company’s first restaurant was opened, Columbus, Ohio.

Wendy’s Mission Statement

Wendy’s provides its employees with “What We Believe” guidelines, which serve as both an internal mission statement and an external customer service goal. For those who put on a Wendy’s nametag, this is “What We Believe”:

Quality Is Our Recipe - We don’t cut corners on our products, service, or employees!Treat Everyone With Respect - Be genuine and kind and lend each other a helping hand!Do the Right Thing - Honesty and integrity are rules we live by!Profit Means Growth - Teamwork is the key to our success!Give Back - Make your community better every day!

Domino’s Pizza Restaurants Mission: Being World’s Best With Culture

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The Domino’s mission to be the best in the world is built around a work environment that values employee contributions and a culture of team member diversity.

Domino’s Pizza Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The history of Domino’s Pizza extends back to 1960 when brothers Tom and James Monaghan bought an existing pizza delivery business located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which was named “DomNick’s.” The company was renamed “Domino’s” in 1965.The first Domino’s Pizza International restaurant was opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on May 12, 1983. Domino’s Pizza is sold in more than 16,100 Domino’s Pizza restaurants located in 60+ countries.

Domino’s Pizza Restaurant Delivery Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Domino’s Pizza restaurant chain is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Mission Statement, Vision and Values of Domino’s

The mission statement of the Domino’s Pizza Restaurant could be – and probably is – the mission statement of pizza restaurants small and large around the world:

”Exceptional people, all with a shared goal: to be the best pizza delivery company in the world. That’s Domino’s Pizza’s vision.”

Further explanation about what Domino’s considers to be “exceptional” in its team members and the Domino’s “vision” comes from what Domino’s refers to as its “core commitments,” which defines its employee culture:“Our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles make up the core commitments that govern our business decisions. Domino’s Pizza is committed to an inclusive culture which values the contributions of our customers, team members, suppliers, and neighbors.The cornerstones of our diversity philosophy will be clearly communicated to each team member, with a promise that we are committed to providing an environment in which:

Team members are treated fairly.Team members are recognized and rewarded based on ability and merit for their contributions.Team members have equal access to opportunity for growth and advancement.Team members respect each other and are free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance.The management and development of our team members is recognized as crucial to the success of the business.”

PepsiCo Mission: Honesty, Fairness, Integrity and Convenient Foods

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The mission of PepsiCo is about honesty, fairness, integrity and convenient foods.

PepsiCo Founders Facts and Trivia

The beverage that became known as Pepsi Cola was invented by a pharmacist, Caleb Bradham, in New Bern, North Carolina in 1893 (seven years after Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta Georgia). The name Pepsi Cola was chosen after the kola nut extract in the recipe, and after the pepsin enzyme which aids digestion, because Bradham believed his new drink had positive digestive properties, even though the recipe didn’t contain any pepsin. The Pepsi Cola Company was incorporated in 1898.Meanwhile, the Frito Company was founded by Elmer Doolin in 1932, and the H. W. Lay Company was founded by Herman W. Lay in that same year. Those two companies merged into the Frito-Lay company in 1961. When the Pepsi Cola company merged with the Frito-Lay company in 1965, PepsiCo Inc. was born.

PepsiCo Company International Headquarters

The PepsiCo company headquarters are located in Purchase, New York.

PepsiCo Mission Statement, Vision, and Purpose

The mission of PepsiCo focuses on products and performance primarily, with a few values thrown in for good measure. The mission statement of the PepsiCo Company is:“Our mission is to be the world’s premier consumer products company focused on convenient foods and beverages. We seek to produce financial rewards to investors as we provide opportunities for growth and enrichment to our employees, our business partners and the communities in which we operate. And in everything we do, we strive for honesty, fairness, and integrity.“PepsiCo has also defined a Vision for its business, which provides a less practical, and more inspiring motivation for its employees and leaders. The PepsiCo Vision is:“PepsiCo’s responsibility is to continually improve all aspects of the world in which we operate - environment, social, economic - creating a better tomorrow than today.”PepsiCo provides one more specific set of guidelines to its employee team which it calls “Performance with Purpose.” Although PepsiCo doesn’t label these guidelines as values, they do provide the “how” behind PepsiCo’s intention to “create a better tomorrow.” Performance With Purpose at PepsiCo includes:

Human Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Talent Sustainability

Jamba Juice Mission: Personal Health and Well-Being With FIBER Values

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With a healthy mission statement and a set of FIBER Values, the Jamba Juice Restaurant Chain intends to make a positive impact on planetary well-being.

Jamba Juice Founders Facts and Trivia

Jamba Juice was first called Juice Club Inc., and the first retail store was opened in San Luis Obispo, California, by founder Kirk Perron, a dedicated fitness advocate, and cyclist.

Jamba Juice Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The headquarters for the Jamba Juice fast food restaurant chain is located in Emeryville, California.

The Jamba Juice Mission Statement

Like the food and beverages it sells, the mission statement of the Jamba Juice restaurant chain is all about health and well-being. The Jamba Juice mission statement is:“Jamba! Enriching the daily experience of our customers, our community and ourselves through the life-nourishing qualities of fruits and vegetables.“To help employees understand what “enriching the daily experience of our customers” means, Jamba Juice, Inc. also has what they call their FIBER Values:

Fun -  Smile and create a spirit of celebration for your customers. Integrity -  Demonstrate good character and encourage an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Balance - Consider the needs of customers, team members and shareholders alike. Empowerment -  Be responsive and innovative. Do whatever it takes to make your customer happy. Respect - Help each other to grow. Contribute to a vibrant and diverse community.”

Whole Foods Markets Mission: Motto, Mission, Core Values and Standards

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The mission statement of the Whole Foods Markets is derived from its motto, and its core values and quality standards turn the words of the mission into real Whole Foods employee actions, which creates the Whole Foods shopping experience.

Whole Foods Markets Founders Facts and Trivia

The original Whole Foods Market store was opened in Austin, Texas, on September 20, 1980, by four people: current CEO John Mackey, Rene Lawson Hardy, Craig Weller, and Mark Skiles. Prior to that Weller and Skiles had owned a Clarksville Natural Grocery and Mackey and Hardy had owned a health food store called SaferWay, where they also lived and bathed using the kitchen’s Hobart dishwasher. Since that first opening, Whole Foods Company has acquired 15 businesses and retail chains as part of its expansion to the Whole Foods Market grocery chain that is known today.

Whole Foods Headquarters

The headquarters of the Whole Foods Company is located where the company began, in Austin, Texas.

Mission Statement of the Whole Foods Company

The mission statement of the Whole Foods Company and Whole Foods Markets begins with its motto:“Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"The Whole Foods mission explains and defines what that motto means. This mission explanation includes: 

Whole Foods - We obtain our products locally and from all over the world, often from small, uniquely dedicated food artisans.Whole People - We recruit the best people we can to become part of our team. We empower them to make their own decisions, creating a respectful workplace where people are treated fairly and are highly motivated to succeed.Whole Planet - We recognize the connection between our lives, our communities, and the environment.”

The Whole Foods Motto and Mission are further defined by a list of Core Values that guide the decisions and actions of employees in all job positions every day. The Whole Foods Core Values define how Whole Foods leaders and employees interact with their products, customers, employee team, shareholders, communities, suppliers, and align everyone behind the mission of improving health in general.The Whole Foods Quality Standards clearly define what’s important when making decisions about the Whole Foods product mix.

Chili’s Restaurant Mission: Chili’s Mission is Brinker’s Vision Too

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The mission statement of the Chili’s restaurant chain is really the philosophy and motto of its parent company, Brinker International; they are completely aligned because they are the same.

Chili’s Grill and Bar Facts and Trivia

The first Chili’s was opened in Dallas, Texas, by Larry Lavine after becoming a chili cook-off enthusiast in 1967. Twenty-three Chili’s restaurants were acquired by Norman Brinker in 1983. The 1,000th Chili’s restaurant was opened on August 3, 2004, in Dallas, Texas.In 1991 the name of the parent company officially became Brinker International.

Chili’s Restaurants Headquarters

The Chili’s Restaurant and Brinker International Headquarters are located in Northbrook, Illinois. 

The Chili’s Grill and Bar Mission Statement

The mission statement of Chili’s Grill and Bar is really the same as its parent company, Brinker International, which is not referred to as a mission, but rather a “philosophy” and a “motto.” The Philosophy of Brinker and Chili’s is:“We believe in celebrating the differences that make a good company great, and in leveraging individual strengths to create an innovative inclusive and unified team.“The official motto of all Brinker International says everything about the tone of all Brinker International retail restaurant chains. The motto is simply:“Let’s Play Restaurant!”

Five Guys Restaurant Mission: Burgers Are the Business and the Mission

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Burgers are the products, the business, and the mission of the Five Guys Burgers & Fries Restaurant Chain.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Founders Facts and Trivia

The Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant chain began with a single location in Arlington, Virginia, which was opened by Jerry Murrell and four of his sons. Today the “five guys” that lead the chain are the five Murrell brothers: Matt, Jim, Chad, Ben, and Tyler.

Five Guys Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant chain is located in Lorton, Virginia.

Mission Statement of Five Guys Burgers and Fries

The Five Guys mission statement, as simple as its menu, is aligned with the philosophy that if you’re going to sell hamburgers and french fries in a restaurant industry that is crowded with hamburgers-and-french-fries chains, you’d better do hamburgers and french fries better than anyone else. Simply stated, the mission statement of Five Guys Burgers and Fries is:

“We are in the business of selling burgers.“To expand on the obvious, the Five Guys also has a “goal”:“Five Guys goal is to sell the best quality burgers possible. To sell the best burger possible, we focus on Quality, Service, and Cleanliness.“Many customers have noticed a sign that hangs on the beverage machine at every Five Guys restaurant, which is sometimes referred to as a “mission statement,” but is really more of a Service Promise:

You the customer are the most important visitor on our premises.You are not dependent on us; we are dependent on you. You are not an outsider in our business – you are a part of it.We are not doing you a favor by serving you –- you are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Mission: 12 Values and Principles for Success

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The Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream mission statement is comprised of 12 Values and Principles for Success fashioned by its parent company, Dunkin’ Brands.

Baskin-Robbins Founders Facts and Trivia:

Baskin-Robbins was founded by brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, who each started their own ice cream shops and then merged them together to create the Baskin-Robbins concept. Irv’s ice cream store was Snowbird Ice Cream, which he opened in Glendale, California in 1945, featuring 21 different ice cream flavors. Burt’s ice cream shop was called Burton’s Ice Cream Shop, and the first one opened in Pasadena, California in 1946.In 1953 more than 40 Burton’s and Snowbird Ice Cream shops were rebranded as Baskin-Robbins 31 Ice Cream, with “31” representing a different flavor for every day of the month. Baskin-Robbins was acquired by London-based J. Lyons & Co and is now part of the Dunkin’ Brands group along with the Dunkin’ Donuts chain.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream is located with the headquarters of the Dunkin’ Brands group in Canton, Massachusetts.

Mission Statement of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ 

Since 100 percent of the more than 7,800 Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream stores in 50 countries are franchise-owned, each Baskin-Robbins franchise owner could have their own mission statement. But as the parent company of Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’ Brands has 12 Values and Principles that the company believes should guide the decisions of everyone associated with Baskin-Robbins retail outlets, leading Baskin-Robbins franchisees toward success. The Dunkin’ Brands Values and Guiding Principles are:Values: 

Honesty - Embrace the truth about oneself and the world.Transparency - Demonstrate openness and vulnerability.Humility - Acknowledge own mistakes and commit to learning.Integrity - Say what you think and do what you say.Respectfulness - Honor the dignity, inclusion, and diversity of others.Fairness - Do what is right based on common principles.Responsibility - Make yourself accountable to the community.

Guiding Principles

Leadership - Responsibility with passion at every level.Innovation - Excellence in everything we do.Execution - Ownership, and accountability for results, success, and failure.Social Stewardship - Demonstration of good corporate citizenship and responsibility to all constituencies.Fun - Approach every challenge with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement…celebrate every step of the way!”

Papa John’s Pizza Mission: 4 Missions and 6 Core Values for P.A.P.A. Focus

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Papa John’s has four mission statements and six core values designed to keep employees focused and to keep the P.A.P.A. in Papa John’s.

Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Papa John’s pizza restaurant opened in a converted broom closet in the back of his father’s tavern, Mick’s Bar, in 1983 in Jeffersonville, Indiana by founder John Schnatter. John sold his 1972 Z28 Camaro to buy $1,600 worth of used restaurant equipment to start his first Papa John’s Pizza location, and 37 years later he tracked that very same Camaro down and bought it back for $250,000.The first standalone Papa John’s restaurant was opened in 1985.

Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Headquarters

Papa John’s corporate headquarters are located in Louisville, Kentucky.

Mission Statement of Papa John’s Pizza

Papa John’s has four different mission statements that apply to four different groups of Papa John’s stakeholders. Those four mission statements are:“Customers: Papa John’s will create superior brand loyalty, i.e. ‘raving fans,’ through (a) authentic, superior-quality products, (b) legendary customer service and (c) exceptional community service.Team Members: People are our most important asset. Papa John’s will provide clear, consistent, strategic leadership and career opportunities for Team Members who (a) exhibit passion toward their work, (b) uphold our Core Values, (c) take pride of ownership in building the long-term value of the Papa John’s brand and (d) have ethical business practices.Franchisees: We will work as a team with our franchisees to create continued opportunity for outstanding financial returns to those franchisees who (a) adhere to Papa John’s proven Core Values and systems, (b) exhibit passion in running their businesses and (c) take pride of ownership in building the long-term value of the Papa John’s brand.Shareholders: We will produce superior long-term value for our shareholders.”

Additionally, Papa John’s has defined six core values to keep all Papa John’s stakeholders focused on “the main thing,” and to keep the P.A.P.A. in Papa John’s pizza restaurants and delivery no matter where they are operating. The Core Values of Papa John’s restaurants are:

Focus: We must keep The Main Thing, The Main Thing. We will consistently deliver a traditional Papa John’s superior-quality pizza.Accountability: We do what we say we are going to do when we say we are going to do it. We earn the right to hold others to a higher level of accountability by being accountable to ourselves, our customers and our business partners.Superiority: Our customer satisfaction must be consistent, quantifiable and demonstrable. At Papa John’s we expect excellence – the ‘best in its class’ in everything we do.P.A.P.A.: People Are Priority Always. Our success depends upon our ability, as a team, to work together to achieve our goals and expectations.Attitude: If you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right! The difference between winners and losers is a positive mental attitude. Our attitude is a reflection of what we value: successful team members must be upbeat, proactive and passionate about everything they do.Constant Improvement: We never stop trying to surpass our previous best. We constantly ‘Raise the Bar.’ No matter how good we are, we will always get better.

Applebee’s Restaurant Mission: One Key Aspect of the Dining Experience

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The Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurant chain’s mission focuses on one key aspect of the Applebee’s dining experience.

Applebee’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Applebee’s restaurant was opened by Bill and TJ Palmer in Atlanta, Georgia in 1980 under the name of T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs. The Palmers sold their restaurant concept to W.R. Grace and Company in 1983, and Bill Palmer then became an Applebee’s franchisee. The name of the restaurant was officially changed to Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in 1986, and Applebee’s International (APPB) became a publicly-traded company in 1989. The name of the company changed to Dine Equity (DIN) in 2008. 

Applebee’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of the Applebee’s Restaurant chain is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Vision and Values of Applebee’s

The Applebee’s mission statement, vision, and values are those of its parent company, Dine Equity, which focus Applebee’s franchisees and employees on the one key aspect of the Applebee’s dining experience that is the most important. The Dine Equity (and Applebee’s) vision is:“DineEquity unites great franchisees, brands, and team members to create the world’s leading restaurant company, one guest experience at a time.“To clarify how Applebee’s franchisees and employees will “create the world’s leading restaurant company,” Dine Equity provides these Company Values:

Integrity: We do the right thing. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.Excellence: We expect the best from ourselves and each other.Innovation: We find creative, new ways to delight our guests.Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We are responsible for our actions.Inclusion: We respect and value the diversity of others. We benefit from many points of view.Trust: We collaborate and build trust through open, honest communication.Community: We make a difference in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve.

Publix Supermarkets Mission: Customers, Stockholders and Employee Value

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The mission statement of Publix Supermarkets is built on a commitment to provide value to customers, stockholders, and employees.

Publix Grocery Store Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The Publix grocery store chain started as a single store in Winter Haven, Florida, opened in the midst of The Great Depression by the founder George W. Jenkins. From the beginning, Publix was known for its high standards of cleanliness and customer service. The Publix customer service philosophy is summed up in its commitment “to never knowingly disappoint our customers,” and its high customer service standards have been recognized by the harshest critics of all – its customers.From the beginning, Publix has also been well known for its employee-relation practices. Founder George Jenkins established a profit-sharing and employee ownership structure, and more than 80 years later, Publix is still privately owned by its employees.

Publix Corporate Headquarters

The company headquarters of Publix is located where the chain originally began in Winter Haven, Florida.

Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of Publix 

The mission statement of the Publix grocery store chain is more of a global vision statement and one that any grocery store chain in the world might have. The Publix mission statement is:”To be the premier quality food retailer in the world..”To make the Publix “mission” more real and achievable to its employees, Publix has also defined a set of “commitments” that clearly define the vision for how Publix wants to do business on a daily basis. Publix expects the commitments of all employees at all levels to be:

Passionately focused on Customer ValueIntolerant of WasteDedicated to the Dignity, Value and Employment Security of Associates Devoted to the highest standards of stewardship for our StockholdersInvolved as Responsible Citizens in our Communities.

Panda Express:Mission: Exceptional Asian Dining, Inspired Employees

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The Panda Express restaurants mission statement is about an exceptionally fast, casual Asian dining experience and the inspired employees who will create that.

Panda Express History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Panda Express was founded by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng. The first Panda Express restaurant opened in 1973 under the name Panda Inn Mandarin Cuisine in Pasadena, California. Panda Inn was a full-service restaurant, and the menu introduced Szechuan and Mandarin Cuisine to Southern California.Ten years later, the first Panda Express restaurant was opened as a fast-casual restaurant and became the quick-service Mandarin cuisine to copy. Panda Express was the first quick-service restaurant to open an outlet inside a grocery store in 1988. The first Panda Express with a drive-thru opened in 1997, and the first international Panda Express opened in Mexico in 2011.As of 2019, the Panda Express Restaurant Group operated five Panda Inn full-service restaurants and more than 2,000 Panda Express fast-casual restaurants located in 50 American states, as well as Mexico and Puerto Rico. The Panda Express Restaurant Group also owns and operates the Hibachi-San Japanese Grill restaurant chain.

Panda Express Restaurant Group Headquarters:

The headquarters of the Panda Express Restaurant Group is located in Pasadena, California, where all the Panda fun began.

Mission Statement of Panda Express 

The mission statement of the Panda Express Restaurant Group is the mission of its parent company, Panda Restaurant Group. The mission statement is equally relevant to headquarters management-level Panda Restaurant Group employees as it is to the employees who work in all three branded restaurant chains: Panda Inn, Panda Express, and Hibachi-San. The Panda mission statement is:

”Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.”

To further define how to create an “exceptional dining experience” and “inspired people,” the Panda Restaurant Group defines a list of corporate values:

Proactive: We identify opportunities.Respect/Win-Win: We treat each other with respect.Growth: For Panda to grow, we must each learn and grow.Great Operation: Great operations are a competitive advantage.Giving: We give our time and resources.

Arby’s Restaurants Mission: Six Core Values Behind Goals and Decisions

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The Arby’s mission statement is a combination of six core values that drive goals, build relationships, and guide decisions for all Arby’s employees and franchisees.

Arby’s Fast Food Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Arby’s restaurant was opened by Leroy and Forrest Raffel in Boardman, Ohio, on July 23, 1964, selling roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and iced tea. The first Arby’s franchise opened just one year later.Arby’s was purchased by Triarc Companies in 1993, and Triarc merged with Wendy’s in 1993 to become the Wendy’s Arby’s Group. In 2011, a private equity group, Roark Capital Group, purchased the Arby’s restaurant operation and separated it from Wendy’s Group. Arby’s was the first American fast food restaurant chain to introduce a lite (low-calorie) menu and also the first to ban smoking in all its company-owned restaurants in 1994.

Arby’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Arby’s restaurant chain are located in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The Mission Statement of Arby’s Fast Food Restaurants

Instead of one static mission statement, the Arby’s Group uses its Six Core Values to guide its employees and franchisees in setting goals, building relationships, and making decisions. The Six Core Values of the Arby’s Group are:

Dream Big: We believe in the unlimited potential that lies within all people, and we are committed to providing opportunities for people to achieve their dreams.Work Hard: We believe that hard work and front end effort are prerequisites for success.Get it Done: We believe that achieving positive results is the key to continued success for everyone.Play Fair: We believe that winning teams play by the Golden Rule. We treat our customers, business partners, and the team as they want to be treated - with respect.Have Fun: We believe that life is meant to be enjoyed. Success comes more quickly by having fun while working toward our objectives.Make A Difference: We believe that as a company and as individuals we have the responsibility to improve the quality of life for our employees and communities. 

Jimmy John’s Restaurants Mission: Fresh, Freaky, Fast and Fanatical

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The mission statement of the Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant chain is fresh, freaky, fast, and fanatical.

Jimmy John’s History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Jimmy John’s restaurant chain was founded by Jimmy John Liautaud. The first Jimmy John’s Restaurant was opened by 19-year-old Jimmy John in 1983 in Charleston, IL. The first Jimmy John’s menu included four different kinds of sandwiches made on fresh-baked bread and soda with no ice because founder Jimmy John couldn’t afford an ice machine. Delivery began as a marketing strategy to secure more business in a college town market.

The first franchise store was opened in 1993. In 2019 there are more than 2,800 Jimmy John’s restaurant locations in the U.S. According to the Jimmy John’s franchise prospectus, the average franchised location will gross $1.4 million, and make a net profit of more than $300,000.

Freshly baked bread, freshly sliced meats, and vegetables, high-quality condiments, quick preparation, and crazy fast delivery, have been the hallmarks of the Jimmy John’s brand from the beginning, which gives it a recognizable niche in the extremely competitive quick-service sandwich market.

The headquarters of the Jimmy John’s restaurant chain is located in Champaign, Ilinois.

Mission Statement of Jimmy John’s Restaurant Chain

Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant chain is anything but traditional, so it’s no surprise that the company doesn’t have a traditionally labeled “mission statement.” What Jimmy John’s does have are two overarching slogans that identify its brand, define its culture, and guide its employees, which fulfills the purpose of a mission statement. Those Jimmy John’s “mission” slogans are:

“freaky fast…freaky good” “Subs So Fast You’ll Freak!”

A more traditional “mission” is found in the company description that is provided to potential franchisees: 

“Our business is about simplicity, quality, speed, and delivery. The best sandwiches in the business, made with the best meats, cheese, and bread! Lightning-fast service and delivery!”

Additionally, Jimmy John’s has used one guiding principle since the beginning, which is referred to as Jimmy John’s “Golden Rule”:

”Make a deal, keep a deal.”

In terms of a sandwich restaurant franchise, “making a deal and keeping a deal” is further defined by founder Jimmy John’s “Components to the Brand,” which says:

Simple: Bottom line, we make gourmet sandwiches, and we avoid anything that complicates the process or our image.Honest: We promise an honestly good sandwich and deliver on that promise.Makes it Happen: As long as we’re fanatical about Jimmy John’s, customers will be fanatical about us.”

Safeway Supermarkets Mission: Earning Customer Loyalty in Four Ways

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The vision and mission of the Safeway corporation and Safeway retail grocery store chain is focused on customer loyalty and the four ways to earn that loyalty.

Safeway Corporation Founders Facts and Trivia

Safeway’s history extends back to 1915 when M.B. Skaggs purchased a small grocery store from his father in American Falls, Idaho. He opened 428 Skaggs stores in the next 11 years in 10 different states. In 1926 he purchased 322 Safeway (Selig) stores. Safeway’s innovations in the U.S. grocery store industry include pricing by the pound, nutritional labeling, and customer parking lots at its retail stores.

Safeway has been listed on the New York Stock exchange since 1928, and its retail grocery store brands include Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Genuardi’s, and Carrs.

Headquarters of the Safeway Corporation

The Safeway corporate headquarters are located in Pleasanton, California.

Mission and Vision of the Safeway Corporation

The mission of the Safeway corporation and the Safeway Supermarket chain begins first with a general vision that focuses its employees on building a loyal relationship with Safeway customers. The vision of the Safeway corporation is:“We earn the loyalty of the people we serve through the talents and passion of employees.“To make this vision statement more real and actionable, Safeway also provides its employees with a more specific Mission Statement which specifies the four ways in which Safeway employees work to earn that customer loyalty every day in their daily work at all levels. The Safeway Mission Statement is:​"We earn the loyalty of the people we serve by first anticipating, then fulfilling their needs with our superior-quality products, a unique shopping experience, customer-focused service, and continuous innovation, while generating long-term profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Dairy Queen Restaurant Chain Mission: Making Memories, Not Fast Food

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The mission statement of the Dairy Queen restaurant chain is about making memories, not fast food.

Dairy Queen History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

J.F. “Grandpa” McCullough and his son Alex McCullough invented the soft-service ice cream that was the primary product the entire Dairy Queen restaurant brand and concept was built around.

On June 22, 1940, the first Dairy Queen restaurant opened in Joliet, Ilinois, jointly owned by the McCulloughs and Sherb Noble. When the McCulloughs first conceptualized the idea of soft-serve ice cream, Sherb Noble was the first to test the product in his store, which then served traditional hard-frozen ice cream. Noble’s soft-serve ice cream pilot was considered successful after 1,600 servings of soft serve were dished up to his customers in just two hours.The menu at the first Dairy Queen was simply this new soft-service ice cream product, which required a specially designed and patented machine to dispense it. The first 1,400 Dairy Queen locations served soft-serve ice cream in a cone, sundaes in a cup, and take-home pints or quarts of ice cream. Dairy Queen was in business for almost a decade before introducing milkshakes, malts, and banana splits to the menu. Some Dairy Queen restaurants added hot food items to their menus.Dairy Queen became a publicly-traded company in 1972, and in May of that year, the first international Dairy Queen store was opened in Tokyo, Japan. In 1987 International Dairy Queen Inc. acquired Orange Julius. In 1986 Dairy Queen acquired the Karmelkorn chain. In 1997 Dairy Queen was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway.

International Dairy Queen Restaurant Headquarters:

The headquarters of International Dairy Queen, Inc., is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mission Statement of the Dairy Queen Restaurant Chain

Being in the restaurant business, it would seem logical that the Dairy Queen mission statement would be focused, at least in part, on food, particularly on its signature soft-serve ice cream product. But the leaders of Dairy Queen use their mission statement to focus the DQ organization, instead, on the customer experience. The Dairy Queen mission statement is:

”To create positive memories for all who touch DQ®.”

But the DQ leaders haven’t forgotten the industry that they’re in, so they have also crafted a Vision Statement that articulates their place in the global retail restaurant industry. The Vision Statement of International Dairy Queen Inc. is:

”DQ® - the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.”

California Pizza Kitchen Mission: ROCK Philosophy and 4 Success Keys

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In place of a formal mission statement, California Pizza Kitchen guides its employee team with a “ROCK Philosophy” and “Four Keys to Success.”

California Pizza Kitchen Founders Facts and Trivia

The first California Pizza Kitchen restaurant was opened in Beverly Hills, California, in 1985 by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. What defined the first California Pizza Kitchen was the hearth-baked pizzas made with global recipes and a unique combination of non-standard pizza ingredients. 

California Pizza Kitchen Restaurant Chain Headquarters

In alignment with the name of the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) chain, the CPK headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California.

The California Pizza Kitchen Mission Statement:

Instead of a formal mission statement, the California Pizza Kitchen restaurant chain has something it calls its “ROCK Philosophy,” which creates a foundation for the California Pizza Kitchen employee culture. The CPK ROCK Philosophy is:

Respect: Simply said, all voices matter, and our focus on respect ensures that all voices are heard.Opportunity: Through exciting career growth and cross-training, we’re always looking to develop and refine our top talent to drive the business and lead others.​Communication: We have an open-door policy and a culture where everyone is known on a first-name basis and always welcome to speak up.​Kindness: Kindness defines the energy and spirit of California Pizza Kitchen.

In addition to the ROCK Philosophy, California Pizza Kitchen also has Four Keys of Success that help define the CPK employee and workplace culture. The CPK Four Keys of Success are:

The First Key is our employees: we make CPK a great place to work.The Second Key is our guests: we strive to amaze every guest every time.The Third Key is our focus on sales and profit growth: it’s important for everyone to achieve financial success.The Fourth Key is community: we are deeply committed to supporting our local communities.

Jack in the Box Mission: Innovative, Customized, Anytime Food

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The Jack in the Box restaurant chain mission statement is a restaurant concept focused on innovative, customized food that’s available at any time of the day.

Jack in the Box History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Jack in the Box Restaurant was founded by Robert O. Peterson. Opened in 1951 in San Diego, California, the first Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant sold hamburgers for 18 cents, had a drive-thru with a two-way intercom, and a jack-in-the-box head on top of the building.

Although the In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain lays claim to opening the first drive-thru in the state of California, Jack in the Box claims to be the “first major hamburger chain to develop and expand the concept of drive-thru dining. Other “firsts” that Jack in the Box claims to have achieved in the fast-food niche of the U.S. restaurant industry include:

The first breakfast sandwich in 1969. (The McDonald’s Egg McMuffin was not “born” until 1972.)The first “portable salad” in 1982. (Wendy’s first offered the salad bar in its restaurants in 1979.)The first quick-serve restaurant chain “to integrate video graphics in order-confirmation displays” in 1997.The first in-store self-serve ordering kiosks in 2006.Offered the first 100-percent Sirloin Burger on a fast-food menu in 2007.

The headquarters of the Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant chain is located in San Diego, California.

Mission Statement of Jack in the Box Restaurant

Although Jack in the Box doesn’t have a published company mission statement, in its stockholders reports, it defines the Jack in the Box “restaurant concept,” which sufficiently serves as a mission statement in providing direction and vision to the employees and franchisees responsible for delivering the innovative, customized food served any time of the day, which is the promise of today’s Jack in the Box brand.

“Jack in the Box offers a broad selection of distinctive, innovative products targeted primarily at the adult fast-food consumer. Our menu features a variety of items including hamburgers, tacos, specialty sandwiches, drinks, real ice cream shakes, salads, and side items. Jack in the Box restaurants also offers guests the ability to customize their meals and to order any product, including breakfast items, any time of the day.” 

IHOP Restaurants Mission: Most Important Part of the IHOP Experience

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The International House of Pancakes restaurant chain’s mission focuses on franchisees and employees on the most important part of the IHOP experience every day.

International House of Pancakes Founders Facts

The First International House of Pancakes was opened in 1958 by Al and Jerry Lapin, and Al and Trudy Kallis in Toluca Lake, California. The company first referred to itself as IHOP as part of a marketing campaign in 1973. IHOP Corp. acquired the Applebee’s restaurant chain in 2007, and the name of the parent company changed to Dine Equity (DIN) in 2008. 

IHOP Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

IHOP headquarters are located near where its first restaurant was opened, in Glendale, California.

Vision and Values of IHOP

The IHOP mission statement, vision, and values are those of its parent company, Dine Equity, which focuses on IHOP’s franchisees and employees on the most important part of the IHOP experience every day. The Dine Equity (and IHOP) vision is:

“DineEquity unites great franchisees, brands, and team members to create the world’s leading restaurant company, one guest experience at a time.”

To clarify how IHOP franchisees and employees will “create the world’s leading restaurant company,” Dine Equity provides these Company Values:​

Integrity: We do the right thing. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.​Excellence: We expect the best from ourselves and each other.​Innovation: We find creative, new ways to delight our guests.​Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We are responsible for our actions.​Inclusion: We respect and value the diversity of others. We benefit from many points of view.​Trust: We collaborate and build trust through open, honest communication.​Community: We make a difference in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Mission: Defining the Difference in Fast Food

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Carl’s Jr. fast-food restaurant mission statement defines the competitive difference of Carl’s Jr. product and experience in a crowded fast-food market.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

Carl’s Jr. restaurants have their roots in a hot dog cart that was purchased with $311 borrowed against a Plymouth car and $15 from the savings account of Carl and Margaret Karcher in 1941 in Los Angeles, California. This first fast-food venture sold hot dogs for a dime and soda for a nickel and took in $14.75 on the first day. Less than five years later, after opening three more hot dog carts, the Karcher’s opened Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue in Anaheim, California, which was the first to have hamburgers on the menu.After founder Carl Karcher died in 1992, the company took on a new structure, with CKE Restaurants Inc. as its parent company. CKE purchased the Hardee’s fast-food chain in 1997.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Carl’s Jr. restaurants is located in Carpinteria, California, close to where the first hamburger-serving restaurant was opened.

Mission Statement of Carl’s Jr. Fast Food Restaurants

Although it is not labeled officially as a “mission statement,” this statement by Andrew Puzder, President and CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., is exactly what a good corporate mission statement should be because it defines the competitive difference of the product and the experience in a crowded fast-food market. That “mission” statement from Andrew Puzder is:”CKE’s brands, Carl-s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, “craveable” fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” - Andrew F. Puzder, President, and CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Bob Evans Restaurants Mission: Friends, Family and Being the BEST

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The mission statement of Bob Evans Restaurants is not about food, but rather about customers who are treated like friends and family and the BEST dining experience that can be created with the Bob Evans Special Touch and Brand Builders. 

Bob Evans Restaurant Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

Bob Evans Farms was founded by Bob Evans in 1948 when he began making sausage from the hogs that were raised on his farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. Bob was motivated to make the sausage to serve at a 12-stool diner that he owned in Gallipolis, Ohio. The sausage was so popular with the diners that Bob decided to focus on building a sausage-making business.

After the Bob Evans sausage business became well known, Bob opened up a 12-stool restaurant on his farm property, which he called The Sausage Shop. This original restaurant still operates today with 134 seats and is considered to be the first Bob Evans restaurant.

As of 2012, Bob Evans Farms, Inc. consisted of more than 700 Bob Evans casual dining restaurants, more than 100 Mimi’s Cafe restaurants, Bob Evans branded grocery products, and Ownes Country Sausage branded grocery products. 

Bob Evans Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and the Bob Evans casual dining restaurant chain are located in Columbus, Ohio.

Mission Statement, Values and Core Goals 

The mission statement of the Bob Evans restaurant chain focuses the Bob Evans employees and leaders on the dining customers, and how they should be treated in every interaction. The Bob Evans mission statement is:​

”At Bob Evans, we treat strangers like friends and friends like family.”

Since every employee would have their own interpretation about how to treat friends and family, Bob Evans provides further clarity with its definition of being the BEST, which is an acronym for Bob Evans Special Touch. Being the BEST means going above and beyond expectations in three key areas:

QualityServiceCleanliness

According to Bob Evans, BEST is also the sum total of embracing 8 Core Values in every action and decision. The Bob Evans Core Values are:

ConsistencyIntegritySafetyTeamworkHonestyQualitySincerityTradition

While the Core Values give guidelines for how Bob Evans employees do business, there are five core goals which are called the Bob Evans Brand Builders that provide specific guidance about specific actions that Bob Evans employees should take, which help prioritize what is most important to accomplish every day. The Bob Evans Brand Builders are:

Win Together as a TeamConsistently Drive Sales GrowthImprove Margins with an Eye on CustomersBe the Best at Operations ExecutionIncrease Returns on Invested Capital

Waffle House Mission: Uniquely Consistent People-First Experience

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The mission statement of Waffle House restaurants is all about creating a customer experience that is uniquely consistent and aligned with the belief of co-founder Joe Rogers, Sr. that people come first and food second.

Waffle House Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain was co-founded by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner in 1955 when they opened up their first Waffle House restaurant on Labor Day in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Prior to that Tom was working for the Toddle House restaurant chain, Joe was working in real estate, and the two men were neighbors.

These Waffle House co-founders wanted to create a business that had shared ownership with the management team, and Waffle House compensation was structured that way from the very beginning. It wasn’t until 1961 that Joe and Tom left their other jobs to work full-time in their Waffle House business. 

Waffle House Restaurants Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain is located in Norcross, Georgia, not far from where the first Waffle House restaurant was located, 

Mission Statement of Waffle House

Co-founder Joe Rogers, Sr. established the Waffle House business philosophy when he said, “We’re not in the food business… we are in the people business.” The Waffle House Mission Statement is aligned with that founder’s philosophy and focuses Waffle House employees on creating a people-first experience that is uniquely consistent throughout the Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain.

The Mission Statement of Waffle House

”Our mission is to deliver a unique experience to our customers through delivering great food, friendly, attentive service, excellent price, and a welcoming presence.”

Hardee’s Restaurants Mission: Vision for a Fast Food Difference

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The Hardee’s mission statement is the vision of its parent company CKE, which defines what makes Hardee’s food and dining experience different from that of its fast-food competitors.

Hardee’s Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Hardee’s restaurant was opened in 1960 in Greenville, South Carolina by founder Wilber Hardee. The first Hardee’s franchise was opened five months later, and the first international franchise location was opened in Germany that decade. Hardee’s became well known for its biscuits in the 1970s.Hardee’s acquired the Burger Chef chain in the 1980s and then CKE Restaurants, Inc. acquired the Hardee’s chain in 1997. After the CKE acquisition, the Hardee’s menu shifted to be in alignment with its new sister company, Carl’s Jr.

Hardee’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Carl’s Jr. restaurants are located in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Mission Statement of Hardee’s Fast Food Restaurants

Although it is not labeled officially as a “mission statement,” one particular statement attributed to Andrew Puzder, President and CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., on the CKE corporate website is exactly what a good corporate mission statement should be because it defines the competitive difference of the Hardee’s product and the experience in a crowded fast-food market. That “mission” statement from Andrew Puzder is:”CKE’s brands, Carl-s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, “craveable” fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” - Andrew F. Puzder, President and CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Checkers Restaurants Mission: A Guest-Obsessed Double Drive-Thru

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The Checkers mission statement differentiates the chain from all other fast-food hamburger restaurant competitors with Guest Obsessed and double-drive-thru service experiences.

Checkers Restaurant History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Jim Mattei, Mark Reed, and Herbert Brown, the first location opened in Mobile, Alabama in 1986 with the Checkers name, reportedly named after the concept of checkered taxi cabs. The first Checkers restaurant had a simple menu focused on low-priced hamburgers and combo meals. Checkers is credited for starting the “value” menu trend in U.S. fast food, and for revolutionizing the fast food concept with modular restaurants that had no dining rooms and no parking lots. Checkers claimed that each of its restaurants could serve twice as many customers in half the time at a fraction of the price of its major hamburger fast-food competitors, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King.The Checkers hamburger chain merged with another double drive-thru competitor, the Rally’s chain, in 1999.

Checker’s Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the Checker’s/Rally’s restaurant chains are located in Tampa, Florida.

Mission Statement of Checker’s Hamburger Restaurant 

In the crowded and fiercely competitive hamburger fast food niche of the U.S. restaurant industry, it’s important that the Checkers mission statement defines the Checkers restaurant difference and guides its employees and franchisees in delivering that uniquely branded Checkers restaurant difference. The Checkers mission statement successfully defines the Checkers “guest-obsessed double drive-thru” experience:​

“To serve top-quality meals at a great value with Guest-Obsessed© hospitality, speed, and accuracy at our double drive-thru lanes, and to foster a culture where employees are well-trained and well rewarded, and franchisees are supported in their endeavors to better the brand.”

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Mission: 3 Core Values to Create Great

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Papa Murphy’s mission is three common-core values which, when done consistently, create a “great” Papa Murphy’s pizza experience.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

Papa Murphy’s is the combination of two separate pizza chains, both of which were using the take-and-bake concept to sell pizzas. Papa Aldo’s was started in Hillsboro, Oregon in 1981, and Murphy’s Pizza was started in Petaluma, California in the early 1990s. In 1995, Terry Collins became a major investor in both businesses and merged them into one chain which he called Papa Murphy’s.

In 2013, Papa Murphy’s was the fifth largest retail pizza chain in the U.S. with more than 1,200 stores operating in 37 different states. In 2013 Papa Murphy’s was also recognized as one of the top three pizza restaurant chain “movers and shakers” by PizzaMarketplace.com ahead of much larger chains like Pizza Hut and Little Caesars.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chain Headquarters

Papa Murphy’s corporate headquarters is located in Vancouver, Washington.

Mission Statement of Papa Murphy’s

The mission statement of the Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizza chain is really three core values, which are simple and common not only to all pizza restaurants but to just about every company in the U.S. restaurant industry. The core values/mission of Papa Murphy’s is:

”Great quality. Great value. Great customer service.”

These core values are so basic that it might not seem that they could possibly create effective results in guiding the actions and decisions of a retail organization. But Papa Murphy’s clarifies how and why it has chosen to build its business around this simple mission in this way:

“Papa Murphy’s was built on these core values from day one, and they continue to distinguish Papa Murphy’s today. These values aren’t revolutionary, but when they’re done consistently they allow our guests to leave our stores with the best pizza and experience possible – it’s the reason we’ve been named the #1 Rated Pizza Chain. Papa Murphy’s will keep on evolving, but our foundation is set in stone.” 

Little Caesars Mission: Principles for Happy! Happy! Customers

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The Little Caesars mission statement is about Happy! Happy! and the operating principles that create them.

Little Caesars Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Little Caesars restaurant was opened in Garden City, Michigan on May 8, 1959, by husband-and-wife team Michael and Marian Ilitch, who reportedly invested $10,000 of their own money to fund their dream. Michael wanted to call the new restaurant Pizza Treat. Marian wanted to call it Little Caesars (which is how she characterized her husband). They compromised and called the first restaurant Little Caesar’s Pizza Treat. In addition to pizza, the first Little Caesars restaurant also served hot dogs, chicken, shrimp, and fish.

Little Caesars partnered with Kmart in the 1990s, opening up Little Caesars stores within the Kmart stores. Coincidentally, both the Kmart and Little Caesars chain started in Garden City.

The first Little Caesars U.S. franchise restaurant was sold in 1961, and the first Little Caesars international location was opened in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in 1969.

Little Caesars Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The headquarters of the Little Caesars pizza restaurant chain is located not far from where the chain began, in Detroit, Michigan.

Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of Little Caesars

The mission statement of Little Caesars is defined for both Little Caesars employees and Little Caesars franchisees. While both mission statements are similar and compatible, they are notably different. The mission statement provided to Little Caesars employees is:

“We Want Happy! Happy! Customers. Our mission is to provide delicious, high-quality products at an affordable price, with friendly, prompt, and courteous service.”

The separate mission statement specified for franchisees is:

“To be the best take-home pizza chain by exceeding customer expectations with extraordinary value, great tasting products, and outstanding people while providing strong returns to our stakeholders.”

To specifically define how Little Caesars expects its employees and franchisees to achieve the Little Caesars mission statement, the Little Caesars leaders have created five “Stakeholder Operating Principles”:

Customers: To develop a fun-loving and lasting relationship with every customer.Franchisees: To provide our Franchisees with value-added support and discipline.Colleagues: To train and encourage Colleagues to achieve excellence.Suppliers: To develop mutually beneficial relationships built on trust and respect.Communities: To maintain an image that is a constant source of pride and quality in our communities.

Boston Market Restaurant Mission: An Awesome Mission Not Well Defined

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The “awesome” mission statement of the Boston Market fast-casual restaurant chain is designed to create a positive dining experience but leaves a lot of room for interpretation and execution because of its broad and undefined goals.

Boston Market Founders Facts and Trivia

Arthur Cores and Steven Kolow opened the first Boston Chicken restaurant in Newton, Massachusetts in 1985. The name was changed to New Boston Chicken, Inc. when a third partner, Goerge Naddaff, joined the company. The company name was shortened to Boston Chicken, Inc. in 1992 before going public in 1993. The chain was renamed Boston Market in 1995 to reflect an expansion of the menu and the addition of other meats besides the original rotisserie chicken.

The Boston Market chain was purchased by the McDonald’s corporation in 2000, two years after the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The Boston Market chain was then sold by McDonald’s to Sun Capital Partners in 2007.

Boston Market Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Boston Market restaurants are located in Golden, Colorado.

Mission Statement and Values of Boston Market 

The mission statement of Boston Market restaurants is obviously fashioned to help create a positive dining experience for Boston Market customers. But the mission statement is worded so broadly that it leaves a lot of room for interpretation by individual Boston Market employees, and therefore, inconsistent experience for the Boston Market diner. The Boston Market mission statement is:

”To create awesome food, served quickly by warm and friendly people!!”

Some specific clarification is provided to Boston Market leaders about creating a workplace that would attract and retain the “warm and friendly people” in the Boston Market mission statement. Although not specifically labeled, these could be considered either the Boston Market workplace qualities or leadership values:

Pride: Every day we have a sense of pride about what we do.Walk the talk: We all try and ‘walk the talk,’ which could include going through the dining room, filling up drinks, picking up plates and talking with our guests.Clear Direction: Our managers set a clear direction for our teams.Career Growth: Our employees know that not only do they have a job with Boston Market, but they also know they can grow that job into a career.Fun: Most importantly, it’s fun to work at Boston Market.

Red Mango Yogurt Mission: Focus on Products With a Competitive Edge

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The competitive edge for Red Mango Yogurt stores is its product offerings, and the Red Mango mission statement focuses employees on the delivery of that.

Red Mango Yogurt Stores Founders Facts and Trivia

Red Mango was founded in Seoul, South Korea by Roni Akeakamai Choo in 2002. The U.S. “founder” and Chief Concept Officer, Dan Kim, opened the first U.S. Red Mango yogurt store in 2007 in Westwood, California, near the UCLA campus.

Red Mango Headquarters

The U.S. headquarters for Red Mango is located in Dallas, Texas. The headquarters for Relay International Co., Inc. is located in Seoul, South Korea.

Mission Statement of Red Mango USA

The competitive edge of Red Mango is its product offerings, with their probiotic ingredients that are healthy and tasty at the same time. The Red Mango mission statement focuses employees on the uniqueness of the Red Mango product offerings:

“To help our customers treat themselves well with the healthiest and best tasting frozen yogurt, smoothies, beverages, and quick refreshments.”

Del Taco Restaurants Mission: A Bolder, Fresher, Better Brand

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The mission statement of the Del Taco fast food chain defines what makes Del Taco different from all other Mexican fast-food chain competitors, and guides employees about how to deliver a bolder, fresher, better restaurant brand.

Del Taco Restaurant History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Del Taco founders Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson opened the first Del Taco restaurant in Yermo, California in 1964 under the name Casa Del Taco. The menu of the first Casa Del Taco fast-food Mexican restaurant included tacos, tostadas, french fries, and cheeseburgers.

Del Taco Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the Del Taco fast-food Mexican restaurant chain is located in Lake Forest, California.

Mission Statement of Del Taco Fast Food Restaurant 

With significant competition from fast-food and fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains like Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Qdoba, the Del Taco restaurant chain differentiates itself from its competitors with a mission statement that describes how Del Taco products and employees create a uniquely branded Del Taco experience. Although it’s not specifically identified as a “mission,” the statement made to potential franchisees is:​

“With over 550 restaurants and growing, we’ve built a bolder, fresher, better brand offering unbelievable value, uncompromising quality and freshness, and a taste for every appetite and budget.”

Additionally, Del Taco defines “The Del Difference,” which includes:

Menu items are prepared to order using the freshest ingredients with no microwaves.Menu innovations that keep fans engaged and coming back for more.A combination of value-oriented offerings and premium items.A clean, welcoming atmosphere inside restaurants.Great Mexican food at a great value.

Tony Roma’s Mission: Focused on the Ultimate Goal of Guest Loyalty

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Tony Roma’s restaurant mission statement focuses its employees on what is considered to be the ultimate Tony Roma’s goal: guest loyalty.

Tony Roma’s Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Tony Roma’s restaurant was opened on January 20, 1972, in Miami, Florida by founder Tony Roma. The original menu included steaks and hamburgers. Ribs were first offered as a weekend special and were so popular that they quickly became the centerpiece of the Tony Roma’s menu.

Just four years later, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys ate at Tony Roma’s while he was in Miami for the Super Bowl, which his team lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the trip was not fully disappointing for Clint Murchison, Jr. because he liked the Tony Roma’s restaurant food so much that he purchased a big chunk of the restaurant’s U.S. franchise rights, and became the driving force behind the Tony Roma’s U.S. and international expansion. 

Tony Roma’s Restaurants Headquarters

The international headquarters of the Tony Roma’s restaurant chain is located in Dallas, Texas.

Mission Statement of Tony Roma’s 

Tony Roma’s mission statement does one thing that every good mission statement should do. It clearly defines the motivation that all employees should have behind everything they do by stating the goal that is the most important thing to the company. In this case, that ultimate goal to Tony Roma’s is guest loyalty. The Mission Statement of Tony Roma’s Restaurants is:​​

“Great Food delivered by Professional, Friendly Team Members resulting in Guest loyalty… Worldwide.”

Along with this mission statement, Tony Roma’s has identified qualities that it expects its employees to demonstrate in order to do things the “Tony Roma’s Way.” Although these qualities are not labeled as such, in essence, these PICI2 qualities could be considered service standards. Tony Roma’s PICI2 qualities are:

PassionIntelligenceCompassionIntegrityIntensity

Bojangles Restaurant Mission: Best-Tasting, Quick, Quality Chicken

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The mission statement of the Bojangles chicken-based fast-food restaurant chain is about being the best, quickest, highest quality, and friendliest choice in the highly competitive quick-service chicken restaurant niche.

Bojangles Chicken History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas, the first Bojangles Fast Food Chicken Restaurant Location opened in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first Bojangles restaurant had no seating and no drive-thru window. The Bojangles chain started as a walk-in, takeout-only restaurant. The first franchised Bojangles location opened up in 1978. In 2014, the 600th Bojangles location was opened, and the fried chicken restaurant chain reached $1 billion in historical sales.

From the beginning, Bojangles distinguished itself in the fast-food chicken niche with distinct Cajun seasonings, and menu items like freshly baked, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, dirty rice, and “Cajun pintos.” Bojangles also offers breakfast menu items all day, every day.

Bojangles Chicken Restaurant Group Headquarters

The headquarters of the Bojangles fast-food chicken restaurant chain is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Bojangles brand and concept were born.

Mission Statement of Bojangles Chicken Chain

Although not identified specifically as its “mission statement,” Bojangles specifies that employees at all levels of its organization are committed to the “Bojangles difference,” which is:

”…ensuring that our guests always get the best-tasting, highest-quality products possible, served quickly by friendly people in a clean and pleasant environment.” 

Considering the purpose of a mission statement is to focus employees on what the organization values and what makes its products and services distinct, this “Bojangles difference” commitment serves the Bojangles restaurant chain well as a mission statement.

Captain D’s Restaurants Mission: Be Best With Fresh, Honest, Quality

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The mission of Captain D’s seafood restaurant chain is its Brand Promise to be the best, which Captain D’s believes is a result of fresh, honest, and quality food.

Captain D’s Seafood Founders Facts and Trivia

The Captain D’s restaurant chain began in 1969 when Ray Danner of Danner Foods opened a Mr. D’s restaurant in Donelson, Tennessee. In 1974 Danner Foods merged with Shoney’s and then Mr. D’s restaurants were renamed, Captain D’s.

Captain D’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The headquarters of Captain D’s are located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mission Statement and Brand Promise of Captain D’s 

The mission statement of Captain D’s is referred to as its Brand Promise, and focuses on the qualities of Captain D’s products that are necessary to be the “best.” The Brand Promise of Captain D’s is:

“At Captain D’s we challenge ourselves to be the best seafood restaurant. We promise to deliver unique and fresh ingredients, prepare them honestly and with flavor, and to deliver quality.

We believe that our guests deserve great food that they can enjoy every day.”

In addition, Captain D’s has defined “The Captain’s Difference,” which is similar to the Brand Promise but written for an internal employee audience. “The Captain’s Difference” is:​

“At Captain D’s, we work hard to deliver quality seafood at competitive prices. We search the globe for the best quality seafood at the best value possible and deliver that experience to our guests in the restaurants every day.”

Stater Bros. Markets Mission: Family, Loyalty, and the American Dream

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The mission statement of Stater Bros. Markets is not focused on groceries, but rather on family, loyalty, and the American Dream.

Stater Bros. History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

The first Stater Bros. Market was opened in August 1936 in Yucaipa, California after 24-year-old twins Leo and Cleo Stater purchased it for $800 from Cleo’s boss. The company’s first slogan “The low price leader in your hometown,” was chosen because the Stater Bros. embarked on their grocery store business adventure the middle of the Great Depression.

When the U.S. entered World War II, the Stater brothers left to serve as Army Air Force pilots. In their absence, their parents ran their grocery store chain, which had grown to four retail locations. After World War II a third and younger Stater brother, Savoy, joined the business, making three Stater brothers running the Stater Bros. Markets chain.

Stater Bros. Markets Retail Headquarters

The headquarters of Stater Bros. Markets is located in San Bernardino, California.

Stater Bros. Supermarkets Corporate Mission and Values

The mission statement of Stater Bros. Markets is not focused on the groceries that the company sells or services that it provides. Rather, the Stater Bros. company mission statement focuses on how the company does business and the way that it interacts with its customers and communities. The Stater Bros. mission statement is:​

“To always offer outstanding value in our prices, high quality in all our merchandise, and friendliness in our service, so that our loyal customers and their families, the dedicated members of the Stater Bros. “family” of employees, and the communities we are privileged to serve may all share in the American Dream.”

Save Mart Supermarkets Mission: People, Passion, Shopping Experience

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The mission statement of Save Mart Supermarkets is about people, passion, and the remarkable shopping experience they can create.

Save Mart History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Mike Piccinini and his brother, Nick Tocco, the first Save Mart Supermarket opened on January 17, 1952, in Modesto, California. In addition to groceries, the first Save Mart retail store also sold pre-packaged meats, yard and garden supplies, plants, fresh-cut flowers, and gift items, which would have earned Save Mart a spot the Most Innovative Retailer list in the 1950s, if such a list existed then.

Save Mart Supermarkets Headquarters:

The headquarters of Save Mart Supermarkets is located in Modesto, California.

Save Mart Supermarkets Corporate Mission and Values

The mission statement for Save Mart Supermarkets accomplishes what a good mission statement is meant to accomplish, which is to identify what’s important, to inspire employees, and create a branded identity. The Save Mart Supermarket corporate mission statement, which is effective in its simplicity, is:

“Bringing People Together, Through Our Passion for Food and a Remarkable Shopping Experience”

Additionally, the Save Mart company provides some defined corporate values, which focus on the employees who will be responsible for delivering on the promise of the mission statement. The Values that guide decisions and actions with the Save Mart employee team are:

Our Values: Save Mart Supermarkets is committed to ensuring a quality workplace for every employee. This means treating people with dignity and respect, demonstrating trust, maintaining an inclusive work environment that values diversity and teamwork, ensuring a productive atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment, and providing a safe environment, free from injury, drug and alcohol use.Respect: Demonstrate respect and trust, value diversityOpportunity: Committed to your growth and successTeamwork: Make the employee connectionSafety: Maintain a safe workplace free from injury, drug and alcohol use

El Pollo Loco Restaurant Mission: Best Chicken and High Standards

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The El Pollo Loco fast-food restaurant chain mission statement is about serving the best chicken and doing business with the highest ethical standards.

El Pollo Loco History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founder Juan Francisco opened the first location in Mexico in 1964 with the El Pollo Loco name. The menu of the first El Pollo Loco fast-food location was focused on Mexican food. 

El Pollo Loco Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the El Pollo Loco fast-food chicken restaurant chain is located in Costa Mesa, California.

Mission Statement of El Pollo Loco Fast-Food Chicken 

The mission statement of the El Pollo Loco chicken restaurant chain is exemplary in its simplicity and clarity. But because it is oversimplified and non-specific, it could apply to any fast food restaurant chain in the world that has chicken as its main menu item. The mission statement of El Pollo Loco is:

" The primary mission of El Pollo Loco, Inc. is to serve the best chicken meal profitably.”

El Pollo Loco leaders provide employees with more specific guidance about making decisions and creating a unique El Pollo loco dining experience with its Code of Business Conduct:

Compliance with the Law: El Pollo Loco and its employees will abide by the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws and regulations and will act in such a manner that the full disclosure of all facts related to any activity will always reflect favorably upon the Company.Adherence to High Ethical Standards: El Pollo Loco and its employees will adhere to the highest ethical standards of conduct in all business activities and will act in a manner that enhances El Pollo Loco’s standing as a vigorous and ethical competitor within the business community.Responsible Business Citizenship: El Pollo Loco and its employees will act as responsible citizens in the communities where the Company does business.

Moe’s Southwest Grill Mission: Original Awesome Food, Energy

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The Moe’s Southwest Grill fast-casual restaurant chain mission statement defines the brand with awesome food, energetic service, originality, and irreverence.

Moe’s Southwest Grill History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founder Martin Sprock, then CEO of Raving Brands, opened the first location in December 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia, serving a menu of fresh, made-to-order Southwestern food. Today Moe’s differentiates itself from Mexican Restaurant competitors like Qdoba and Chipotle with all-natural chicken, grass-fed steak, organic tofu, along with vegetarian, flexitarians, kids’ and low-calorie options. The Moe’s Southwestern Grill branded experience also includes free chips and salsa and a legendary “Welcome to Moe’s” greeting for every in-store customer who walks in the door.

In 2007, Raving Brands and Martin Sprock sold a 345-unit Moe’s Southwest Grill Chain to FOCUS Brands. The first international Moe’s Southwest Grill opened in Turkey on March 8, 2011. As of 2019, there are more than 700 Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants operating in four countries.

Moe’s Southwestern Grill Headquarters

The headquarters of the Moe’s Southwest Grill is located with its parent company FOCUS Brands in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Mission Statement of Moe’s Southwest Grill 

The importance that Moe’s Southwest Grill places on its employee culture is unmistakable. Not only does Moe’s have a clearly defined Mission Statement, but it also provides its employees and franchisees with a clearly defined Vision, Purpose, and Objective:​

Our Vision: To deliver the best customizable Southwestern food and irreverent brand culture to communities around the world, making Moe’s Southwest Grill the choice restaurant for guests, franchisees, and associates.​Our Mission: To provide a one-of-a-kind experience that energizes everyone with an enthusiastic welcome, exceptional service, awesome food, killer tunes and an unforgettable time.​Our Purpose: To promote a culture that celebrates originality.​Our Objective: To create wealth, growth and personal fulfillment by living Moe’s distinct culture.

Each of these corporate statements provides a view of the “ideal” Moe’s customer and employee experience, and what Moe’s leaders and franchisees need to keep employees focused upon. Additionally, Moe’s Southwest Grill clearly defines its company values, which specifically guide franchisees and employees in their decision-making and in shaping the employee culture that is the foundation of the desired Moe’s branded customer experience. The Moe’s Guiding Values are:

Act With Integrity: We believe that all of us have the responsibility.Add Value: We believe everything we do should add value for our guests.Infuse Passion: We believe that our passion and enthusiastic welcome are the foundation of our brand.Provide Leadership: We believe great leadership establishes the foundation of our long-term success.Think Sustainability: We believe we have a social responsibility.Know & Share the Brand: We believe that our clear vision of the future is born from understanding our history.Be Yourself: We believe it is important not to take ourselves too seriously.Give Back We believe in pulling together.Have Fun: We believe that fun breeds creativity.

Fred’s Mission: Fast, Fun, and Friendly Shopping in Your Hometown

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The mission of Fred’s is to be a discount shopping leader, but its vision is not about profits, it’s about people.

Fred’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first store opened in Coldwater, Mississippi by Paul Baddour and his two brothers in 1947 was called “Good Luck.” As the chain expanded, the stores were named after one of the Baddour brothers, Fred.

Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores Headquarters

The headquarters of Fred’s Discount chain is located in Memphis, TN.

The Vision of Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores

“A smile on every customer’s face!” 

The Mission of Fred’s Hometown Discount Store:

“To be the Hometown Discount Store that provides a fast, fun and friendly low-price place to shop!”

In addition to its vision and mission, Fred’s makes “promises” to its shareholders, customers, and employees: 

Fred’s Promises to Its Shareholders: To our shareholders, we promise industry-leading financial performance through extraordinary results, not just extraordinary efforts.

Fred’s Promises to Its Customers: To our customers, we promise:

Team members who are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.Great prices that are clearly marked.A fast and easy shopping experience.Well-stocked stores.A treasure hunt of unique bargains.A clean environment.

Fred’s Promises to Its Employees: To each other, we promise:

To be decisive, accountable and results-focusedTo help team members be successful.Teamwork, mutual respect, and integrity.Open communication with candor.To embrace change and to achieve sustainable solutions.

Western Sizzlin Company Mission: Relaxed, Friendly Family Dining

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Western Sizzlin customers enjoy a relaxed, friendly family dining because of the company’s “perspectives.”

Western Sizzlin Restaurant Chain Founder

Nick Pascarella opened the first Western Sizzlin restaurant in Augusta, Georgia in 1962. The company began franchising its restaurants four years later.

Western Sizzlin Headquarters

Western Sizzlin corporate headquarters are located in Roanoke, Virginia, and Columbus, Ohio.

Western Sizzlin’s Mission Statement

Not specifically labeled as a “mission statement, Western Sizzlin has what it calls “company perspectives” that provides the same kind of vision and purpose as a mission statement:

“Our primary goal has always been to exceed our guests’ expectations for both quality and service. Our restaurants strive to provide a relaxing, enjoyable dining experience in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.”

Every retail company in the world might seem to have the same mission statement: crush the competition and make as much profit as possible. And while that might be the written or unwritten goal of 98% of all members of the U.S. retail industry, this is not the only “mission” that defines their businesses.

Companies such as Applebee’s, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts and Subway Sandwiches all want to dominate their retail categories and create profits, but each of them has a distinct way of doing their retail business that is aligned with and defined by their respective mission statements.

Discover the mission and vision statements of some of the world’s largest retail food and beverage chains, and discover what drives their decisions and actions and creates their success every day.

Dunkin’ Donuts Mission: 12 Values of Quick, Fresh, Delicious

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The original mission statement for Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants was created by its founder. Today, the Dunkin’ Brands 12 Values and Principles guide franchise owners to the same quick, fresh, and delicious outcome that the founder had envisioned.

Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Dunkin’ Donuts store was opened by William Rosenberg in 1950 in Quincy Massachusetts. The first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise was opened in 1955, and today there are more than 10,000 Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in 36 states in the U.S. and 32 countries around the world. In 1990, Allied Lyons, the parent company of the Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream chain, purchased Dunkin’ Donuts, and in 2004 the name of the parent company was changed to Dunkin’ Brands.

Dunkin’ Donuts Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise, along with with the headquarters of the Dunkin’ Brands group, is located in Canton, Massachusetts.

Mission Statement of Dunkin’ Donuts Stores

The original mission statement (referred to as the “philosophy”) of Dunkin’ Donuts came straight from the founder:​

“Make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores.”

Today, because 100 percent of the 10,000+ Dunkin’ Donuts stores located around the world are franchisee-owned and operated, each individual Dunkin’ Donuts store could have its own mission statement. But as the parent company of the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, Dunkin’ Brands has 12 Values and Principles that the company believes should guide the decisions of everyone associated with Baskin-Robbins retail outlets and lead all Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees to success. The Dunkin’ Brands Values and Guiding Principles are:

Honesty - Embrace the truth about oneself and the world.Transparency - Demonstrate openness and vulnerability.Humility - Acknowledge own mistakes and commit to learning.Integrity - Say what you think and do what you say.Respectfulness - Honor the dignity, inclusion, and diversity of others.Fairness - Do what is right based on common principles.Responsibility - Make yourself accountable to the community.

Guiding Principles

Leadership - Responsibility with passion at every level.Innovation - Excellence in everything we do.Execution - Ownership, and accountability for results, success, and failure.Social Stewardship - Demonstration of good corporate citizenship and responsibility to all constituencies.Fun - Approach every challenge with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement. “Celebrate every step of the way!”

McDonald’s Restaurants Mission: A Common Mission With Branded Values

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The mission statement of McDonald’s fast-food restaurants is a common mission for every restaurant, but the McDonald’s Values reflect the McDonald’s experience. (See the complete McDonald’s mission statement below.) It is the principles and influences of McDonald’s founders that make the McDonald’s restaurant chain the iconic American brand that it is today.

Mission Statement of McDonald’s Fast Food Restaurants

The mission statement of McDonald’s fast-food restaurants around the world is not much different from any restaurant chain.

“McDonald’s brand mission is to be our customers’ favorite place and way to eat.”

That broad and common mission statement is more clearly defined by the McDonald’s Values, which reflect the experience that customers can expect when walking into a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant no matter where it is located.

We place the customer experience at the core of all we do.We are committed to our people.We believe in the McDonald’s System.We operate our business ethically.We give back to our communities.We grow our business profitably.We strive continually to improve.

In 2013 McDonald’s implemented a global strategy it called “Plan to Win,” which was designed to create a consistently excellent customer experience in McDonald’s restaurants. The five key facets of that McDonald’s experience were defined as being People, Products, Place, Price, and Promotion.

McDonald’s Restaurants Founders

Almost always, a company’s mission statement is a reflection of the vision and values of the person who founded the company.  In the case of the McDonald’s restaurant chain, it would be the reflection of three founders – Dick and Mack McDonald and Ray Kroc.Most people think that the McDonald’s restaurant chain was started by Ray Kroc, which isn’t exactly true. The first McDonald’s restaurant was called McDonald’s Bar-B-Que restaurant, which was opened by Dick and Mack McDonald in 1940 in San Bernardino, CA. They didn’t convert to a simple hamburger and potato chips menu until 1948. In 1949 french fries replaced the potato chips and triple thick milkshakes were added to the menu.Technically Kroc was not a “founder” at all.  But he is the man credited with “founding” the international expansion of the McDonald’s restaurant chain. The four principles that Kroc and his franchisees lived by were Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value. Kroc is the “founder” of Hamburger University, the official McDonald’s franchisee training facility that delivered mandatory training classes for the purpose of maintaining a consistent McDonald’s experience in every individual McDonald’s location around the world.

McDonald’s Restaurants Headquarters

The worldwide headquarters of the McDonald’s restaurant chain is in Oak Brook, IL, along with its training facility called Hamburger University.

Burger King Mission: Vision for Food, Speed, and Customer Experience

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The founders of Burger King restaurants had a vision for their fast-food chain which included food, speed, and customer experience. The mission and commitments of Burger King today are aligned with that original vision.

Burger King Founders Facts and Trivia

The Burger King restaurant chain was started in 1953 by Matthew Burns and Keith J. Kramer in Jacksonville, Florida as the Insta-Burger King restaurant, featuring an Insta-Broiler to cook the food. In 1954 when the company was having financial problems, two franchises, James McLamore, and David Edgerton purchased the right to operate the chain and changed the name to Burger King.Once established, expansion and growth happened quickly for the Burger King restaurant chain. The Whopper was introduced in 1957, the first Burger King franchise was opened in 1959, the first Burger King international location opened in Puerto Rico in 1965, and the company was purchased by Pillsbury in 1967.

Burger King Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Burger King fast-food restaurant chain is located in Miami, Florida, where the original franchise of McLamore and Edgerton was located.

The Mission Statement of Burger King Restaurants

The vision of McLamore and Edgerton when they purchased the Insta-Burger King restaurant concept has remained the vision and mission of Burger King restaurants throughout the world and is referenced in the individual international Burger King restaurant websites. That original Burger King Vision was:

“Offering reasonably priced quality food, served quickly, in attractive, clean surroundings.”

Today in the U.S., Burger King uses “commitments” to guide its business, in addition to that original mission statement. Specifically, Burger King commitment is:

“Our commitment to premium ingredients, signature recipes, and family-friendly dining experiences is what has defined our brand for more than 50 successful years.”

Burger King corporate further defines the commitments that guide its daily business operations in its corporate governance documents:

Food: “For over 50 years, our restaurants have been serving high quality, great-tasting and affordable food around the world. Our commitment to the food we serve is what defines us as a company and is at the center of our HAVE IT YOUR WAY brand promise.“People: “We are dedicated to supporting and investing in our people – employees, franchisees, suppliers and restaurant guests – because they are the cornerstone of our business. In many different ways, we do all that we can to serve employees and guest alike.”Also, Burger King has a clear statement of “What We Believe,” which also serves as a mission statement, although not officially identified as one:

What Do We Believe? “We believe in working together with and listening to our employees, guests, business partners and the people in the communities in which we live and work. We share their concerns for our neighborhoods, educating children, preserving the environment, providing jobs and doing our part to help families eat and live better by offering more nutritious food options and promoting healthy lifestyle messages. We know we have a role to play in each of these areas.”

Subway Mission: Freshness + Customer Satisfaction = The Exceptional

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The mission statement, vision, and values of Subway Sandwich fast-food restaurants focus on freshness and customer satisfaction, which creates an exceptional Subway experience.

Subway Sandwich Franchises Facts and Trivia

Subway was founded in 1965 when 17-year-old ​Fred DeLuca partnered with Dr. Peter Buck and opened the first Pete’s Subway in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Subway didn’t start franchising until 1974, when its first franchise location opened in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Subway Sandwich Restaurants Headquarters:

The international headquarters for Subway Sandwich restaurants and franchises are located in Milford, Connecticut.

The Subway Sandwich Fast Food Mission Statement

In its clarity, simplicity, and achievability, the Subway Sandwich Restaurant chain has one of the best mission statements in the U.S. restaurant industry. The Subway mission statement is:​

“Delight every customer, so they want to tell their friends – with great value through fresh, delicious, made-to-order sandwiches, and an exceptional experience.”

Subway fast-food restaurants also have a larger vision, which is the inspiration for its international restaurant operations. The Subway restaurants and franchises vision is: 

“Be the #1 Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) franchise in the world, while delivering fresh, delicious sandwiches and an exceptional experience.”

How Subway Sandwich restaurant franchisees and employees achieve the company’s mission and make the Subway vision a reality is further defined by the Subway Core Values and Philosophy:

Family – We build our business relationships by serving each other, our customers and our communities, much as we do within our own families.Teamwork – We challenge ourselves and each other to succeed through teamwork, against shared goals and to be accountable for our responsibilities.Opportunity – We create an entrepreneurial, ever-growing SUBWAY® community, increasing the opportunity for everyone.

Chick-Fil-A Restaurants Mission: Quick Service, Positive Purpose

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The mission statement of the Chick-Fil-A restaurants is the same as any other quick-service restaurant chain in the U.S., but the Chick-Fil-A corporate purpose reveals an identity and values that give meaning to the Chick-Fil-A operations.

Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The Chick-fil-A history extends back to 1946 when Truett Cathy opened up his first restaurant, which he called The Dwarf Grill, in Atlanta, Georgia. It wasn’t until 18 years later that Cathy invented what is known today as the Chick-Fil-A sandwich. Three years later, in 1967 Cathy opened a restaurant in a shopping mall named after the Chick-Fil-A sandwich he had invented.

The first free-standing Chick-Fil-A restaurant was opened in Druid Hills, Georgia in 1986. As of 2019, there were more than 2,000 Chick-fil-A restaurant locations.

The Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Chick-Fil-A quick-service restaurant chain is located where the company has its roots, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mission Statement and Corporate Values of Chick-Fil-A 

The mission statement of the Chick-Fil-A restaurant chain is pretty much the same mission as any big or small restaurant chain in the U.S. The Chick-Fil-A mission statement is:

“Be America’s best quick-service restaurant.”It’s the Chick-Fil-A Corporate Purpose that reveals the identity and character behind the Chick-fil-A operations and gives meaning to the employees as they take actions and make decisions every day. The Chick-fil-A Corporate Purpose is:​

“To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-Fil-A.”

Starbucks Mission: Inspiration and Connection One Cup at a Time

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Starbucks’ mission to “inspire the human spirit” is something that can’t be served in a cup with whipped cream.

Starbucks Coffee Founder Facts and Trivia

The first Starbucks location opened in 1971 in Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA. Eleven years later, Howard Schultz was hired by the company to be the director of retail operations and marketing. The first Starbucks with the current coffee house look and feel was opened in 1984 in downtown Seattle. Starbucks went on to change supply chain management.

Starbucks Coffee Headquarters

The Starbucks headquarters are still located in Seattle, Washington.

Starbucks Coffee Mission Statement

“Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”

To accomplish its mission, Starbucks has principles that guide all of its employees as they go about their daily business:

Our Coffee – It has always been, and will always be, about quality.Our Partners – We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard.Our Customers – When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers – even if just for a few moments.Our Stores – It’s about enjoyment at the speed of life – sometimes slow and savored, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity.Our Neighborhood – We can be a force for positive action – bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day.Our Shareholders - We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks – and everyone it touches – can endure and thrive.

Kroger Supermarkets Mission: Being the Leader With Values

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From a single store opened in 1883, Kroger is achieving its mission to “be a leader” with some clearly defined values.

The Kroger Company Founder

Barney Kroger opened a grocery store in downtown Cincinnati in 1883 by investing his life savings of $372. His “mission statement” from the beginning was:

“Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself.”

The Kroger Company Headquarters

The Kroger Company headquarters is located not far from the location of its first store in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Kroger Company Mission/Vision Statement

“Our mission is to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, pharmacy, health, and personal care items, seasonal merchandise, and related products and services.“To accomplish its mission, Kroger has six values that provide guidance to its employees about how they do what they do every day. Those values are:

Honesty - Doing the right things, telling the truth.Integrity - Living our values in all we do; unified approach to how we do business and treat each other.Respect for Others - Valuing opinions, property, and perspectives of others.Diversity - Reflecting a workplace that includes a variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures; diversity of opinions and thoughts.Safety - Watching out for others; being secure and safe in your workplace.Inclusion - Your voice matters, working together works, encouraging everyone’s involvement, being the best person you can be.

Trader Joe’s Mission: Fun, Individual Pride, and Company Spirit

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The mission of Trader Joe’s grocery stores includes fun, individual pride, and company spirit, which helps create the constantly upbeat Trader Joe’s customer experience. 

Trader Joe’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Trader Joe’s opened in 1967 in Pasadena, California, and is still in operation in the same location today. Trader Joe’s started selling private label merchandise and reusing canvas bags in 1977, long before many major grocery store chains adopted these practices in the 21st century. The founder of Trader Joe’s is Joe Coulombe, who earned an MBA at Stanford University and positioned Trader Joe’s like the grocery store for “overeducated and underpaid people.”

Trader Joe’s Headquarters

Trader Joe’s was purchased by Aldi Nord in 1979, and it now has headquarters in Monrovia, California, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Trader Joe’s Mission, Vision, and Values

Trader Joe’s says its first mission statement was written in chalk, 24 years after its first store opened. The current mission statement of Trader Joe’s is more official and not as easily erasable: 

“The mission of Trader Joe’s is to give our customers the best food and beverage values that they can find anywhere and to provide them with the information required to make informed buying decisions. We provide these with a dedication to the highest quality of customer satisfaction delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, fun, individual pride, and company spirit.”

Panera Bread Mission: All About Bread at Panera Restaurants

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The Panera Bread restaurant chain’s mission statement is completely bread-focused and seemingly unobtainable. But the success of the Panera chain proves that the best mission statements are less about the “statement,” and more about the “mission” that the leaders of the company embrace.

The Mission Statement and Leadership Goal of Panera Bread Restaurants (PNRA)

The published mission statement of the Panera Bread Restaurant Chain is:“A loaf of bread in every arm.“Because of its narrow focus on one product, the Panera Bread mission statement falls short is in its ability to guide employees at any level in their daily operations, interactions, and decision-making unless they are the baker of the bread, the line cook who uses the bread or the server who serves the meals that include the bread.To further clarify things, Panera also publishes its “bread leadership goal”:“With the single goal of making great bread broadly available to consumers across America, Panera Bread freshly bakes more bread each day than any bakery-cafe concept in the country.“Again with the narrow focus on its product, rather than the overall philosophy, experience, or any type of overarching purpose, the Panera Bread company mission statement seemingly fails in the ways that a traditional mission statement inspires and guides its employees.

However, the success of the Panera Bread restaurant chain in the U.S. retail industry proves that mission statements are less about the “statement” and more about the “mission” that the leaders carry out.  In the case of Panera Bread, the “mission” of its leaders comes from two different men from two different worlds and the outlook that each brought into their business world.

Panera Bread Restaurant Chain Founders Facts

The Panera Bread restaurant chain was founded by Ron Shaich and Louis Kane as Au Bon Pain Co. After acquiring the St. Louis Bread Co. chain, the Panera Bread concept evolved. In 1999 the Au Bon Pain restaurants were sold, and the company put its primary focus on growing the Panera Bread restaurants. The St. Louis Bread Co. restaurants continue to operate with the same Panera Bread concept and menu in the state of Missouri.

Panera Bread Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of the Panera Bread Restaurant chain are located in Richmond Heights, MO.

Ben & Jerry’s Mission: Product, Social, Economic Missions for Change

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The mission statement of Ben and Jerry’s goes far beyond its ice cream products and retail stores and defines the company’s social and economic missions for changing the world.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Ben and Jerry’s ice cream store was opened on May 5, 1978, in Burlington, Vermont after Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield completed a correspondence course on ice cream making from the Pennsylvania State University Creamery.Ben and Jerry were born four days apart and met in junior high school. The first Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavors included Dastardly Mash, Heath Bar Crunch, Chunky Monkey, Tuskegee Chunk, and Cherry Garcia.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Headquarters

The headquarters of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream is located where the company first began in Burlington, Vermont.

The Mission Statement of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream

The mission of Ben and Jerry’s is really about contributing to making a positive change in the world. To do that, Ben and Jerry’s has three missions that the company strives to integrate into its daily business operations:

Ben and Jerry’s Social Mission

“To operate the Company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Ben and Jerry’s Product Mission

“To make, distribute and sell the finest quality all-natural ice cream and euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment.”

Ben and Jerry’s Economic Mission

“To operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for our stakeholders and expanding opportunities for development and career growth for our employees.”

Buffalo Wild Wings Mission: A Big Mission With How-to-Wow Directions

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The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar mission statement could belong to any restaurant chain or retail company, but it’s the four how-to-wow statements that tell BWW employees how to accomplish the BWW mission in a way that is uniquely BWW.

Buffalo Wild Wings Founders Facts and Trivia

The Buffalo Wild Wings history extends back to 1982 when Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery opened a restaurant on the campus of Ohio State University which they called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck. “Weck” referred to a type of sandwich served almost exclusively in the Buffalo, New York area consisting of roast beef and horseradish sauce on a salty bread called a kummelweck roll. There’s no official word on why the Weck was dropped from the name, and the sandwich was eventually dropped from the menu.

Buffalo Wild Wings became a publicly-traded company in 2003, and as of 2017, there were more than 1,200 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in the U.S. The first international BWW restaurant opened in Toronto, Canada in 2011.

The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Buffalo Wild Wings casual dining restaurant chain is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mission Statement of Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurants

The mission statement of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants is short and leaves no room for doubt about what is the most important thing for all employees at all levels. The Buffalo Wild Wings mission statement is:”Our mission is to WOW people every day.”

Along with this BWW mission statement are four specific how-to-wow strategies, which guide employees in their behaviors, actions, decisions, and priorities each day. The Buffalo Wild Wings how-to-wow guidelines are:

We are Guest Driven - We will WOW our guests every day.We are Team-Focused - We will WOW our team members.We are Community-Connected - We will WOW the communities where we do business.We are Dedicated to Excellence - We will WOW our franchisees and stakeholders.

Coca-Cola Mission: 7 Values, 6 P’s, 5 Behaviors, 1 Happy Mission

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It takes seven values, a vision with six P’s, and five behaviors to achieve the one mission of The Coca-Cola Company: happiness.

Coca-Cola Founders Facts and Trivia

The beverage known as Coca-Cola was invented by a pharmacist, John Pemberton, in Atlanta, Georgia in 1886. Pemberton invented the syrup and then went to nearby Jacobs Pharmacy to add the carbonated water. Customers who tasted the first batch of the new beverage responded favorably, so Jacobs Pharmacy started selling it for five cents per glass. Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, is credited for naming the drink Coca-Cola, and for creating the distinctive Coca-Cola script, which is used as the logo for both the soft drink and the company more than 131 years later.Pemberton died just two years later. Reportedly sales of Coca-Cola at that time was nine glasses per day.

Coca-Cola Company International Headquarters

The Coca-Cola Company headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, where the beverage was invented.

Coca-Cola Company Mission Statement

The mission of the Coca-Cola Company extends far beyond the manufacturing of beverage products and focuses on the impact the company wants to make on the global customers who consume the Coca-Cola beverage products. The mission statement of the Coca-Cola Company is:“To refresh the world… To inspire moments of optimism and happiness…To create value and make a difference.“Beyond its mission, the Coca-Cola company also has an official Vision to help it achieve sustainable growth. This Vision consists of six Ps:

PeoplePortfolioPartnersPlanetProfitProductivity

In order to fulfill its vision, the Coca-Cola Company has defined six behaviors of a Winning Culture that define the attitude that it expects all Coca-Cola employees will embrace as they go about their daily work. The six winning behaviors are:

Focus on the MarketWork SmartAct Like OwnersBe the BrandLive Our Values

One final set of guidelines that Coca-Cola provides its employee team is the seven “values” that they are expected to “live.” The values of the Coca-Cola Company are:

LeadershipCollaborationIntegrityAccountabilityPassionDiversityQuality

Cheesecake Factory Restaurants Mission: Baking a Legacy of Excellence

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The mission statement of the Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, along with its company Vision and Values, is designed to build the Cheesecake Factory brand and create a “continuing legacy of excellence.”

Cheesecake Factory Founders Facts and Trivia

The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain started first with a cheesecake recipe created by Evelyn Overton in Detroit, Michigan. Evelyn baked cheesecakes in her basement and sold them wholesale to local Detroit restaurants for more than 20 years. After her two children were grown, Evelyn and her husband Oscar decided to move their cheesecake business to Los Angeles in 1972. They opened a 700-square-foot store where they sold retail and wholesale cheesecakes. Over the next five years, Evelyn created 20 different varieties of cheesecake, and Oscar established hundreds of wholesale accounts.In 1978 the Overtons’ son, David, opened the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, which had a full menu in addition to his mother’s cheesecakes and desserts. As of 2012, there are more than 150 Cheesecake Factory locations in the U.S., and the company has a licensing agreement to open 22 restaurant locations in the Middle East by 2016.

The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant Headquarters

The company headquarters of The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain is located in Calabasas Hills, California.

Mission Statement of Cheesecake Factory Restaurants

The mission statement of the Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain lets Cheesecake Factory employees know what’s most important about their work. The Cheesecake mission statement is:”To create an environment where absolute guest satisfaction is our highest priority.”Then the company goes further with its Vision statement, which more specifically defines what the Cheesecake Factory “environment” looks, feels, smells, and tastes like to its customers. The Cheesecake Factory company vision is:“Through a shared commitment to excellence, we are dedicated to the uncompromising quality of our food, service, people, and profit, while taking exceptional care of our guests and staff. We will continuously strive to surpass our own accomplishment and be recognized as a leader in our industry.”To further clarify the unique Cheesecake Factory experience and how employees are expected to create it, Cheesecake Factory outlines six values that every Cheesecake Factory employee is expected to embrace, saying: “These values guide our behavior, bind us together, and provide a framework for making decisions – defining for us the right courses of action. We set our objectives, formulate our strategies, and judge our results consistent with these values.”

A Passion for ExcellencePassion fuels our commitment to the endless quest for excellence.Integrity, Respect, and ResponsibilityWe are committed to doing what is right without exception.People – Our Greatest ResourceOutstanding people make it all happen – they will lead us toward the future.Service-MindednessWe are dedicated to unparalleled hospitality and genuine care of our guests.DynamicAs leaders of our Company, we must have dynamic energy and the ability to energize others.High PerformanceWe are dedicated to maximum levels of performance and productivity in all areas of our business.

In-N-Out Burger Mission: Simple Philosophy Not Easy to Serve Up

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The In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain mission statement is a hamburger fast-food chain philosophy that’s simple to define, but not easy to deliver.

In-N-Out Burger History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

In-N-Out Burger was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder, with the first In-N-Out Burger restaurant location opening in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California. It served a menu of hamburgers, french fries made from fresh-cut potatoes, and drinks. The first In-N-Out Burger had no freezers or microwaves, and that is still the case in the more than 300 restaurants in the In-N-Out Burger fast-food chain today.The first In-N-Out Burger restaurant used a two-way speaker system to allow customers to order from the outside of the restaurant, instead of using the car-hop delivery service system that was the standard at the time. This made the Baldwin Park In-N-Out Burger Restaurant the first drive-thru restaurant in the state of California. 

In-N-Out Burger Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain is located in Irvine, California.

Mission Statement of In-N-Out Burger Restaurant

The mission of the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain came from the founders; it is referred to as their “philosophy.” It seems clear that the Snyders felt that the formula for creating an excellent hamburger restaurant was simple. In fact, the In-N-Out Burger philosophy/mission is so simple that it’s no different from any of In-N-Out’s fast-food competitors. But just because the In-N-Out Burger mission/philosophy is simple doesn’t mean it’s easy to serve up consistently. It is the fact that In-N-Out Burger has a reputation for delivering on the promise of its mission/philosophy that differentiates the chain from its fast-food competitors.

The In-N-Out Burger Mission/Philosophy:

“Since 1948, we have maintained a simple philosophy – serve only the highest-quality product, prepare it in a clean and sparkling environment, and serve it in a warm and friendly manner. We have built a reputation for fresh, made-to-order foods prepared and served by friendly, well-trained Associates.”

Wendy’s Company Mission: Keeping the Spirit of Dave Thomas Alive

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Wendy’s employees keep the spirit of founder Dave Thomas alive by following the company’s “What We Believe” guidelines.

Wendy’s Fast Food Restaurant Chain Founder

After working directly with Colonel Harland Sanders in Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises, Dave Thomas started his own fast food franchise business in 1969, which he named after his daughter, Melinda Lou (nicknamed “Wenda,” which was how she pronounced her name as a toddler).

Wendy’s Headquarters

Wendy’s headquarters are located in the city where the company’s first restaurant was opened, Columbus, Ohio.

Wendy’s Mission Statement

Wendy’s provides its employees with “What We Believe” guidelines, which serve as both an internal mission statement and an external customer service goal. For those who put on a Wendy’s nametag, this is “What We Believe”:

Quality Is Our Recipe - We don’t cut corners on our products, service, or employees!Treat Everyone With Respect - Be genuine and kind and lend each other a helping hand!Do the Right Thing - Honesty and integrity are rules we live by!Profit Means Growth - Teamwork is the key to our success!Give Back - Make your community better every day!

Domino’s Pizza Restaurants Mission: Being World’s Best With Culture

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The Domino’s mission to be the best in the world is built around a work environment that values employee contributions and a culture of team member diversity.

Domino’s Pizza Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The history of Domino’s Pizza extends back to 1960 when brothers Tom and James Monaghan bought an existing pizza delivery business located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which was named “DomNick’s.” The company was renamed “Domino’s” in 1965.The first Domino’s Pizza International restaurant was opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on May 12, 1983. Domino’s Pizza is sold in more than 16,100 Domino’s Pizza restaurants located in 60+ countries.

Domino’s Pizza Restaurant Delivery Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Domino’s Pizza restaurant chain is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Mission Statement, Vision and Values of Domino’s

The mission statement of the Domino’s Pizza Restaurant could be – and probably is – the mission statement of pizza restaurants small and large around the world:

”Exceptional people, all with a shared goal: to be the best pizza delivery company in the world. That’s Domino’s Pizza’s vision.”

Further explanation about what Domino’s considers to be “exceptional” in its team members and the Domino’s “vision” comes from what Domino’s refers to as its “core commitments,” which defines its employee culture:“Our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles make up the core commitments that govern our business decisions. Domino’s Pizza is committed to an inclusive culture which values the contributions of our customers, team members, suppliers, and neighbors.The cornerstones of our diversity philosophy will be clearly communicated to each team member, with a promise that we are committed to providing an environment in which:

Team members are treated fairly.Team members are recognized and rewarded based on ability and merit for their contributions.Team members have equal access to opportunity for growth and advancement.Team members respect each other and are free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance.The management and development of our team members is recognized as crucial to the success of the business.”

PepsiCo Mission: Honesty, Fairness, Integrity and Convenient Foods

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The mission of PepsiCo is about honesty, fairness, integrity and convenient foods.

PepsiCo Founders Facts and Trivia

The beverage that became known as Pepsi Cola was invented by a pharmacist, Caleb Bradham, in New Bern, North Carolina in 1893 (seven years after Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta Georgia). The name Pepsi Cola was chosen after the kola nut extract in the recipe, and after the pepsin enzyme which aids digestion, because Bradham believed his new drink had positive digestive properties, even though the recipe didn’t contain any pepsin. The Pepsi Cola Company was incorporated in 1898.Meanwhile, the Frito Company was founded by Elmer Doolin in 1932, and the H. W. Lay Company was founded by Herman W. Lay in that same year. Those two companies merged into the Frito-Lay company in 1961. When the Pepsi Cola company merged with the Frito-Lay company in 1965, PepsiCo Inc. was born.

PepsiCo Company International Headquarters

The PepsiCo company headquarters are located in Purchase, New York.

PepsiCo Mission Statement, Vision, and Purpose

The mission of PepsiCo focuses on products and performance primarily, with a few values thrown in for good measure. The mission statement of the PepsiCo Company is:“Our mission is to be the world’s premier consumer products company focused on convenient foods and beverages. We seek to produce financial rewards to investors as we provide opportunities for growth and enrichment to our employees, our business partners and the communities in which we operate. And in everything we do, we strive for honesty, fairness, and integrity.“PepsiCo has also defined a Vision for its business, which provides a less practical, and more inspiring motivation for its employees and leaders. The PepsiCo Vision is:“PepsiCo’s responsibility is to continually improve all aspects of the world in which we operate - environment, social, economic - creating a better tomorrow than today.”PepsiCo provides one more specific set of guidelines to its employee team which it calls “Performance with Purpose.” Although PepsiCo doesn’t label these guidelines as values, they do provide the “how” behind PepsiCo’s intention to “create a better tomorrow.” Performance With Purpose at PepsiCo includes:

Human Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Talent Sustainability

Jamba Juice Mission: Personal Health and Well-Being With FIBER Values

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With a healthy mission statement and a set of FIBER Values, the Jamba Juice Restaurant Chain intends to make a positive impact on planetary well-being.

Jamba Juice Founders Facts and Trivia

Jamba Juice was first called Juice Club Inc., and the first retail store was opened in San Luis Obispo, California, by founder Kirk Perron, a dedicated fitness advocate, and cyclist.

Jamba Juice Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The headquarters for the Jamba Juice fast food restaurant chain is located in Emeryville, California.

The Jamba Juice Mission Statement

Like the food and beverages it sells, the mission statement of the Jamba Juice restaurant chain is all about health and well-being. The Jamba Juice mission statement is:“Jamba! Enriching the daily experience of our customers, our community and ourselves through the life-nourishing qualities of fruits and vegetables.“To help employees understand what “enriching the daily experience of our customers” means, Jamba Juice, Inc. also has what they call their FIBER Values:

Fun -  Smile and create a spirit of celebration for your customers. Integrity -  Demonstrate good character and encourage an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Balance - Consider the needs of customers, team members and shareholders alike. Empowerment -  Be responsive and innovative. Do whatever it takes to make your customer happy. Respect - Help each other to grow. Contribute to a vibrant and diverse community.”

Whole Foods Markets Mission: Motto, Mission, Core Values and Standards

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The mission statement of the Whole Foods Markets is derived from its motto, and its core values and quality standards turn the words of the mission into real Whole Foods employee actions, which creates the Whole Foods shopping experience.

Whole Foods Markets Founders Facts and Trivia

The original Whole Foods Market store was opened in Austin, Texas, on September 20, 1980, by four people: current CEO John Mackey, Rene Lawson Hardy, Craig Weller, and Mark Skiles. Prior to that Weller and Skiles had owned a Clarksville Natural Grocery and Mackey and Hardy had owned a health food store called SaferWay, where they also lived and bathed using the kitchen’s Hobart dishwasher. Since that first opening, Whole Foods Company has acquired 15 businesses and retail chains as part of its expansion to the Whole Foods Market grocery chain that is known today.

Whole Foods Headquarters

The headquarters of the Whole Foods Company is located where the company began, in Austin, Texas.

Mission Statement of the Whole Foods Company

The mission statement of the Whole Foods Company and Whole Foods Markets begins with its motto:“Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"The Whole Foods mission explains and defines what that motto means. This mission explanation includes: 

Whole Foods - We obtain our products locally and from all over the world, often from small, uniquely dedicated food artisans.Whole People - We recruit the best people we can to become part of our team. We empower them to make their own decisions, creating a respectful workplace where people are treated fairly and are highly motivated to succeed.Whole Planet - We recognize the connection between our lives, our communities, and the environment.”

The Whole Foods Motto and Mission are further defined by a list of Core Values that guide the decisions and actions of employees in all job positions every day. The Whole Foods Core Values define how Whole Foods leaders and employees interact with their products, customers, employee team, shareholders, communities, suppliers, and align everyone behind the mission of improving health in general.The Whole Foods Quality Standards clearly define what’s important when making decisions about the Whole Foods product mix.

Chili’s Restaurant Mission: Chili’s Mission is Brinker’s Vision Too

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The mission statement of the Chili’s restaurant chain is really the philosophy and motto of its parent company, Brinker International; they are completely aligned because they are the same.

Chili’s Grill and Bar Facts and Trivia

The first Chili’s was opened in Dallas, Texas, by Larry Lavine after becoming a chili cook-off enthusiast in 1967. Twenty-three Chili’s restaurants were acquired by Norman Brinker in 1983. The 1,000th Chili’s restaurant was opened on August 3, 2004, in Dallas, Texas.In 1991 the name of the parent company officially became Brinker International.

Chili’s Restaurants Headquarters

The Chili’s Restaurant and Brinker International Headquarters are located in Northbrook, Illinois. 

The Chili’s Grill and Bar Mission Statement

The mission statement of Chili’s Grill and Bar is really the same as its parent company, Brinker International, which is not referred to as a mission, but rather a “philosophy” and a “motto.” The Philosophy of Brinker and Chili’s is:“We believe in celebrating the differences that make a good company great, and in leveraging individual strengths to create an innovative inclusive and unified team.“The official motto of all Brinker International says everything about the tone of all Brinker International retail restaurant chains. The motto is simply:“Let’s Play Restaurant!”

Five Guys Restaurant Mission: Burgers Are the Business and the Mission

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Burgers are the products, the business, and the mission of the Five Guys Burgers & Fries Restaurant Chain.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Founders Facts and Trivia

The Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant chain began with a single location in Arlington, Virginia, which was opened by Jerry Murrell and four of his sons. Today the “five guys” that lead the chain are the five Murrell brothers: Matt, Jim, Chad, Ben, and Tyler.

Five Guys Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant chain is located in Lorton, Virginia.

Mission Statement of Five Guys Burgers and Fries

The Five Guys mission statement, as simple as its menu, is aligned with the philosophy that if you’re going to sell hamburgers and french fries in a restaurant industry that is crowded with hamburgers-and-french-fries chains, you’d better do hamburgers and french fries better than anyone else. Simply stated, the mission statement of Five Guys Burgers and Fries is:

“We are in the business of selling burgers.“To expand on the obvious, the Five Guys also has a “goal”:“Five Guys goal is to sell the best quality burgers possible. To sell the best burger possible, we focus on Quality, Service, and Cleanliness.“Many customers have noticed a sign that hangs on the beverage machine at every Five Guys restaurant, which is sometimes referred to as a “mission statement,” but is really more of a Service Promise:

You the customer are the most important visitor on our premises.You are not dependent on us; we are dependent on you. You are not an outsider in our business – you are a part of it.We are not doing you a favor by serving you –- you are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Mission: 12 Values and Principles for Success

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The Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream mission statement is comprised of 12 Values and Principles for Success fashioned by its parent company, Dunkin’ Brands.

Baskin-Robbins Founders Facts and Trivia:

Baskin-Robbins was founded by brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, who each started their own ice cream shops and then merged them together to create the Baskin-Robbins concept. Irv’s ice cream store was Snowbird Ice Cream, which he opened in Glendale, California in 1945, featuring 21 different ice cream flavors. Burt’s ice cream shop was called Burton’s Ice Cream Shop, and the first one opened in Pasadena, California in 1946.In 1953 more than 40 Burton’s and Snowbird Ice Cream shops were rebranded as Baskin-Robbins 31 Ice Cream, with “31” representing a different flavor for every day of the month. Baskin-Robbins was acquired by London-based J. Lyons & Co and is now part of the Dunkin’ Brands group along with the Dunkin’ Donuts chain.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream is located with the headquarters of the Dunkin’ Brands group in Canton, Massachusetts.

Mission Statement of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ 

Since 100 percent of the more than 7,800 Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream stores in 50 countries are franchise-owned, each Baskin-Robbins franchise owner could have their own mission statement. But as the parent company of Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’ Brands has 12 Values and Principles that the company believes should guide the decisions of everyone associated with Baskin-Robbins retail outlets, leading Baskin-Robbins franchisees toward success. The Dunkin’ Brands Values and Guiding Principles are:Values: 

Honesty - Embrace the truth about oneself and the world.Transparency - Demonstrate openness and vulnerability.Humility - Acknowledge own mistakes and commit to learning.Integrity - Say what you think and do what you say.Respectfulness - Honor the dignity, inclusion, and diversity of others.Fairness - Do what is right based on common principles.Responsibility - Make yourself accountable to the community.

Guiding Principles

Leadership - Responsibility with passion at every level.Innovation - Excellence in everything we do.Execution - Ownership, and accountability for results, success, and failure.Social Stewardship - Demonstration of good corporate citizenship and responsibility to all constituencies.Fun - Approach every challenge with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement…celebrate every step of the way!”

Papa John’s Pizza Mission: 4 Missions and 6 Core Values for P.A.P.A. Focus

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Papa John’s has four mission statements and six core values designed to keep employees focused and to keep the P.A.P.A. in Papa John’s.

Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Papa John’s pizza restaurant opened in a converted broom closet in the back of his father’s tavern, Mick’s Bar, in 1983 in Jeffersonville, Indiana by founder John Schnatter. John sold his 1972 Z28 Camaro to buy $1,600 worth of used restaurant equipment to start his first Papa John’s Pizza location, and 37 years later he tracked that very same Camaro down and bought it back for $250,000.The first standalone Papa John’s restaurant was opened in 1985.

Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Headquarters

Papa John’s corporate headquarters are located in Louisville, Kentucky.

Mission Statement of Papa John’s Pizza

Papa John’s has four different mission statements that apply to four different groups of Papa John’s stakeholders. Those four mission statements are:“Customers: Papa John’s will create superior brand loyalty, i.e. ‘raving fans,’ through (a) authentic, superior-quality products, (b) legendary customer service and (c) exceptional community service.Team Members: People are our most important asset. Papa John’s will provide clear, consistent, strategic leadership and career opportunities for Team Members who (a) exhibit passion toward their work, (b) uphold our Core Values, (c) take pride of ownership in building the long-term value of the Papa John’s brand and (d) have ethical business practices.Franchisees: We will work as a team with our franchisees to create continued opportunity for outstanding financial returns to those franchisees who (a) adhere to Papa John’s proven Core Values and systems, (b) exhibit passion in running their businesses and (c) take pride of ownership in building the long-term value of the Papa John’s brand.Shareholders: We will produce superior long-term value for our shareholders.”

Additionally, Papa John’s has defined six core values to keep all Papa John’s stakeholders focused on “the main thing,” and to keep the P.A.P.A. in Papa John’s pizza restaurants and delivery no matter where they are operating. The Core Values of Papa John’s restaurants are:

Focus: We must keep The Main Thing, The Main Thing. We will consistently deliver a traditional Papa John’s superior-quality pizza.Accountability: We do what we say we are going to do when we say we are going to do it. We earn the right to hold others to a higher level of accountability by being accountable to ourselves, our customers and our business partners.Superiority: Our customer satisfaction must be consistent, quantifiable and demonstrable. At Papa John’s we expect excellence – the ‘best in its class’ in everything we do.P.A.P.A.: People Are Priority Always. Our success depends upon our ability, as a team, to work together to achieve our goals and expectations.Attitude: If you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right! The difference between winners and losers is a positive mental attitude. Our attitude is a reflection of what we value: successful team members must be upbeat, proactive and passionate about everything they do.Constant Improvement: We never stop trying to surpass our previous best. We constantly ‘Raise the Bar.’ No matter how good we are, we will always get better.

Applebee’s Restaurant Mission: One Key Aspect of the Dining Experience

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The Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurant chain’s mission focuses on one key aspect of the Applebee’s dining experience.

Applebee’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Applebee’s restaurant was opened by Bill and TJ Palmer in Atlanta, Georgia in 1980 under the name of T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs. The Palmers sold their restaurant concept to W.R. Grace and Company in 1983, and Bill Palmer then became an Applebee’s franchisee. The name of the restaurant was officially changed to Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in 1986, and Applebee’s International (APPB) became a publicly-traded company in 1989. The name of the company changed to Dine Equity (DIN) in 2008. 

Applebee’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of the Applebee’s Restaurant chain is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Vision and Values of Applebee’s

The Applebee’s mission statement, vision, and values are those of its parent company, Dine Equity, which focus Applebee’s franchisees and employees on the one key aspect of the Applebee’s dining experience that is the most important. The Dine Equity (and Applebee’s) vision is:“DineEquity unites great franchisees, brands, and team members to create the world’s leading restaurant company, one guest experience at a time.“To clarify how Applebee’s franchisees and employees will “create the world’s leading restaurant company,” Dine Equity provides these Company Values:

Integrity: We do the right thing. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.Excellence: We expect the best from ourselves and each other.Innovation: We find creative, new ways to delight our guests.Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We are responsible for our actions.Inclusion: We respect and value the diversity of others. We benefit from many points of view.Trust: We collaborate and build trust through open, honest communication.Community: We make a difference in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve.

Publix Supermarkets Mission: Customers, Stockholders and Employee Value

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The mission statement of Publix Supermarkets is built on a commitment to provide value to customers, stockholders, and employees.

Publix Grocery Store Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The Publix grocery store chain started as a single store in Winter Haven, Florida, opened in the midst of The Great Depression by the founder George W. Jenkins. From the beginning, Publix was known for its high standards of cleanliness and customer service. The Publix customer service philosophy is summed up in its commitment “to never knowingly disappoint our customers,” and its high customer service standards have been recognized by the harshest critics of all – its customers.From the beginning, Publix has also been well known for its employee-relation practices. Founder George Jenkins established a profit-sharing and employee ownership structure, and more than 80 years later, Publix is still privately owned by its employees.

Publix Corporate Headquarters

The company headquarters of Publix is located where the chain originally began in Winter Haven, Florida.

Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of Publix 

The mission statement of the Publix grocery store chain is more of a global vision statement and one that any grocery store chain in the world might have. The Publix mission statement is:”To be the premier quality food retailer in the world..”To make the Publix “mission” more real and achievable to its employees, Publix has also defined a set of “commitments” that clearly define the vision for how Publix wants to do business on a daily basis. Publix expects the commitments of all employees at all levels to be:

Passionately focused on Customer ValueIntolerant of WasteDedicated to the Dignity, Value and Employment Security of Associates Devoted to the highest standards of stewardship for our StockholdersInvolved as Responsible Citizens in our Communities.

Panda Express:Mission: Exceptional Asian Dining, Inspired Employees

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The Panda Express restaurants mission statement is about an exceptionally fast, casual Asian dining experience and the inspired employees who will create that.

Panda Express History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Panda Express was founded by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng. The first Panda Express restaurant opened in 1973 under the name Panda Inn Mandarin Cuisine in Pasadena, California. Panda Inn was a full-service restaurant, and the menu introduced Szechuan and Mandarin Cuisine to Southern California.Ten years later, the first Panda Express restaurant was opened as a fast-casual restaurant and became the quick-service Mandarin cuisine to copy. Panda Express was the first quick-service restaurant to open an outlet inside a grocery store in 1988. The first Panda Express with a drive-thru opened in 1997, and the first international Panda Express opened in Mexico in 2011.As of 2019, the Panda Express Restaurant Group operated five Panda Inn full-service restaurants and more than 2,000 Panda Express fast-casual restaurants located in 50 American states, as well as Mexico and Puerto Rico. The Panda Express Restaurant Group also owns and operates the Hibachi-San Japanese Grill restaurant chain.

Panda Express Restaurant Group Headquarters:

The headquarters of the Panda Express Restaurant Group is located in Pasadena, California, where all the Panda fun began.

Mission Statement of Panda Express 

The mission statement of the Panda Express Restaurant Group is the mission of its parent company, Panda Restaurant Group. The mission statement is equally relevant to headquarters management-level Panda Restaurant Group employees as it is to the employees who work in all three branded restaurant chains: Panda Inn, Panda Express, and Hibachi-San. The Panda mission statement is:

”Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.”

To further define how to create an “exceptional dining experience” and “inspired people,” the Panda Restaurant Group defines a list of corporate values:

Proactive: We identify opportunities.Respect/Win-Win: We treat each other with respect.Growth: For Panda to grow, we must each learn and grow.Great Operation: Great operations are a competitive advantage.Giving: We give our time and resources.

Arby’s Restaurants Mission: Six Core Values Behind Goals and Decisions

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The Arby’s mission statement is a combination of six core values that drive goals, build relationships, and guide decisions for all Arby’s employees and franchisees.

Arby’s Fast Food Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Arby’s restaurant was opened by Leroy and Forrest Raffel in Boardman, Ohio, on July 23, 1964, selling roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and iced tea. The first Arby’s franchise opened just one year later.Arby’s was purchased by Triarc Companies in 1993, and Triarc merged with Wendy’s in 1993 to become the Wendy’s Arby’s Group. In 2011, a private equity group, Roark Capital Group, purchased the Arby’s restaurant operation and separated it from Wendy’s Group. Arby’s was the first American fast food restaurant chain to introduce a lite (low-calorie) menu and also the first to ban smoking in all its company-owned restaurants in 1994.

Arby’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Arby’s restaurant chain are located in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The Mission Statement of Arby’s Fast Food Restaurants

Instead of one static mission statement, the Arby’s Group uses its Six Core Values to guide its employees and franchisees in setting goals, building relationships, and making decisions. The Six Core Values of the Arby’s Group are:

Dream Big: We believe in the unlimited potential that lies within all people, and we are committed to providing opportunities for people to achieve their dreams.Work Hard: We believe that hard work and front end effort are prerequisites for success.Get it Done: We believe that achieving positive results is the key to continued success for everyone.Play Fair: We believe that winning teams play by the Golden Rule. We treat our customers, business partners, and the team as they want to be treated - with respect.Have Fun: We believe that life is meant to be enjoyed. Success comes more quickly by having fun while working toward our objectives.Make A Difference: We believe that as a company and as individuals we have the responsibility to improve the quality of life for our employees and communities. 

Jimmy John’s Restaurants Mission: Fresh, Freaky, Fast and Fanatical

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The mission statement of the Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant chain is fresh, freaky, fast, and fanatical.

Jimmy John’s History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Jimmy John’s restaurant chain was founded by Jimmy John Liautaud. The first Jimmy John’s Restaurant was opened by 19-year-old Jimmy John in 1983 in Charleston, IL. The first Jimmy John’s menu included four different kinds of sandwiches made on fresh-baked bread and soda with no ice because founder Jimmy John couldn’t afford an ice machine. Delivery began as a marketing strategy to secure more business in a college town market.

The first franchise store was opened in 1993. In 2019 there are more than 2,800 Jimmy John’s restaurant locations in the U.S. According to the Jimmy John’s franchise prospectus, the average franchised location will gross $1.4 million, and make a net profit of more than $300,000.

Freshly baked bread, freshly sliced meats, and vegetables, high-quality condiments, quick preparation, and crazy fast delivery, have been the hallmarks of the Jimmy John’s brand from the beginning, which gives it a recognizable niche in the extremely competitive quick-service sandwich market.

The headquarters of the Jimmy John’s restaurant chain is located in Champaign, Ilinois.

Mission Statement of Jimmy John’s Restaurant Chain

Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant chain is anything but traditional, so it’s no surprise that the company doesn’t have a traditionally labeled “mission statement.” What Jimmy John’s does have are two overarching slogans that identify its brand, define its culture, and guide its employees, which fulfills the purpose of a mission statement. Those Jimmy John’s “mission” slogans are:

“freaky fast…freaky good” “Subs So Fast You’ll Freak!”

A more traditional “mission” is found in the company description that is provided to potential franchisees: 

“Our business is about simplicity, quality, speed, and delivery. The best sandwiches in the business, made with the best meats, cheese, and bread! Lightning-fast service and delivery!”

Additionally, Jimmy John’s has used one guiding principle since the beginning, which is referred to as Jimmy John’s “Golden Rule”:

”Make a deal, keep a deal.”

In terms of a sandwich restaurant franchise, “making a deal and keeping a deal” is further defined by founder Jimmy John’s “Components to the Brand,” which says:

Simple: Bottom line, we make gourmet sandwiches, and we avoid anything that complicates the process or our image.Honest: We promise an honestly good sandwich and deliver on that promise.Makes it Happen: As long as we’re fanatical about Jimmy John’s, customers will be fanatical about us.”

Safeway Supermarkets Mission: Earning Customer Loyalty in Four Ways

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The vision and mission of the Safeway corporation and Safeway retail grocery store chain is focused on customer loyalty and the four ways to earn that loyalty.

Safeway Corporation Founders Facts and Trivia

Safeway’s history extends back to 1915 when M.B. Skaggs purchased a small grocery store from his father in American Falls, Idaho. He opened 428 Skaggs stores in the next 11 years in 10 different states. In 1926 he purchased 322 Safeway (Selig) stores. Safeway’s innovations in the U.S. grocery store industry include pricing by the pound, nutritional labeling, and customer parking lots at its retail stores.

Safeway has been listed on the New York Stock exchange since 1928, and its retail grocery store brands include Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Genuardi’s, and Carrs.

Headquarters of the Safeway Corporation

The Safeway corporate headquarters are located in Pleasanton, California.

Mission and Vision of the Safeway Corporation

The mission of the Safeway corporation and the Safeway Supermarket chain begins first with a general vision that focuses its employees on building a loyal relationship with Safeway customers. The vision of the Safeway corporation is:“We earn the loyalty of the people we serve through the talents and passion of employees.“To make this vision statement more real and actionable, Safeway also provides its employees with a more specific Mission Statement which specifies the four ways in which Safeway employees work to earn that customer loyalty every day in their daily work at all levels. The Safeway Mission Statement is:​"We earn the loyalty of the people we serve by first anticipating, then fulfilling their needs with our superior-quality products, a unique shopping experience, customer-focused service, and continuous innovation, while generating long-term profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Dairy Queen Restaurant Chain Mission: Making Memories, Not Fast Food

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The mission statement of the Dairy Queen restaurant chain is about making memories, not fast food.

Dairy Queen History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

J.F. “Grandpa” McCullough and his son Alex McCullough invented the soft-service ice cream that was the primary product the entire Dairy Queen restaurant brand and concept was built around.

On June 22, 1940, the first Dairy Queen restaurant opened in Joliet, Ilinois, jointly owned by the McCulloughs and Sherb Noble. When the McCulloughs first conceptualized the idea of soft-serve ice cream, Sherb Noble was the first to test the product in his store, which then served traditional hard-frozen ice cream. Noble’s soft-serve ice cream pilot was considered successful after 1,600 servings of soft serve were dished up to his customers in just two hours.The menu at the first Dairy Queen was simply this new soft-service ice cream product, which required a specially designed and patented machine to dispense it. The first 1,400 Dairy Queen locations served soft-serve ice cream in a cone, sundaes in a cup, and take-home pints or quarts of ice cream. Dairy Queen was in business for almost a decade before introducing milkshakes, malts, and banana splits to the menu. Some Dairy Queen restaurants added hot food items to their menus.Dairy Queen became a publicly-traded company in 1972, and in May of that year, the first international Dairy Queen store was opened in Tokyo, Japan. In 1987 International Dairy Queen Inc. acquired Orange Julius. In 1986 Dairy Queen acquired the Karmelkorn chain. In 1997 Dairy Queen was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway.

International Dairy Queen Restaurant Headquarters:

The headquarters of International Dairy Queen, Inc., is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mission Statement of the Dairy Queen Restaurant Chain

Being in the restaurant business, it would seem logical that the Dairy Queen mission statement would be focused, at least in part, on food, particularly on its signature soft-serve ice cream product. But the leaders of Dairy Queen use their mission statement to focus the DQ organization, instead, on the customer experience. The Dairy Queen mission statement is:

”To create positive memories for all who touch DQ®.”

But the DQ leaders haven’t forgotten the industry that they’re in, so they have also crafted a Vision Statement that articulates their place in the global retail restaurant industry. The Vision Statement of International Dairy Queen Inc. is:

”DQ® - the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.”

California Pizza Kitchen Mission: ROCK Philosophy and 4 Success Keys

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In place of a formal mission statement, California Pizza Kitchen guides its employee team with a “ROCK Philosophy” and “Four Keys to Success.”

California Pizza Kitchen Founders Facts and Trivia

The first California Pizza Kitchen restaurant was opened in Beverly Hills, California, in 1985 by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. What defined the first California Pizza Kitchen was the hearth-baked pizzas made with global recipes and a unique combination of non-standard pizza ingredients. 

California Pizza Kitchen Restaurant Chain Headquarters

In alignment with the name of the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) chain, the CPK headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California.

The California Pizza Kitchen Mission Statement:

Instead of a formal mission statement, the California Pizza Kitchen restaurant chain has something it calls its “ROCK Philosophy,” which creates a foundation for the California Pizza Kitchen employee culture. The CPK ROCK Philosophy is:

Respect: Simply said, all voices matter, and our focus on respect ensures that all voices are heard.Opportunity: Through exciting career growth and cross-training, we’re always looking to develop and refine our top talent to drive the business and lead others.​Communication: We have an open-door policy and a culture where everyone is known on a first-name basis and always welcome to speak up.​Kindness: Kindness defines the energy and spirit of California Pizza Kitchen.

In addition to the ROCK Philosophy, California Pizza Kitchen also has Four Keys of Success that help define the CPK employee and workplace culture. The CPK Four Keys of Success are:

The First Key is our employees: we make CPK a great place to work.The Second Key is our guests: we strive to amaze every guest every time.The Third Key is our focus on sales and profit growth: it’s important for everyone to achieve financial success.The Fourth Key is community: we are deeply committed to supporting our local communities.

Jack in the Box Mission: Innovative, Customized, Anytime Food

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The Jack in the Box restaurant chain mission statement is a restaurant concept focused on innovative, customized food that’s available at any time of the day.

Jack in the Box History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Jack in the Box Restaurant was founded by Robert O. Peterson. Opened in 1951 in San Diego, California, the first Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant sold hamburgers for 18 cents, had a drive-thru with a two-way intercom, and a jack-in-the-box head on top of the building.

Although the In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain lays claim to opening the first drive-thru in the state of California, Jack in the Box claims to be the “first major hamburger chain to develop and expand the concept of drive-thru dining. Other “firsts” that Jack in the Box claims to have achieved in the fast-food niche of the U.S. restaurant industry include:

The first breakfast sandwich in 1969. (The McDonald’s Egg McMuffin was not “born” until 1972.)The first “portable salad” in 1982. (Wendy’s first offered the salad bar in its restaurants in 1979.)The first quick-serve restaurant chain “to integrate video graphics in order-confirmation displays” in 1997.The first in-store self-serve ordering kiosks in 2006.Offered the first 100-percent Sirloin Burger on a fast-food menu in 2007.

The headquarters of the Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant chain is located in San Diego, California.

Mission Statement of Jack in the Box Restaurant

Although Jack in the Box doesn’t have a published company mission statement, in its stockholders reports, it defines the Jack in the Box “restaurant concept,” which sufficiently serves as a mission statement in providing direction and vision to the employees and franchisees responsible for delivering the innovative, customized food served any time of the day, which is the promise of today’s Jack in the Box brand.

“Jack in the Box offers a broad selection of distinctive, innovative products targeted primarily at the adult fast-food consumer. Our menu features a variety of items including hamburgers, tacos, specialty sandwiches, drinks, real ice cream shakes, salads, and side items. Jack in the Box restaurants also offers guests the ability to customize their meals and to order any product, including breakfast items, any time of the day.” 

IHOP Restaurants Mission: Most Important Part of the IHOP Experience

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The International House of Pancakes restaurant chain’s mission focuses on franchisees and employees on the most important part of the IHOP experience every day.

International House of Pancakes Founders Facts

The First International House of Pancakes was opened in 1958 by Al and Jerry Lapin, and Al and Trudy Kallis in Toluca Lake, California. The company first referred to itself as IHOP as part of a marketing campaign in 1973. IHOP Corp. acquired the Applebee’s restaurant chain in 2007, and the name of the parent company changed to Dine Equity (DIN) in 2008. 

IHOP Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

IHOP headquarters are located near where its first restaurant was opened, in Glendale, California.

Vision and Values of IHOP

The IHOP mission statement, vision, and values are those of its parent company, Dine Equity, which focuses on IHOP’s franchisees and employees on the most important part of the IHOP experience every day. The Dine Equity (and IHOP) vision is:

“DineEquity unites great franchisees, brands, and team members to create the world’s leading restaurant company, one guest experience at a time.”

To clarify how IHOP franchisees and employees will “create the world’s leading restaurant company,” Dine Equity provides these Company Values:​

Integrity: We do the right thing. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.​Excellence: We expect the best from ourselves and each other.​Innovation: We find creative, new ways to delight our guests.​Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We are responsible for our actions.​Inclusion: We respect and value the diversity of others. We benefit from many points of view.​Trust: We collaborate and build trust through open, honest communication.​Community: We make a difference in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Mission: Defining the Difference in Fast Food

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Carl’s Jr. fast-food restaurant mission statement defines the competitive difference of Carl’s Jr. product and experience in a crowded fast-food market.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

Carl’s Jr. restaurants have their roots in a hot dog cart that was purchased with $311 borrowed against a Plymouth car and $15 from the savings account of Carl and Margaret Karcher in 1941 in Los Angeles, California. This first fast-food venture sold hot dogs for a dime and soda for a nickel and took in $14.75 on the first day. Less than five years later, after opening three more hot dog carts, the Karcher’s opened Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue in Anaheim, California, which was the first to have hamburgers on the menu.After founder Carl Karcher died in 1992, the company took on a new structure, with CKE Restaurants Inc. as its parent company. CKE purchased the Hardee’s fast-food chain in 1997.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Carl’s Jr. restaurants is located in Carpinteria, California, close to where the first hamburger-serving restaurant was opened.

Mission Statement of Carl’s Jr. Fast Food Restaurants

Although it is not labeled officially as a “mission statement,” this statement by Andrew Puzder, President and CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., is exactly what a good corporate mission statement should be because it defines the competitive difference of the product and the experience in a crowded fast-food market. That “mission” statement from Andrew Puzder is:”CKE’s brands, Carl-s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, “craveable” fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” - Andrew F. Puzder, President, and CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Bob Evans Restaurants Mission: Friends, Family and Being the BEST

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The mission statement of Bob Evans Restaurants is not about food, but rather about customers who are treated like friends and family and the BEST dining experience that can be created with the Bob Evans Special Touch and Brand Builders. 

Bob Evans Restaurant Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

Bob Evans Farms was founded by Bob Evans in 1948 when he began making sausage from the hogs that were raised on his farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. Bob was motivated to make the sausage to serve at a 12-stool diner that he owned in Gallipolis, Ohio. The sausage was so popular with the diners that Bob decided to focus on building a sausage-making business.

After the Bob Evans sausage business became well known, Bob opened up a 12-stool restaurant on his farm property, which he called The Sausage Shop. This original restaurant still operates today with 134 seats and is considered to be the first Bob Evans restaurant.

As of 2012, Bob Evans Farms, Inc. consisted of more than 700 Bob Evans casual dining restaurants, more than 100 Mimi’s Cafe restaurants, Bob Evans branded grocery products, and Ownes Country Sausage branded grocery products. 

Bob Evans Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and the Bob Evans casual dining restaurant chain are located in Columbus, Ohio.

Mission Statement, Values and Core Goals 

The mission statement of the Bob Evans restaurant chain focuses the Bob Evans employees and leaders on the dining customers, and how they should be treated in every interaction. The Bob Evans mission statement is:​

”At Bob Evans, we treat strangers like friends and friends like family.”

Since every employee would have their own interpretation about how to treat friends and family, Bob Evans provides further clarity with its definition of being the BEST, which is an acronym for Bob Evans Special Touch. Being the BEST means going above and beyond expectations in three key areas:

QualityServiceCleanliness

According to Bob Evans, BEST is also the sum total of embracing 8 Core Values in every action and decision. The Bob Evans Core Values are:

ConsistencyIntegritySafetyTeamworkHonestyQualitySincerityTradition

While the Core Values give guidelines for how Bob Evans employees do business, there are five core goals which are called the Bob Evans Brand Builders that provide specific guidance about specific actions that Bob Evans employees should take, which help prioritize what is most important to accomplish every day. The Bob Evans Brand Builders are:

Win Together as a TeamConsistently Drive Sales GrowthImprove Margins with an Eye on CustomersBe the Best at Operations ExecutionIncrease Returns on Invested Capital

Waffle House Mission: Uniquely Consistent People-First Experience

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The mission statement of Waffle House restaurants is all about creating a customer experience that is uniquely consistent and aligned with the belief of co-founder Joe Rogers, Sr. that people come first and food second.

Waffle House Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain was co-founded by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner in 1955 when they opened up their first Waffle House restaurant on Labor Day in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Prior to that Tom was working for the Toddle House restaurant chain, Joe was working in real estate, and the two men were neighbors.

These Waffle House co-founders wanted to create a business that had shared ownership with the management team, and Waffle House compensation was structured that way from the very beginning. It wasn’t until 1961 that Joe and Tom left their other jobs to work full-time in their Waffle House business. 

Waffle House Restaurants Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain is located in Norcross, Georgia, not far from where the first Waffle House restaurant was located, 

Mission Statement of Waffle House

Co-founder Joe Rogers, Sr. established the Waffle House business philosophy when he said, “We’re not in the food business… we are in the people business.” The Waffle House Mission Statement is aligned with that founder’s philosophy and focuses Waffle House employees on creating a people-first experience that is uniquely consistent throughout the Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain.

The Mission Statement of Waffle House

”Our mission is to deliver a unique experience to our customers through delivering great food, friendly, attentive service, excellent price, and a welcoming presence.”

Hardee’s Restaurants Mission: Vision for a Fast Food Difference

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The Hardee’s mission statement is the vision of its parent company CKE, which defines what makes Hardee’s food and dining experience different from that of its fast-food competitors.

Hardee’s Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Hardee’s restaurant was opened in 1960 in Greenville, South Carolina by founder Wilber Hardee. The first Hardee’s franchise was opened five months later, and the first international franchise location was opened in Germany that decade. Hardee’s became well known for its biscuits in the 1970s.Hardee’s acquired the Burger Chef chain in the 1980s and then CKE Restaurants, Inc. acquired the Hardee’s chain in 1997. After the CKE acquisition, the Hardee’s menu shifted to be in alignment with its new sister company, Carl’s Jr.

Hardee’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Carl’s Jr. restaurants are located in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Mission Statement of Hardee’s Fast Food Restaurants

Although it is not labeled officially as a “mission statement,” one particular statement attributed to Andrew Puzder, President and CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., on the CKE corporate website is exactly what a good corporate mission statement should be because it defines the competitive difference of the Hardee’s product and the experience in a crowded fast-food market. That “mission” statement from Andrew Puzder is:”CKE’s brands, Carl-s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, “craveable” fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” - Andrew F. Puzder, President and CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Checkers Restaurants Mission: A Guest-Obsessed Double Drive-Thru

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The Checkers mission statement differentiates the chain from all other fast-food hamburger restaurant competitors with Guest Obsessed and double-drive-thru service experiences.

Checkers Restaurant History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Jim Mattei, Mark Reed, and Herbert Brown, the first location opened in Mobile, Alabama in 1986 with the Checkers name, reportedly named after the concept of checkered taxi cabs. The first Checkers restaurant had a simple menu focused on low-priced hamburgers and combo meals. Checkers is credited for starting the “value” menu trend in U.S. fast food, and for revolutionizing the fast food concept with modular restaurants that had no dining rooms and no parking lots. Checkers claimed that each of its restaurants could serve twice as many customers in half the time at a fraction of the price of its major hamburger fast-food competitors, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King.The Checkers hamburger chain merged with another double drive-thru competitor, the Rally’s chain, in 1999.

Checker’s Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the Checker’s/Rally’s restaurant chains are located in Tampa, Florida.

Mission Statement of Checker’s Hamburger Restaurant 

In the crowded and fiercely competitive hamburger fast food niche of the U.S. restaurant industry, it’s important that the Checkers mission statement defines the Checkers restaurant difference and guides its employees and franchisees in delivering that uniquely branded Checkers restaurant difference. The Checkers mission statement successfully defines the Checkers “guest-obsessed double drive-thru” experience:​

“To serve top-quality meals at a great value with Guest-Obsessed© hospitality, speed, and accuracy at our double drive-thru lanes, and to foster a culture where employees are well-trained and well rewarded, and franchisees are supported in their endeavors to better the brand.”

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Mission: 3 Core Values to Create Great

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Papa Murphy’s mission is three common-core values which, when done consistently, create a “great” Papa Murphy’s pizza experience.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

Papa Murphy’s is the combination of two separate pizza chains, both of which were using the take-and-bake concept to sell pizzas. Papa Aldo’s was started in Hillsboro, Oregon in 1981, and Murphy’s Pizza was started in Petaluma, California in the early 1990s. In 1995, Terry Collins became a major investor in both businesses and merged them into one chain which he called Papa Murphy’s.

In 2013, Papa Murphy’s was the fifth largest retail pizza chain in the U.S. with more than 1,200 stores operating in 37 different states. In 2013 Papa Murphy’s was also recognized as one of the top three pizza restaurant chain “movers and shakers” by PizzaMarketplace.com ahead of much larger chains like Pizza Hut and Little Caesars.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chain Headquarters

Papa Murphy’s corporate headquarters is located in Vancouver, Washington.

Mission Statement of Papa Murphy’s

The mission statement of the Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizza chain is really three core values, which are simple and common not only to all pizza restaurants but to just about every company in the U.S. restaurant industry. The core values/mission of Papa Murphy’s is:

”Great quality. Great value. Great customer service.”

These core values are so basic that it might not seem that they could possibly create effective results in guiding the actions and decisions of a retail organization. But Papa Murphy’s clarifies how and why it has chosen to build its business around this simple mission in this way:

“Papa Murphy’s was built on these core values from day one, and they continue to distinguish Papa Murphy’s today. These values aren’t revolutionary, but when they’re done consistently they allow our guests to leave our stores with the best pizza and experience possible – it’s the reason we’ve been named the #1 Rated Pizza Chain. Papa Murphy’s will keep on evolving, but our foundation is set in stone.” 

Little Caesars Mission: Principles for Happy! Happy! Customers

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The Little Caesars mission statement is about Happy! Happy! and the operating principles that create them.

Little Caesars Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Little Caesars restaurant was opened in Garden City, Michigan on May 8, 1959, by husband-and-wife team Michael and Marian Ilitch, who reportedly invested $10,000 of their own money to fund their dream. Michael wanted to call the new restaurant Pizza Treat. Marian wanted to call it Little Caesars (which is how she characterized her husband). They compromised and called the first restaurant Little Caesar’s Pizza Treat. In addition to pizza, the first Little Caesars restaurant also served hot dogs, chicken, shrimp, and fish.

Little Caesars partnered with Kmart in the 1990s, opening up Little Caesars stores within the Kmart stores. Coincidentally, both the Kmart and Little Caesars chain started in Garden City.

The first Little Caesars U.S. franchise restaurant was sold in 1961, and the first Little Caesars international location was opened in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in 1969.

Little Caesars Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The headquarters of the Little Caesars pizza restaurant chain is located not far from where the chain began, in Detroit, Michigan.

Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of Little Caesars

The mission statement of Little Caesars is defined for both Little Caesars employees and Little Caesars franchisees. While both mission statements are similar and compatible, they are notably different. The mission statement provided to Little Caesars employees is:

“We Want Happy! Happy! Customers. Our mission is to provide delicious, high-quality products at an affordable price, with friendly, prompt, and courteous service.”

The separate mission statement specified for franchisees is:

“To be the best take-home pizza chain by exceeding customer expectations with extraordinary value, great tasting products, and outstanding people while providing strong returns to our stakeholders.”

To specifically define how Little Caesars expects its employees and franchisees to achieve the Little Caesars mission statement, the Little Caesars leaders have created five “Stakeholder Operating Principles”:

Customers: To develop a fun-loving and lasting relationship with every customer.Franchisees: To provide our Franchisees with value-added support and discipline.Colleagues: To train and encourage Colleagues to achieve excellence.Suppliers: To develop mutually beneficial relationships built on trust and respect.Communities: To maintain an image that is a constant source of pride and quality in our communities.

Boston Market Restaurant Mission: An Awesome Mission Not Well Defined

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The “awesome” mission statement of the Boston Market fast-casual restaurant chain is designed to create a positive dining experience but leaves a lot of room for interpretation and execution because of its broad and undefined goals.

Boston Market Founders Facts and Trivia

Arthur Cores and Steven Kolow opened the first Boston Chicken restaurant in Newton, Massachusetts in 1985. The name was changed to New Boston Chicken, Inc. when a third partner, Goerge Naddaff, joined the company. The company name was shortened to Boston Chicken, Inc. in 1992 before going public in 1993. The chain was renamed Boston Market in 1995 to reflect an expansion of the menu and the addition of other meats besides the original rotisserie chicken.

The Boston Market chain was purchased by the McDonald’s corporation in 2000, two years after the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The Boston Market chain was then sold by McDonald’s to Sun Capital Partners in 2007.

Boston Market Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Boston Market restaurants are located in Golden, Colorado.

Mission Statement and Values of Boston Market 

The mission statement of Boston Market restaurants is obviously fashioned to help create a positive dining experience for Boston Market customers. But the mission statement is worded so broadly that it leaves a lot of room for interpretation by individual Boston Market employees, and therefore, inconsistent experience for the Boston Market diner. The Boston Market mission statement is:

”To create awesome food, served quickly by warm and friendly people!!”

Some specific clarification is provided to Boston Market leaders about creating a workplace that would attract and retain the “warm and friendly people” in the Boston Market mission statement. Although not specifically labeled, these could be considered either the Boston Market workplace qualities or leadership values:

Pride: Every day we have a sense of pride about what we do.Walk the talk: We all try and ‘walk the talk,’ which could include going through the dining room, filling up drinks, picking up plates and talking with our guests.Clear Direction: Our managers set a clear direction for our teams.Career Growth: Our employees know that not only do they have a job with Boston Market, but they also know they can grow that job into a career.Fun: Most importantly, it’s fun to work at Boston Market.

Red Mango Yogurt Mission: Focus on Products With a Competitive Edge

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The competitive edge for Red Mango Yogurt stores is its product offerings, and the Red Mango mission statement focuses employees on the delivery of that.

Red Mango Yogurt Stores Founders Facts and Trivia

Red Mango was founded in Seoul, South Korea by Roni Akeakamai Choo in 2002. The U.S. “founder” and Chief Concept Officer, Dan Kim, opened the first U.S. Red Mango yogurt store in 2007 in Westwood, California, near the UCLA campus.

Red Mango Headquarters

The U.S. headquarters for Red Mango is located in Dallas, Texas. The headquarters for Relay International Co., Inc. is located in Seoul, South Korea.

Mission Statement of Red Mango USA

The competitive edge of Red Mango is its product offerings, with their probiotic ingredients that are healthy and tasty at the same time. The Red Mango mission statement focuses employees on the uniqueness of the Red Mango product offerings:

“To help our customers treat themselves well with the healthiest and best tasting frozen yogurt, smoothies, beverages, and quick refreshments.”

Del Taco Restaurants Mission: A Bolder, Fresher, Better Brand

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The mission statement of the Del Taco fast food chain defines what makes Del Taco different from all other Mexican fast-food chain competitors, and guides employees about how to deliver a bolder, fresher, better restaurant brand.

Del Taco Restaurant History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Del Taco founders Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson opened the first Del Taco restaurant in Yermo, California in 1964 under the name Casa Del Taco. The menu of the first Casa Del Taco fast-food Mexican restaurant included tacos, tostadas, french fries, and cheeseburgers.

Del Taco Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the Del Taco fast-food Mexican restaurant chain is located in Lake Forest, California.

Mission Statement of Del Taco Fast Food Restaurant 

With significant competition from fast-food and fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains like Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Qdoba, the Del Taco restaurant chain differentiates itself from its competitors with a mission statement that describes how Del Taco products and employees create a uniquely branded Del Taco experience. Although it’s not specifically identified as a “mission,” the statement made to potential franchisees is:​

“With over 550 restaurants and growing, we’ve built a bolder, fresher, better brand offering unbelievable value, uncompromising quality and freshness, and a taste for every appetite and budget.”

Additionally, Del Taco defines “The Del Difference,” which includes:

Menu items are prepared to order using the freshest ingredients with no microwaves.Menu innovations that keep fans engaged and coming back for more.A combination of value-oriented offerings and premium items.A clean, welcoming atmosphere inside restaurants.Great Mexican food at a great value.

Tony Roma’s Mission: Focused on the Ultimate Goal of Guest Loyalty

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Tony Roma’s restaurant mission statement focuses its employees on what is considered to be the ultimate Tony Roma’s goal: guest loyalty.

Tony Roma’s Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Tony Roma’s restaurant was opened on January 20, 1972, in Miami, Florida by founder Tony Roma. The original menu included steaks and hamburgers. Ribs were first offered as a weekend special and were so popular that they quickly became the centerpiece of the Tony Roma’s menu.

Just four years later, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys ate at Tony Roma’s while he was in Miami for the Super Bowl, which his team lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the trip was not fully disappointing for Clint Murchison, Jr. because he liked the Tony Roma’s restaurant food so much that he purchased a big chunk of the restaurant’s U.S. franchise rights, and became the driving force behind the Tony Roma’s U.S. and international expansion. 

Tony Roma’s Restaurants Headquarters

The international headquarters of the Tony Roma’s restaurant chain is located in Dallas, Texas.

Mission Statement of Tony Roma’s 

Tony Roma’s mission statement does one thing that every good mission statement should do. It clearly defines the motivation that all employees should have behind everything they do by stating the goal that is the most important thing to the company. In this case, that ultimate goal to Tony Roma’s is guest loyalty. The Mission Statement of Tony Roma’s Restaurants is:​​

“Great Food delivered by Professional, Friendly Team Members resulting in Guest loyalty… Worldwide.”

Along with this mission statement, Tony Roma’s has identified qualities that it expects its employees to demonstrate in order to do things the “Tony Roma’s Way.” Although these qualities are not labeled as such, in essence, these PICI2 qualities could be considered service standards. Tony Roma’s PICI2 qualities are:

PassionIntelligenceCompassionIntegrityIntensity

Bojangles Restaurant Mission: Best-Tasting, Quick, Quality Chicken

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The mission statement of the Bojangles chicken-based fast-food restaurant chain is about being the best, quickest, highest quality, and friendliest choice in the highly competitive quick-service chicken restaurant niche.

Bojangles Chicken History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas, the first Bojangles Fast Food Chicken Restaurant Location opened in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first Bojangles restaurant had no seating and no drive-thru window. The Bojangles chain started as a walk-in, takeout-only restaurant. The first franchised Bojangles location opened up in 1978. In 2014, the 600th Bojangles location was opened, and the fried chicken restaurant chain reached $1 billion in historical sales.

From the beginning, Bojangles distinguished itself in the fast-food chicken niche with distinct Cajun seasonings, and menu items like freshly baked, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, dirty rice, and “Cajun pintos.” Bojangles also offers breakfast menu items all day, every day.

Bojangles Chicken Restaurant Group Headquarters

The headquarters of the Bojangles fast-food chicken restaurant chain is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Bojangles brand and concept were born.

Mission Statement of Bojangles Chicken Chain

Although not identified specifically as its “mission statement,” Bojangles specifies that employees at all levels of its organization are committed to the “Bojangles difference,” which is:

”…ensuring that our guests always get the best-tasting, highest-quality products possible, served quickly by friendly people in a clean and pleasant environment.” 

Considering the purpose of a mission statement is to focus employees on what the organization values and what makes its products and services distinct, this “Bojangles difference” commitment serves the Bojangles restaurant chain well as a mission statement.

Captain D’s Restaurants Mission: Be Best With Fresh, Honest, Quality

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The mission of Captain D’s seafood restaurant chain is its Brand Promise to be the best, which Captain D’s believes is a result of fresh, honest, and quality food.

Captain D’s Seafood Founders Facts and Trivia

The Captain D’s restaurant chain began in 1969 when Ray Danner of Danner Foods opened a Mr. D’s restaurant in Donelson, Tennessee. In 1974 Danner Foods merged with Shoney’s and then Mr. D’s restaurants were renamed, Captain D’s.

Captain D’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The headquarters of Captain D’s are located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mission Statement and Brand Promise of Captain D’s 

The mission statement of Captain D’s is referred to as its Brand Promise, and focuses on the qualities of Captain D’s products that are necessary to be the “best.” The Brand Promise of Captain D’s is:

“At Captain D’s we challenge ourselves to be the best seafood restaurant. We promise to deliver unique and fresh ingredients, prepare them honestly and with flavor, and to deliver quality.

We believe that our guests deserve great food that they can enjoy every day.”

In addition, Captain D’s has defined “The Captain’s Difference,” which is similar to the Brand Promise but written for an internal employee audience. “The Captain’s Difference” is:​

“At Captain D’s, we work hard to deliver quality seafood at competitive prices. We search the globe for the best quality seafood at the best value possible and deliver that experience to our guests in the restaurants every day.”

Stater Bros. Markets Mission: Family, Loyalty, and the American Dream

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The mission statement of Stater Bros. Markets is not focused on groceries, but rather on family, loyalty, and the American Dream.

Stater Bros. History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

The first Stater Bros. Market was opened in August 1936 in Yucaipa, California after 24-year-old twins Leo and Cleo Stater purchased it for $800 from Cleo’s boss. The company’s first slogan “The low price leader in your hometown,” was chosen because the Stater Bros. embarked on their grocery store business adventure the middle of the Great Depression.

When the U.S. entered World War II, the Stater brothers left to serve as Army Air Force pilots. In their absence, their parents ran their grocery store chain, which had grown to four retail locations. After World War II a third and younger Stater brother, Savoy, joined the business, making three Stater brothers running the Stater Bros. Markets chain.

Stater Bros. Markets Retail Headquarters

The headquarters of Stater Bros. Markets is located in San Bernardino, California.

Stater Bros. Supermarkets Corporate Mission and Values

The mission statement of Stater Bros. Markets is not focused on the groceries that the company sells or services that it provides. Rather, the Stater Bros. company mission statement focuses on how the company does business and the way that it interacts with its customers and communities. The Stater Bros. mission statement is:​

“To always offer outstanding value in our prices, high quality in all our merchandise, and friendliness in our service, so that our loyal customers and their families, the dedicated members of the Stater Bros. “family” of employees, and the communities we are privileged to serve may all share in the American Dream.”

Save Mart Supermarkets Mission: People, Passion, Shopping Experience

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The mission statement of Save Mart Supermarkets is about people, passion, and the remarkable shopping experience they can create.

Save Mart History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Mike Piccinini and his brother, Nick Tocco, the first Save Mart Supermarket opened on January 17, 1952, in Modesto, California. In addition to groceries, the first Save Mart retail store also sold pre-packaged meats, yard and garden supplies, plants, fresh-cut flowers, and gift items, which would have earned Save Mart a spot the Most Innovative Retailer list in the 1950s, if such a list existed then.

Save Mart Supermarkets Headquarters:

The headquarters of Save Mart Supermarkets is located in Modesto, California.

Save Mart Supermarkets Corporate Mission and Values

The mission statement for Save Mart Supermarkets accomplishes what a good mission statement is meant to accomplish, which is to identify what’s important, to inspire employees, and create a branded identity. The Save Mart Supermarket corporate mission statement, which is effective in its simplicity, is:

“Bringing People Together, Through Our Passion for Food and a Remarkable Shopping Experience”

Additionally, the Save Mart company provides some defined corporate values, which focus on the employees who will be responsible for delivering on the promise of the mission statement. The Values that guide decisions and actions with the Save Mart employee team are:

Our Values: Save Mart Supermarkets is committed to ensuring a quality workplace for every employee. This means treating people with dignity and respect, demonstrating trust, maintaining an inclusive work environment that values diversity and teamwork, ensuring a productive atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment, and providing a safe environment, free from injury, drug and alcohol use.Respect: Demonstrate respect and trust, value diversityOpportunity: Committed to your growth and successTeamwork: Make the employee connectionSafety: Maintain a safe workplace free from injury, drug and alcohol use

El Pollo Loco Restaurant Mission: Best Chicken and High Standards

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The El Pollo Loco fast-food restaurant chain mission statement is about serving the best chicken and doing business with the highest ethical standards.

El Pollo Loco History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founder Juan Francisco opened the first location in Mexico in 1964 with the El Pollo Loco name. The menu of the first El Pollo Loco fast-food location was focused on Mexican food. 

El Pollo Loco Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the El Pollo Loco fast-food chicken restaurant chain is located in Costa Mesa, California.

Mission Statement of El Pollo Loco Fast-Food Chicken 

The mission statement of the El Pollo Loco chicken restaurant chain is exemplary in its simplicity and clarity. But because it is oversimplified and non-specific, it could apply to any fast food restaurant chain in the world that has chicken as its main menu item. The mission statement of El Pollo Loco is:

" The primary mission of El Pollo Loco, Inc. is to serve the best chicken meal profitably.”

El Pollo Loco leaders provide employees with more specific guidance about making decisions and creating a unique El Pollo loco dining experience with its Code of Business Conduct:

Compliance with the Law: El Pollo Loco and its employees will abide by the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws and regulations and will act in such a manner that the full disclosure of all facts related to any activity will always reflect favorably upon the Company.Adherence to High Ethical Standards: El Pollo Loco and its employees will adhere to the highest ethical standards of conduct in all business activities and will act in a manner that enhances El Pollo Loco’s standing as a vigorous and ethical competitor within the business community.Responsible Business Citizenship: El Pollo Loco and its employees will act as responsible citizens in the communities where the Company does business.

Moe’s Southwest Grill Mission: Original Awesome Food, Energy

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The Moe’s Southwest Grill fast-casual restaurant chain mission statement defines the brand with awesome food, energetic service, originality, and irreverence.

Moe’s Southwest Grill History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founder Martin Sprock, then CEO of Raving Brands, opened the first location in December 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia, serving a menu of fresh, made-to-order Southwestern food. Today Moe’s differentiates itself from Mexican Restaurant competitors like Qdoba and Chipotle with all-natural chicken, grass-fed steak, organic tofu, along with vegetarian, flexitarians, kids’ and low-calorie options. The Moe’s Southwestern Grill branded experience also includes free chips and salsa and a legendary “Welcome to Moe’s” greeting for every in-store customer who walks in the door.

In 2007, Raving Brands and Martin Sprock sold a 345-unit Moe’s Southwest Grill Chain to FOCUS Brands. The first international Moe’s Southwest Grill opened in Turkey on March 8, 2011. As of 2019, there are more than 700 Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants operating in four countries.

Moe’s Southwestern Grill Headquarters

The headquarters of the Moe’s Southwest Grill is located with its parent company FOCUS Brands in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Mission Statement of Moe’s Southwest Grill 

The importance that Moe’s Southwest Grill places on its employee culture is unmistakable. Not only does Moe’s have a clearly defined Mission Statement, but it also provides its employees and franchisees with a clearly defined Vision, Purpose, and Objective:​

Our Vision: To deliver the best customizable Southwestern food and irreverent brand culture to communities around the world, making Moe’s Southwest Grill the choice restaurant for guests, franchisees, and associates.​Our Mission: To provide a one-of-a-kind experience that energizes everyone with an enthusiastic welcome, exceptional service, awesome food, killer tunes and an unforgettable time.​Our Purpose: To promote a culture that celebrates originality.​Our Objective: To create wealth, growth and personal fulfillment by living Moe’s distinct culture.

Each of these corporate statements provides a view of the “ideal” Moe’s customer and employee experience, and what Moe’s leaders and franchisees need to keep employees focused upon. Additionally, Moe’s Southwest Grill clearly defines its company values, which specifically guide franchisees and employees in their decision-making and in shaping the employee culture that is the foundation of the desired Moe’s branded customer experience. The Moe’s Guiding Values are:

Act With Integrity: We believe that all of us have the responsibility.Add Value: We believe everything we do should add value for our guests.Infuse Passion: We believe that our passion and enthusiastic welcome are the foundation of our brand.Provide Leadership: We believe great leadership establishes the foundation of our long-term success.Think Sustainability: We believe we have a social responsibility.Know & Share the Brand: We believe that our clear vision of the future is born from understanding our history.Be Yourself: We believe it is important not to take ourselves too seriously.Give Back We believe in pulling together.Have Fun: We believe that fun breeds creativity.

Fred’s Mission: Fast, Fun, and Friendly Shopping in Your Hometown

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The mission of Fred’s is to be a discount shopping leader, but its vision is not about profits, it’s about people.

Fred’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first store opened in Coldwater, Mississippi by Paul Baddour and his two brothers in 1947 was called “Good Luck.” As the chain expanded, the stores were named after one of the Baddour brothers, Fred.

Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores Headquarters

The headquarters of Fred’s Discount chain is located in Memphis, TN.

The Vision of Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores

“A smile on every customer’s face!” 

The Mission of Fred’s Hometown Discount Store:

“To be the Hometown Discount Store that provides a fast, fun and friendly low-price place to shop!”

In addition to its vision and mission, Fred’s makes “promises” to its shareholders, customers, and employees: 

Fred’s Promises to Its Shareholders: To our shareholders, we promise industry-leading financial performance through extraordinary results, not just extraordinary efforts.

Fred’s Promises to Its Customers: To our customers, we promise:

Team members who are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.Great prices that are clearly marked.A fast and easy shopping experience.Well-stocked stores.A treasure hunt of unique bargains.A clean environment.

Fred’s Promises to Its Employees: To each other, we promise:

To be decisive, accountable and results-focusedTo help team members be successful.Teamwork, mutual respect, and integrity.Open communication with candor.To embrace change and to achieve sustainable solutions.

Western Sizzlin Company Mission: Relaxed, Friendly Family Dining

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Western Sizzlin customers enjoy a relaxed, friendly family dining because of the company’s “perspectives.”

Western Sizzlin Restaurant Chain Founder

Nick Pascarella opened the first Western Sizzlin restaurant in Augusta, Georgia in 1962. The company began franchising its restaurants four years later.

Western Sizzlin Headquarters

Western Sizzlin corporate headquarters are located in Roanoke, Virginia, and Columbus, Ohio.

Western Sizzlin’s Mission Statement

Not specifically labeled as a “mission statement, Western Sizzlin has what it calls “company perspectives” that provides the same kind of vision and purpose as a mission statement:

“Our primary goal has always been to exceed our guests’ expectations for both quality and service. Our restaurants strive to provide a relaxing, enjoyable dining experience in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.”

Every retail company in the world might seem to have the same mission statement: crush the competition and make as much profit as possible. And while that might be the written or unwritten goal of 98% of all members of the U.S. retail industry, this is not the only “mission” that defines their businesses.

Companies such as Applebee’s, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’ Donuts and Subway Sandwiches all want to dominate their retail categories and create profits, but each of them has a distinct way of doing their retail business that is aligned with and defined by their respective mission statements.

Discover the mission and vision statements of some of the world’s largest retail food and beverage chains, and discover what drives their decisions and actions and creates their success every day.

Dunkin’ Donuts Mission: 12 Values of Quick, Fresh, Delicious

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The original mission statement for Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants was created by its founder. Today, the Dunkin’ Brands 12 Values and Principles guide franchise owners to the same quick, fresh, and delicious outcome that the founder had envisioned.

Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Dunkin’ Donuts store was opened by William Rosenberg in 1950 in Quincy Massachusetts. The first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise was opened in 1955, and today there are more than 10,000 Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in 36 states in the U.S. and 32 countries around the world. In 1990, Allied Lyons, the parent company of the Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream chain, purchased Dunkin’ Donuts, and in 2004 the name of the parent company was changed to Dunkin’ Brands.

Dunkin’ Donuts Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise, along with with the headquarters of the Dunkin’ Brands group, is located in Canton, Massachusetts.

Mission Statement of Dunkin’ Donuts Stores

The original mission statement (referred to as the “philosophy”) of Dunkin’ Donuts came straight from the founder:​

“Make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores.”

Today, because 100 percent of the 10,000+ Dunkin’ Donuts stores located around the world are franchisee-owned and operated, each individual Dunkin’ Donuts store could have its own mission statement. But as the parent company of the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, Dunkin’ Brands has 12 Values and Principles that the company believes should guide the decisions of everyone associated with Baskin-Robbins retail outlets and lead all Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees to success. The Dunkin’ Brands Values and Guiding Principles are:

Honesty - Embrace the truth about oneself and the world.Transparency - Demonstrate openness and vulnerability.Humility - Acknowledge own mistakes and commit to learning.Integrity - Say what you think and do what you say.Respectfulness - Honor the dignity, inclusion, and diversity of others.Fairness - Do what is right based on common principles.Responsibility - Make yourself accountable to the community.

Guiding Principles

Leadership - Responsibility with passion at every level.Innovation - Excellence in everything we do.Execution - Ownership, and accountability for results, success, and failure.Social Stewardship - Demonstration of good corporate citizenship and responsibility to all constituencies.Fun - Approach every challenge with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement. “Celebrate every step of the way!”

McDonald’s Restaurants Mission: A Common Mission With Branded Values

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The mission statement of McDonald’s fast-food restaurants is a common mission for every restaurant, but the McDonald’s Values reflect the McDonald’s experience. (See the complete McDonald’s mission statement below.) It is the principles and influences of McDonald’s founders that make the McDonald’s restaurant chain the iconic American brand that it is today.

Mission Statement of McDonald’s Fast Food Restaurants

The mission statement of McDonald’s fast-food restaurants around the world is not much different from any restaurant chain.

“McDonald’s brand mission is to be our customers’ favorite place and way to eat.”

That broad and common mission statement is more clearly defined by the McDonald’s Values, which reflect the experience that customers can expect when walking into a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant no matter where it is located.

We place the customer experience at the core of all we do.We are committed to our people.We believe in the McDonald’s System.We operate our business ethically.We give back to our communities.We grow our business profitably.We strive continually to improve.

In 2013 McDonald’s implemented a global strategy it called “Plan to Win,” which was designed to create a consistently excellent customer experience in McDonald’s restaurants. The five key facets of that McDonald’s experience were defined as being People, Products, Place, Price, and Promotion.

McDonald’s Restaurants Founders

Almost always, a company’s mission statement is a reflection of the vision and values of the person who founded the company.  In the case of the McDonald’s restaurant chain, it would be the reflection of three founders – Dick and Mack McDonald and Ray Kroc.Most people think that the McDonald’s restaurant chain was started by Ray Kroc, which isn’t exactly true. The first McDonald’s restaurant was called McDonald’s Bar-B-Que restaurant, which was opened by Dick and Mack McDonald in 1940 in San Bernardino, CA. They didn’t convert to a simple hamburger and potato chips menu until 1948. In 1949 french fries replaced the potato chips and triple thick milkshakes were added to the menu.Technically Kroc was not a “founder” at all.  But he is the man credited with “founding” the international expansion of the McDonald’s restaurant chain. The four principles that Kroc and his franchisees lived by were Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value. Kroc is the “founder” of Hamburger University, the official McDonald’s franchisee training facility that delivered mandatory training classes for the purpose of maintaining a consistent McDonald’s experience in every individual McDonald’s location around the world.

McDonald’s Restaurants Headquarters

The worldwide headquarters of the McDonald’s restaurant chain is in Oak Brook, IL, along with its training facility called Hamburger University.

Burger King Mission: Vision for Food, Speed, and Customer Experience

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The founders of Burger King restaurants had a vision for their fast-food chain which included food, speed, and customer experience. The mission and commitments of Burger King today are aligned with that original vision.

Burger King Founders Facts and Trivia

The Burger King restaurant chain was started in 1953 by Matthew Burns and Keith J. Kramer in Jacksonville, Florida as the Insta-Burger King restaurant, featuring an Insta-Broiler to cook the food. In 1954 when the company was having financial problems, two franchises, James McLamore, and David Edgerton purchased the right to operate the chain and changed the name to Burger King.Once established, expansion and growth happened quickly for the Burger King restaurant chain. The Whopper was introduced in 1957, the first Burger King franchise was opened in 1959, the first Burger King international location opened in Puerto Rico in 1965, and the company was purchased by Pillsbury in 1967.

Burger King Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Burger King fast-food restaurant chain is located in Miami, Florida, where the original franchise of McLamore and Edgerton was located.

The Mission Statement of Burger King Restaurants

The vision of McLamore and Edgerton when they purchased the Insta-Burger King restaurant concept has remained the vision and mission of Burger King restaurants throughout the world and is referenced in the individual international Burger King restaurant websites. That original Burger King Vision was:

“Offering reasonably priced quality food, served quickly, in attractive, clean surroundings.”

Today in the U.S., Burger King uses “commitments” to guide its business, in addition to that original mission statement. Specifically, Burger King commitment is:

“Our commitment to premium ingredients, signature recipes, and family-friendly dining experiences is what has defined our brand for more than 50 successful years.”

Burger King corporate further defines the commitments that guide its daily business operations in its corporate governance documents:

Food: “For over 50 years, our restaurants have been serving high quality, great-tasting and affordable food around the world. Our commitment to the food we serve is what defines us as a company and is at the center of our HAVE IT YOUR WAY brand promise.“People: “We are dedicated to supporting and investing in our people – employees, franchisees, suppliers and restaurant guests – because they are the cornerstone of our business. In many different ways, we do all that we can to serve employees and guest alike.”Also, Burger King has a clear statement of “What We Believe,” which also serves as a mission statement, although not officially identified as one:

What Do We Believe? “We believe in working together with and listening to our employees, guests, business partners and the people in the communities in which we live and work. We share their concerns for our neighborhoods, educating children, preserving the environment, providing jobs and doing our part to help families eat and live better by offering more nutritious food options and promoting healthy lifestyle messages. We know we have a role to play in each of these areas.”

Subway Mission: Freshness + Customer Satisfaction = The Exceptional

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The mission statement, vision, and values of Subway Sandwich fast-food restaurants focus on freshness and customer satisfaction, which creates an exceptional Subway experience.

Subway Sandwich Franchises Facts and Trivia

Subway was founded in 1965 when 17-year-old ​Fred DeLuca partnered with Dr. Peter Buck and opened the first Pete’s Subway in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Subway didn’t start franchising until 1974, when its first franchise location opened in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Subway Sandwich Restaurants Headquarters:

The international headquarters for Subway Sandwich restaurants and franchises are located in Milford, Connecticut.

The Subway Sandwich Fast Food Mission Statement

In its clarity, simplicity, and achievability, the Subway Sandwich Restaurant chain has one of the best mission statements in the U.S. restaurant industry. The Subway mission statement is:​

“Delight every customer, so they want to tell their friends – with great value through fresh, delicious, made-to-order sandwiches, and an exceptional experience.”

Subway fast-food restaurants also have a larger vision, which is the inspiration for its international restaurant operations. The Subway restaurants and franchises vision is: 

“Be the #1 Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) franchise in the world, while delivering fresh, delicious sandwiches and an exceptional experience.”

How Subway Sandwich restaurant franchisees and employees achieve the company’s mission and make the Subway vision a reality is further defined by the Subway Core Values and Philosophy:

Family – We build our business relationships by serving each other, our customers and our communities, much as we do within our own families.Teamwork – We challenge ourselves and each other to succeed through teamwork, against shared goals and to be accountable for our responsibilities.Opportunity – We create an entrepreneurial, ever-growing SUBWAY® community, increasing the opportunity for everyone.

Chick-Fil-A Restaurants Mission: Quick Service, Positive Purpose

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The mission statement of the Chick-Fil-A restaurants is the same as any other quick-service restaurant chain in the U.S., but the Chick-Fil-A corporate purpose reveals an identity and values that give meaning to the Chick-Fil-A operations.

Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The Chick-fil-A history extends back to 1946 when Truett Cathy opened up his first restaurant, which he called The Dwarf Grill, in Atlanta, Georgia. It wasn’t until 18 years later that Cathy invented what is known today as the Chick-Fil-A sandwich. Three years later, in 1967 Cathy opened a restaurant in a shopping mall named after the Chick-Fil-A sandwich he had invented.

The first free-standing Chick-Fil-A restaurant was opened in Druid Hills, Georgia in 1986. As of 2019, there were more than 2,000 Chick-fil-A restaurant locations.

The Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Chick-Fil-A quick-service restaurant chain is located where the company has its roots, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mission Statement and Corporate Values of Chick-Fil-A 

The mission statement of the Chick-Fil-A restaurant chain is pretty much the same mission as any big or small restaurant chain in the U.S. The Chick-Fil-A mission statement is:

“Be America’s best quick-service restaurant.”It’s the Chick-Fil-A Corporate Purpose that reveals the identity and character behind the Chick-fil-A operations and gives meaning to the employees as they take actions and make decisions every day. The Chick-fil-A Corporate Purpose is:​

“To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-Fil-A.”

Starbucks Mission: Inspiration and Connection One Cup at a Time

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Starbucks’ mission to “inspire the human spirit” is something that can’t be served in a cup with whipped cream.

Starbucks Coffee Founder Facts and Trivia

The first Starbucks location opened in 1971 in Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA. Eleven years later, Howard Schultz was hired by the company to be the director of retail operations and marketing. The first Starbucks with the current coffee house look and feel was opened in 1984 in downtown Seattle. Starbucks went on to change supply chain management.

Starbucks Coffee Headquarters

The Starbucks headquarters are still located in Seattle, Washington.

Starbucks Coffee Mission Statement

“Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”

To accomplish its mission, Starbucks has principles that guide all of its employees as they go about their daily business:

Our Coffee – It has always been, and will always be, about quality.Our Partners – We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard.Our Customers – When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers – even if just for a few moments.Our Stores – It’s about enjoyment at the speed of life – sometimes slow and savored, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity.Our Neighborhood – We can be a force for positive action – bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day.Our Shareholders - We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks – and everyone it touches – can endure and thrive.

Kroger Supermarkets Mission: Being the Leader With Values

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From a single store opened in 1883, Kroger is achieving its mission to “be a leader” with some clearly defined values.

The Kroger Company Founder

Barney Kroger opened a grocery store in downtown Cincinnati in 1883 by investing his life savings of $372. His “mission statement” from the beginning was:

“Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself.”

The Kroger Company Headquarters

The Kroger Company headquarters is located not far from the location of its first store in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Kroger Company Mission/Vision Statement

“Our mission is to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, pharmacy, health, and personal care items, seasonal merchandise, and related products and services.“To accomplish its mission, Kroger has six values that provide guidance to its employees about how they do what they do every day. Those values are:

Honesty - Doing the right things, telling the truth.Integrity - Living our values in all we do; unified approach to how we do business and treat each other.Respect for Others - Valuing opinions, property, and perspectives of others.Diversity - Reflecting a workplace that includes a variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures; diversity of opinions and thoughts.Safety - Watching out for others; being secure and safe in your workplace.Inclusion - Your voice matters, working together works, encouraging everyone’s involvement, being the best person you can be.

Trader Joe’s Mission: Fun, Individual Pride, and Company Spirit

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The mission of Trader Joe’s grocery stores includes fun, individual pride, and company spirit, which helps create the constantly upbeat Trader Joe’s customer experience. 

Trader Joe’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Trader Joe’s opened in 1967 in Pasadena, California, and is still in operation in the same location today. Trader Joe’s started selling private label merchandise and reusing canvas bags in 1977, long before many major grocery store chains adopted these practices in the 21st century. The founder of Trader Joe’s is Joe Coulombe, who earned an MBA at Stanford University and positioned Trader Joe’s like the grocery store for “overeducated and underpaid people.”

Trader Joe’s Headquarters

Trader Joe’s was purchased by Aldi Nord in 1979, and it now has headquarters in Monrovia, California, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Trader Joe’s Mission, Vision, and Values

Trader Joe’s says its first mission statement was written in chalk, 24 years after its first store opened. The current mission statement of Trader Joe’s is more official and not as easily erasable: 

“The mission of Trader Joe’s is to give our customers the best food and beverage values that they can find anywhere and to provide them with the information required to make informed buying decisions. We provide these with a dedication to the highest quality of customer satisfaction delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, fun, individual pride, and company spirit.”

Panera Bread Mission: All About Bread at Panera Restaurants

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The Panera Bread restaurant chain’s mission statement is completely bread-focused and seemingly unobtainable. But the success of the Panera chain proves that the best mission statements are less about the “statement,” and more about the “mission” that the leaders of the company embrace.

The Mission Statement and Leadership Goal of Panera Bread Restaurants (PNRA)

The published mission statement of the Panera Bread Restaurant Chain is:“A loaf of bread in every arm.“Because of its narrow focus on one product, the Panera Bread mission statement falls short is in its ability to guide employees at any level in their daily operations, interactions, and decision-making unless they are the baker of the bread, the line cook who uses the bread or the server who serves the meals that include the bread.To further clarify things, Panera also publishes its “bread leadership goal”:“With the single goal of making great bread broadly available to consumers across America, Panera Bread freshly bakes more bread each day than any bakery-cafe concept in the country.“Again with the narrow focus on its product, rather than the overall philosophy, experience, or any type of overarching purpose, the Panera Bread company mission statement seemingly fails in the ways that a traditional mission statement inspires and guides its employees.

However, the success of the Panera Bread restaurant chain in the U.S. retail industry proves that mission statements are less about the “statement” and more about the “mission” that the leaders carry out.  In the case of Panera Bread, the “mission” of its leaders comes from two different men from two different worlds and the outlook that each brought into their business world.

Panera Bread Restaurant Chain Founders Facts

The Panera Bread restaurant chain was founded by Ron Shaich and Louis Kane as Au Bon Pain Co. After acquiring the St. Louis Bread Co. chain, the Panera Bread concept evolved. In 1999 the Au Bon Pain restaurants were sold, and the company put its primary focus on growing the Panera Bread restaurants. The St. Louis Bread Co. restaurants continue to operate with the same Panera Bread concept and menu in the state of Missouri.

Panera Bread Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of the Panera Bread Restaurant chain are located in Richmond Heights, MO.

Ben & Jerry’s Mission: Product, Social, Economic Missions for Change

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The mission statement of Ben and Jerry’s goes far beyond its ice cream products and retail stores and defines the company’s social and economic missions for changing the world.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Ben and Jerry’s ice cream store was opened on May 5, 1978, in Burlington, Vermont after Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield completed a correspondence course on ice cream making from the Pennsylvania State University Creamery.Ben and Jerry were born four days apart and met in junior high school. The first Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavors included Dastardly Mash, Heath Bar Crunch, Chunky Monkey, Tuskegee Chunk, and Cherry Garcia.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Headquarters

The headquarters of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream is located where the company first began in Burlington, Vermont.

The Mission Statement of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream

The mission of Ben and Jerry’s is really about contributing to making a positive change in the world. To do that, Ben and Jerry’s has three missions that the company strives to integrate into its daily business operations:

Ben and Jerry’s Social Mission

“To operate the Company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Ben and Jerry’s Product Mission

“To make, distribute and sell the finest quality all-natural ice cream and euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment.”

Ben and Jerry’s Economic Mission

“To operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for our stakeholders and expanding opportunities for development and career growth for our employees.”

Buffalo Wild Wings Mission: A Big Mission With How-to-Wow Directions

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The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar mission statement could belong to any restaurant chain or retail company, but it’s the four how-to-wow statements that tell BWW employees how to accomplish the BWW mission in a way that is uniquely BWW.

Buffalo Wild Wings Founders Facts and Trivia

The Buffalo Wild Wings history extends back to 1982 when Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery opened a restaurant on the campus of Ohio State University which they called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck. “Weck” referred to a type of sandwich served almost exclusively in the Buffalo, New York area consisting of roast beef and horseradish sauce on a salty bread called a kummelweck roll. There’s no official word on why the Weck was dropped from the name, and the sandwich was eventually dropped from the menu.

Buffalo Wild Wings became a publicly-traded company in 2003, and as of 2017, there were more than 1,200 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in the U.S. The first international BWW restaurant opened in Toronto, Canada in 2011.

The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Buffalo Wild Wings casual dining restaurant chain is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mission Statement of Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurants

The mission statement of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants is short and leaves no room for doubt about what is the most important thing for all employees at all levels. The Buffalo Wild Wings mission statement is:”Our mission is to WOW people every day.”

Along with this BWW mission statement are four specific how-to-wow strategies, which guide employees in their behaviors, actions, decisions, and priorities each day. The Buffalo Wild Wings how-to-wow guidelines are:

We are Guest Driven - We will WOW our guests every day.We are Team-Focused - We will WOW our team members.We are Community-Connected - We will WOW the communities where we do business.We are Dedicated to Excellence - We will WOW our franchisees and stakeholders.

Coca-Cola Mission: 7 Values, 6 P’s, 5 Behaviors, 1 Happy Mission

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It takes seven values, a vision with six P’s, and five behaviors to achieve the one mission of The Coca-Cola Company: happiness.

Coca-Cola Founders Facts and Trivia

The beverage known as Coca-Cola was invented by a pharmacist, John Pemberton, in Atlanta, Georgia in 1886. Pemberton invented the syrup and then went to nearby Jacobs Pharmacy to add the carbonated water. Customers who tasted the first batch of the new beverage responded favorably, so Jacobs Pharmacy started selling it for five cents per glass. Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, is credited for naming the drink Coca-Cola, and for creating the distinctive Coca-Cola script, which is used as the logo for both the soft drink and the company more than 131 years later.Pemberton died just two years later. Reportedly sales of Coca-Cola at that time was nine glasses per day.

Coca-Cola Company International Headquarters

The Coca-Cola Company headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, where the beverage was invented.

Coca-Cola Company Mission Statement

The mission of the Coca-Cola Company extends far beyond the manufacturing of beverage products and focuses on the impact the company wants to make on the global customers who consume the Coca-Cola beverage products. The mission statement of the Coca-Cola Company is:“To refresh the world… To inspire moments of optimism and happiness…To create value and make a difference.“Beyond its mission, the Coca-Cola company also has an official Vision to help it achieve sustainable growth. This Vision consists of six Ps:

PeoplePortfolioPartnersPlanetProfitProductivity

In order to fulfill its vision, the Coca-Cola Company has defined six behaviors of a Winning Culture that define the attitude that it expects all Coca-Cola employees will embrace as they go about their daily work. The six winning behaviors are:

Focus on the MarketWork SmartAct Like OwnersBe the BrandLive Our Values

One final set of guidelines that Coca-Cola provides its employee team is the seven “values” that they are expected to “live.” The values of the Coca-Cola Company are:

LeadershipCollaborationIntegrityAccountabilityPassionDiversityQuality

Cheesecake Factory Restaurants Mission: Baking a Legacy of Excellence

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The mission statement of the Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, along with its company Vision and Values, is designed to build the Cheesecake Factory brand and create a “continuing legacy of excellence.”

Cheesecake Factory Founders Facts and Trivia

The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain started first with a cheesecake recipe created by Evelyn Overton in Detroit, Michigan. Evelyn baked cheesecakes in her basement and sold them wholesale to local Detroit restaurants for more than 20 years. After her two children were grown, Evelyn and her husband Oscar decided to move their cheesecake business to Los Angeles in 1972. They opened a 700-square-foot store where they sold retail and wholesale cheesecakes. Over the next five years, Evelyn created 20 different varieties of cheesecake, and Oscar established hundreds of wholesale accounts.In 1978 the Overtons’ son, David, opened the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, which had a full menu in addition to his mother’s cheesecakes and desserts. As of 2012, there are more than 150 Cheesecake Factory locations in the U.S., and the company has a licensing agreement to open 22 restaurant locations in the Middle East by 2016.

The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant Headquarters

The company headquarters of The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain is located in Calabasas Hills, California.

Mission Statement of Cheesecake Factory Restaurants

The mission statement of the Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain lets Cheesecake Factory employees know what’s most important about their work. The Cheesecake mission statement is:”To create an environment where absolute guest satisfaction is our highest priority.”Then the company goes further with its Vision statement, which more specifically defines what the Cheesecake Factory “environment” looks, feels, smells, and tastes like to its customers. The Cheesecake Factory company vision is:“Through a shared commitment to excellence, we are dedicated to the uncompromising quality of our food, service, people, and profit, while taking exceptional care of our guests and staff. We will continuously strive to surpass our own accomplishment and be recognized as a leader in our industry.”To further clarify the unique Cheesecake Factory experience and how employees are expected to create it, Cheesecake Factory outlines six values that every Cheesecake Factory employee is expected to embrace, saying: “These values guide our behavior, bind us together, and provide a framework for making decisions – defining for us the right courses of action. We set our objectives, formulate our strategies, and judge our results consistent with these values.”

A Passion for ExcellencePassion fuels our commitment to the endless quest for excellence.Integrity, Respect, and ResponsibilityWe are committed to doing what is right without exception.People – Our Greatest ResourceOutstanding people make it all happen – they will lead us toward the future.Service-MindednessWe are dedicated to unparalleled hospitality and genuine care of our guests.DynamicAs leaders of our Company, we must have dynamic energy and the ability to energize others.High PerformanceWe are dedicated to maximum levels of performance and productivity in all areas of our business.

In-N-Out Burger Mission: Simple Philosophy Not Easy to Serve Up

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The In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain mission statement is a hamburger fast-food chain philosophy that’s simple to define, but not easy to deliver.

In-N-Out Burger History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

In-N-Out Burger was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder, with the first In-N-Out Burger restaurant location opening in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California. It served a menu of hamburgers, french fries made from fresh-cut potatoes, and drinks. The first In-N-Out Burger had no freezers or microwaves, and that is still the case in the more than 300 restaurants in the In-N-Out Burger fast-food chain today.The first In-N-Out Burger restaurant used a two-way speaker system to allow customers to order from the outside of the restaurant, instead of using the car-hop delivery service system that was the standard at the time. This made the Baldwin Park In-N-Out Burger Restaurant the first drive-thru restaurant in the state of California. 

In-N-Out Burger Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain is located in Irvine, California.

Mission Statement of In-N-Out Burger Restaurant

The mission of the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain came from the founders; it is referred to as their “philosophy.” It seems clear that the Snyders felt that the formula for creating an excellent hamburger restaurant was simple. In fact, the In-N-Out Burger philosophy/mission is so simple that it’s no different from any of In-N-Out’s fast-food competitors. But just because the In-N-Out Burger mission/philosophy is simple doesn’t mean it’s easy to serve up consistently. It is the fact that In-N-Out Burger has a reputation for delivering on the promise of its mission/philosophy that differentiates the chain from its fast-food competitors.

The In-N-Out Burger Mission/Philosophy:

“Since 1948, we have maintained a simple philosophy – serve only the highest-quality product, prepare it in a clean and sparkling environment, and serve it in a warm and friendly manner. We have built a reputation for fresh, made-to-order foods prepared and served by friendly, well-trained Associates.”

Wendy’s Company Mission: Keeping the Spirit of Dave Thomas Alive

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Wendy’s employees keep the spirit of founder Dave Thomas alive by following the company’s “What We Believe” guidelines.

Wendy’s Fast Food Restaurant Chain Founder

After working directly with Colonel Harland Sanders in Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises, Dave Thomas started his own fast food franchise business in 1969, which he named after his daughter, Melinda Lou (nicknamed “Wenda,” which was how she pronounced her name as a toddler).

Wendy’s Headquarters

Wendy’s headquarters are located in the city where the company’s first restaurant was opened, Columbus, Ohio.

Wendy’s Mission Statement

Wendy’s provides its employees with “What We Believe” guidelines, which serve as both an internal mission statement and an external customer service goal. For those who put on a Wendy’s nametag, this is “What We Believe”:

Quality Is Our Recipe - We don’t cut corners on our products, service, or employees!Treat Everyone With Respect - Be genuine and kind and lend each other a helping hand!Do the Right Thing - Honesty and integrity are rules we live by!Profit Means Growth - Teamwork is the key to our success!Give Back - Make your community better every day!

Domino’s Pizza Restaurants Mission: Being World’s Best With Culture

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The Domino’s mission to be the best in the world is built around a work environment that values employee contributions and a culture of team member diversity.

Domino’s Pizza Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The history of Domino’s Pizza extends back to 1960 when brothers Tom and James Monaghan bought an existing pizza delivery business located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which was named “DomNick’s.” The company was renamed “Domino’s” in 1965.The first Domino’s Pizza International restaurant was opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on May 12, 1983. Domino’s Pizza is sold in more than 16,100 Domino’s Pizza restaurants located in 60+ countries.

Domino’s Pizza Restaurant Delivery Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Domino’s Pizza restaurant chain is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Mission Statement, Vision and Values of Domino’s

The mission statement of the Domino’s Pizza Restaurant could be – and probably is – the mission statement of pizza restaurants small and large around the world:

”Exceptional people, all with a shared goal: to be the best pizza delivery company in the world. That’s Domino’s Pizza’s vision.”

Further explanation about what Domino’s considers to be “exceptional” in its team members and the Domino’s “vision” comes from what Domino’s refers to as its “core commitments,” which defines its employee culture:“Our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles make up the core commitments that govern our business decisions. Domino’s Pizza is committed to an inclusive culture which values the contributions of our customers, team members, suppliers, and neighbors.The cornerstones of our diversity philosophy will be clearly communicated to each team member, with a promise that we are committed to providing an environment in which:

Team members are treated fairly.Team members are recognized and rewarded based on ability and merit for their contributions.Team members have equal access to opportunity for growth and advancement.Team members respect each other and are free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance.The management and development of our team members is recognized as crucial to the success of the business.”

PepsiCo Mission: Honesty, Fairness, Integrity and Convenient Foods

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The mission of PepsiCo is about honesty, fairness, integrity and convenient foods.

PepsiCo Founders Facts and Trivia

The beverage that became known as Pepsi Cola was invented by a pharmacist, Caleb Bradham, in New Bern, North Carolina in 1893 (seven years after Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta Georgia). The name Pepsi Cola was chosen after the kola nut extract in the recipe, and after the pepsin enzyme which aids digestion, because Bradham believed his new drink had positive digestive properties, even though the recipe didn’t contain any pepsin. The Pepsi Cola Company was incorporated in 1898.Meanwhile, the Frito Company was founded by Elmer Doolin in 1932, and the H. W. Lay Company was founded by Herman W. Lay in that same year. Those two companies merged into the Frito-Lay company in 1961. When the Pepsi Cola company merged with the Frito-Lay company in 1965, PepsiCo Inc. was born.

PepsiCo Company International Headquarters

The PepsiCo company headquarters are located in Purchase, New York.

PepsiCo Mission Statement, Vision, and Purpose

The mission of PepsiCo focuses on products and performance primarily, with a few values thrown in for good measure. The mission statement of the PepsiCo Company is:“Our mission is to be the world’s premier consumer products company focused on convenient foods and beverages. We seek to produce financial rewards to investors as we provide opportunities for growth and enrichment to our employees, our business partners and the communities in which we operate. And in everything we do, we strive for honesty, fairness, and integrity.“PepsiCo has also defined a Vision for its business, which provides a less practical, and more inspiring motivation for its employees and leaders. The PepsiCo Vision is:“PepsiCo’s responsibility is to continually improve all aspects of the world in which we operate - environment, social, economic - creating a better tomorrow than today.”PepsiCo provides one more specific set of guidelines to its employee team which it calls “Performance with Purpose.” Although PepsiCo doesn’t label these guidelines as values, they do provide the “how” behind PepsiCo’s intention to “create a better tomorrow.” Performance With Purpose at PepsiCo includes:

Human Sustainability Environmental Sustainability Talent Sustainability

Jamba Juice Mission: Personal Health and Well-Being With FIBER Values

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With a healthy mission statement and a set of FIBER Values, the Jamba Juice Restaurant Chain intends to make a positive impact on planetary well-being.

Jamba Juice Founders Facts and Trivia

Jamba Juice was first called Juice Club Inc., and the first retail store was opened in San Luis Obispo, California, by founder Kirk Perron, a dedicated fitness advocate, and cyclist.

Jamba Juice Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The headquarters for the Jamba Juice fast food restaurant chain is located in Emeryville, California.

The Jamba Juice Mission Statement

Like the food and beverages it sells, the mission statement of the Jamba Juice restaurant chain is all about health and well-being. The Jamba Juice mission statement is:“Jamba! Enriching the daily experience of our customers, our community and ourselves through the life-nourishing qualities of fruits and vegetables.“To help employees understand what “enriching the daily experience of our customers” means, Jamba Juice, Inc. also has what they call their FIBER Values:

Fun -  Smile and create a spirit of celebration for your customers. Integrity -  Demonstrate good character and encourage an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Balance - Consider the needs of customers, team members and shareholders alike. Empowerment -  Be responsive and innovative. Do whatever it takes to make your customer happy. Respect - Help each other to grow. Contribute to a vibrant and diverse community.”

Whole Foods Markets Mission: Motto, Mission, Core Values and Standards

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The mission statement of the Whole Foods Markets is derived from its motto, and its core values and quality standards turn the words of the mission into real Whole Foods employee actions, which creates the Whole Foods shopping experience.

Whole Foods Markets Founders Facts and Trivia

The original Whole Foods Market store was opened in Austin, Texas, on September 20, 1980, by four people: current CEO John Mackey, Rene Lawson Hardy, Craig Weller, and Mark Skiles. Prior to that Weller and Skiles had owned a Clarksville Natural Grocery and Mackey and Hardy had owned a health food store called SaferWay, where they also lived and bathed using the kitchen’s Hobart dishwasher. Since that first opening, Whole Foods Company has acquired 15 businesses and retail chains as part of its expansion to the Whole Foods Market grocery chain that is known today.

Whole Foods Headquarters

The headquarters of the Whole Foods Company is located where the company began, in Austin, Texas.

Mission Statement of the Whole Foods Company

The mission statement of the Whole Foods Company and Whole Foods Markets begins with its motto:“Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"The Whole Foods mission explains and defines what that motto means. This mission explanation includes: 

Whole Foods - We obtain our products locally and from all over the world, often from small, uniquely dedicated food artisans.Whole People - We recruit the best people we can to become part of our team. We empower them to make their own decisions, creating a respectful workplace where people are treated fairly and are highly motivated to succeed.Whole Planet - We recognize the connection between our lives, our communities, and the environment.”

The Whole Foods Motto and Mission are further defined by a list of Core Values that guide the decisions and actions of employees in all job positions every day. The Whole Foods Core Values define how Whole Foods leaders and employees interact with their products, customers, employee team, shareholders, communities, suppliers, and align everyone behind the mission of improving health in general.The Whole Foods Quality Standards clearly define what’s important when making decisions about the Whole Foods product mix.

Chili’s Restaurant Mission: Chili’s Mission is Brinker’s Vision Too

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The mission statement of the Chili’s restaurant chain is really the philosophy and motto of its parent company, Brinker International; they are completely aligned because they are the same.

Chili’s Grill and Bar Facts and Trivia

The first Chili’s was opened in Dallas, Texas, by Larry Lavine after becoming a chili cook-off enthusiast in 1967. Twenty-three Chili’s restaurants were acquired by Norman Brinker in 1983. The 1,000th Chili’s restaurant was opened on August 3, 2004, in Dallas, Texas.In 1991 the name of the parent company officially became Brinker International.

Chili’s Restaurants Headquarters

The Chili’s Restaurant and Brinker International Headquarters are located in Northbrook, Illinois. 

The Chili’s Grill and Bar Mission Statement

The mission statement of Chili’s Grill and Bar is really the same as its parent company, Brinker International, which is not referred to as a mission, but rather a “philosophy” and a “motto.” The Philosophy of Brinker and Chili’s is:“We believe in celebrating the differences that make a good company great, and in leveraging individual strengths to create an innovative inclusive and unified team.“The official motto of all Brinker International says everything about the tone of all Brinker International retail restaurant chains. The motto is simply:“Let’s Play Restaurant!”

Five Guys Restaurant Mission: Burgers Are the Business and the Mission

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Burgers are the products, the business, and the mission of the Five Guys Burgers & Fries Restaurant Chain.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Founders Facts and Trivia

The Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant chain began with a single location in Arlington, Virginia, which was opened by Jerry Murrell and four of his sons. Today the “five guys” that lead the chain are the five Murrell brothers: Matt, Jim, Chad, Ben, and Tyler.

Five Guys Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant chain is located in Lorton, Virginia.

Mission Statement of Five Guys Burgers and Fries

The Five Guys mission statement, as simple as its menu, is aligned with the philosophy that if you’re going to sell hamburgers and french fries in a restaurant industry that is crowded with hamburgers-and-french-fries chains, you’d better do hamburgers and french fries better than anyone else. Simply stated, the mission statement of Five Guys Burgers and Fries is:

“We are in the business of selling burgers.“To expand on the obvious, the Five Guys also has a “goal”:“Five Guys goal is to sell the best quality burgers possible. To sell the best burger possible, we focus on Quality, Service, and Cleanliness.“Many customers have noticed a sign that hangs on the beverage machine at every Five Guys restaurant, which is sometimes referred to as a “mission statement,” but is really more of a Service Promise:

You the customer are the most important visitor on our premises.You are not dependent on us; we are dependent on you. You are not an outsider in our business – you are a part of it.We are not doing you a favor by serving you –- you are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Mission: 12 Values and Principles for Success

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The Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream mission statement is comprised of 12 Values and Principles for Success fashioned by its parent company, Dunkin’ Brands.

Baskin-Robbins Founders Facts and Trivia:

Baskin-Robbins was founded by brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, who each started their own ice cream shops and then merged them together to create the Baskin-Robbins concept. Irv’s ice cream store was Snowbird Ice Cream, which he opened in Glendale, California in 1945, featuring 21 different ice cream flavors. Burt’s ice cream shop was called Burton’s Ice Cream Shop, and the first one opened in Pasadena, California in 1946.In 1953 more than 40 Burton’s and Snowbird Ice Cream shops were rebranded as Baskin-Robbins 31 Ice Cream, with “31” representing a different flavor for every day of the month. Baskin-Robbins was acquired by London-based J. Lyons & Co and is now part of the Dunkin’ Brands group along with the Dunkin’ Donuts chain.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream is located with the headquarters of the Dunkin’ Brands group in Canton, Massachusetts.

Mission Statement of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ 

Since 100 percent of the more than 7,800 Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream stores in 50 countries are franchise-owned, each Baskin-Robbins franchise owner could have their own mission statement. But as the parent company of Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’ Brands has 12 Values and Principles that the company believes should guide the decisions of everyone associated with Baskin-Robbins retail outlets, leading Baskin-Robbins franchisees toward success. The Dunkin’ Brands Values and Guiding Principles are:Values: 

Honesty - Embrace the truth about oneself and the world.Transparency - Demonstrate openness and vulnerability.Humility - Acknowledge own mistakes and commit to learning.Integrity - Say what you think and do what you say.Respectfulness - Honor the dignity, inclusion, and diversity of others.Fairness - Do what is right based on common principles.Responsibility - Make yourself accountable to the community.

Guiding Principles

Leadership - Responsibility with passion at every level.Innovation - Excellence in everything we do.Execution - Ownership, and accountability for results, success, and failure.Social Stewardship - Demonstration of good corporate citizenship and responsibility to all constituencies.Fun - Approach every challenge with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement…celebrate every step of the way!”

Papa John’s Pizza Mission: 4 Missions and 6 Core Values for P.A.P.A. Focus

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Papa John’s has four mission statements and six core values designed to keep employees focused and to keep the P.A.P.A. in Papa John’s.

Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Papa John’s pizza restaurant opened in a converted broom closet in the back of his father’s tavern, Mick’s Bar, in 1983 in Jeffersonville, Indiana by founder John Schnatter. John sold his 1972 Z28 Camaro to buy $1,600 worth of used restaurant equipment to start his first Papa John’s Pizza location, and 37 years later he tracked that very same Camaro down and bought it back for $250,000.The first standalone Papa John’s restaurant was opened in 1985.

Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Headquarters

Papa John’s corporate headquarters are located in Louisville, Kentucky.

Mission Statement of Papa John’s Pizza

Papa John’s has four different mission statements that apply to four different groups of Papa John’s stakeholders. Those four mission statements are:“Customers: Papa John’s will create superior brand loyalty, i.e. ‘raving fans,’ through (a) authentic, superior-quality products, (b) legendary customer service and (c) exceptional community service.Team Members: People are our most important asset. Papa John’s will provide clear, consistent, strategic leadership and career opportunities for Team Members who (a) exhibit passion toward their work, (b) uphold our Core Values, (c) take pride of ownership in building the long-term value of the Papa John’s brand and (d) have ethical business practices.Franchisees: We will work as a team with our franchisees to create continued opportunity for outstanding financial returns to those franchisees who (a) adhere to Papa John’s proven Core Values and systems, (b) exhibit passion in running their businesses and (c) take pride of ownership in building the long-term value of the Papa John’s brand.Shareholders: We will produce superior long-term value for our shareholders.”

Additionally, Papa John’s has defined six core values to keep all Papa John’s stakeholders focused on “the main thing,” and to keep the P.A.P.A. in Papa John’s pizza restaurants and delivery no matter where they are operating. The Core Values of Papa John’s restaurants are:

Focus: We must keep The Main Thing, The Main Thing. We will consistently deliver a traditional Papa John’s superior-quality pizza.Accountability: We do what we say we are going to do when we say we are going to do it. We earn the right to hold others to a higher level of accountability by being accountable to ourselves, our customers and our business partners.Superiority: Our customer satisfaction must be consistent, quantifiable and demonstrable. At Papa John’s we expect excellence – the ‘best in its class’ in everything we do.P.A.P.A.: People Are Priority Always. Our success depends upon our ability, as a team, to work together to achieve our goals and expectations.Attitude: If you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right! The difference between winners and losers is a positive mental attitude. Our attitude is a reflection of what we value: successful team members must be upbeat, proactive and passionate about everything they do.Constant Improvement: We never stop trying to surpass our previous best. We constantly ‘Raise the Bar.’ No matter how good we are, we will always get better.

Applebee’s Restaurant Mission: One Key Aspect of the Dining Experience

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The Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurant chain’s mission focuses on one key aspect of the Applebee’s dining experience.

Applebee’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Applebee’s restaurant was opened by Bill and TJ Palmer in Atlanta, Georgia in 1980 under the name of T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs. The Palmers sold their restaurant concept to W.R. Grace and Company in 1983, and Bill Palmer then became an Applebee’s franchisee. The name of the restaurant was officially changed to Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in 1986, and Applebee’s International (APPB) became a publicly-traded company in 1989. The name of the company changed to Dine Equity (DIN) in 2008. 

Applebee’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of the Applebee’s Restaurant chain is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Vision and Values of Applebee’s

The Applebee’s mission statement, vision, and values are those of its parent company, Dine Equity, which focus Applebee’s franchisees and employees on the one key aspect of the Applebee’s dining experience that is the most important. The Dine Equity (and Applebee’s) vision is:“DineEquity unites great franchisees, brands, and team members to create the world’s leading restaurant company, one guest experience at a time.“To clarify how Applebee’s franchisees and employees will “create the world’s leading restaurant company,” Dine Equity provides these Company Values:

Integrity: We do the right thing. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.Excellence: We expect the best from ourselves and each other.Innovation: We find creative, new ways to delight our guests.Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We are responsible for our actions.Inclusion: We respect and value the diversity of others. We benefit from many points of view.Trust: We collaborate and build trust through open, honest communication.Community: We make a difference in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve.

Publix Supermarkets Mission: Customers, Stockholders and Employee Value

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The mission statement of Publix Supermarkets is built on a commitment to provide value to customers, stockholders, and employees.

Publix Grocery Store Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The Publix grocery store chain started as a single store in Winter Haven, Florida, opened in the midst of The Great Depression by the founder George W. Jenkins. From the beginning, Publix was known for its high standards of cleanliness and customer service. The Publix customer service philosophy is summed up in its commitment “to never knowingly disappoint our customers,” and its high customer service standards have been recognized by the harshest critics of all – its customers.From the beginning, Publix has also been well known for its employee-relation practices. Founder George Jenkins established a profit-sharing and employee ownership structure, and more than 80 years later, Publix is still privately owned by its employees.

Publix Corporate Headquarters

The company headquarters of Publix is located where the chain originally began in Winter Haven, Florida.

Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of Publix 

The mission statement of the Publix grocery store chain is more of a global vision statement and one that any grocery store chain in the world might have. The Publix mission statement is:”To be the premier quality food retailer in the world..”To make the Publix “mission” more real and achievable to its employees, Publix has also defined a set of “commitments” that clearly define the vision for how Publix wants to do business on a daily basis. Publix expects the commitments of all employees at all levels to be:

Passionately focused on Customer ValueIntolerant of WasteDedicated to the Dignity, Value and Employment Security of Associates Devoted to the highest standards of stewardship for our StockholdersInvolved as Responsible Citizens in our Communities.

Panda Express:Mission: Exceptional Asian Dining, Inspired Employees

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The Panda Express restaurants mission statement is about an exceptionally fast, casual Asian dining experience and the inspired employees who will create that.

Panda Express History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Panda Express was founded by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng. The first Panda Express restaurant opened in 1973 under the name Panda Inn Mandarin Cuisine in Pasadena, California. Panda Inn was a full-service restaurant, and the menu introduced Szechuan and Mandarin Cuisine to Southern California.Ten years later, the first Panda Express restaurant was opened as a fast-casual restaurant and became the quick-service Mandarin cuisine to copy. Panda Express was the first quick-service restaurant to open an outlet inside a grocery store in 1988. The first Panda Express with a drive-thru opened in 1997, and the first international Panda Express opened in Mexico in 2011.As of 2019, the Panda Express Restaurant Group operated five Panda Inn full-service restaurants and more than 2,000 Panda Express fast-casual restaurants located in 50 American states, as well as Mexico and Puerto Rico. The Panda Express Restaurant Group also owns and operates the Hibachi-San Japanese Grill restaurant chain.

Panda Express Restaurant Group Headquarters:

The headquarters of the Panda Express Restaurant Group is located in Pasadena, California, where all the Panda fun began.

Mission Statement of Panda Express 

The mission statement of the Panda Express Restaurant Group is the mission of its parent company, Panda Restaurant Group. The mission statement is equally relevant to headquarters management-level Panda Restaurant Group employees as it is to the employees who work in all three branded restaurant chains: Panda Inn, Panda Express, and Hibachi-San. The Panda mission statement is:

”Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.”

To further define how to create an “exceptional dining experience” and “inspired people,” the Panda Restaurant Group defines a list of corporate values:

Proactive: We identify opportunities.Respect/Win-Win: We treat each other with respect.Growth: For Panda to grow, we must each learn and grow.Great Operation: Great operations are a competitive advantage.Giving: We give our time and resources.

Arby’s Restaurants Mission: Six Core Values Behind Goals and Decisions

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The Arby’s mission statement is a combination of six core values that drive goals, build relationships, and guide decisions for all Arby’s employees and franchisees.

Arby’s Fast Food Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Arby’s restaurant was opened by Leroy and Forrest Raffel in Boardman, Ohio, on July 23, 1964, selling roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and iced tea. The first Arby’s franchise opened just one year later.Arby’s was purchased by Triarc Companies in 1993, and Triarc merged with Wendy’s in 1993 to become the Wendy’s Arby’s Group. In 2011, a private equity group, Roark Capital Group, purchased the Arby’s restaurant operation and separated it from Wendy’s Group. Arby’s was the first American fast food restaurant chain to introduce a lite (low-calorie) menu and also the first to ban smoking in all its company-owned restaurants in 1994.

Arby’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Arby’s restaurant chain are located in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The Mission Statement of Arby’s Fast Food Restaurants

Instead of one static mission statement, the Arby’s Group uses its Six Core Values to guide its employees and franchisees in setting goals, building relationships, and making decisions. The Six Core Values of the Arby’s Group are:

Dream Big: We believe in the unlimited potential that lies within all people, and we are committed to providing opportunities for people to achieve their dreams.Work Hard: We believe that hard work and front end effort are prerequisites for success.Get it Done: We believe that achieving positive results is the key to continued success for everyone.Play Fair: We believe that winning teams play by the Golden Rule. We treat our customers, business partners, and the team as they want to be treated - with respect.Have Fun: We believe that life is meant to be enjoyed. Success comes more quickly by having fun while working toward our objectives.Make A Difference: We believe that as a company and as individuals we have the responsibility to improve the quality of life for our employees and communities. 

Jimmy John’s Restaurants Mission: Fresh, Freaky, Fast and Fanatical

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The mission statement of the Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant chain is fresh, freaky, fast, and fanatical.

Jimmy John’s History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Jimmy John’s restaurant chain was founded by Jimmy John Liautaud. The first Jimmy John’s Restaurant was opened by 19-year-old Jimmy John in 1983 in Charleston, IL. The first Jimmy John’s menu included four different kinds of sandwiches made on fresh-baked bread and soda with no ice because founder Jimmy John couldn’t afford an ice machine. Delivery began as a marketing strategy to secure more business in a college town market.

The first franchise store was opened in 1993. In 2019 there are more than 2,800 Jimmy John’s restaurant locations in the U.S. According to the Jimmy John’s franchise prospectus, the average franchised location will gross $1.4 million, and make a net profit of more than $300,000.

Freshly baked bread, freshly sliced meats, and vegetables, high-quality condiments, quick preparation, and crazy fast delivery, have been the hallmarks of the Jimmy John’s brand from the beginning, which gives it a recognizable niche in the extremely competitive quick-service sandwich market.

The headquarters of the Jimmy John’s restaurant chain is located in Champaign, Ilinois.

Mission Statement of Jimmy John’s Restaurant Chain

Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant chain is anything but traditional, so it’s no surprise that the company doesn’t have a traditionally labeled “mission statement.” What Jimmy John’s does have are two overarching slogans that identify its brand, define its culture, and guide its employees, which fulfills the purpose of a mission statement. Those Jimmy John’s “mission” slogans are:

“freaky fast…freaky good” “Subs So Fast You’ll Freak!”

A more traditional “mission” is found in the company description that is provided to potential franchisees: 

“Our business is about simplicity, quality, speed, and delivery. The best sandwiches in the business, made with the best meats, cheese, and bread! Lightning-fast service and delivery!”

Additionally, Jimmy John’s has used one guiding principle since the beginning, which is referred to as Jimmy John’s “Golden Rule”:

”Make a deal, keep a deal.”

In terms of a sandwich restaurant franchise, “making a deal and keeping a deal” is further defined by founder Jimmy John’s “Components to the Brand,” which says:

Simple: Bottom line, we make gourmet sandwiches, and we avoid anything that complicates the process or our image.Honest: We promise an honestly good sandwich and deliver on that promise.Makes it Happen: As long as we’re fanatical about Jimmy John’s, customers will be fanatical about us.”

Safeway Supermarkets Mission: Earning Customer Loyalty in Four Ways

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The vision and mission of the Safeway corporation and Safeway retail grocery store chain is focused on customer loyalty and the four ways to earn that loyalty.

Safeway Corporation Founders Facts and Trivia

Safeway’s history extends back to 1915 when M.B. Skaggs purchased a small grocery store from his father in American Falls, Idaho. He opened 428 Skaggs stores in the next 11 years in 10 different states. In 1926 he purchased 322 Safeway (Selig) stores. Safeway’s innovations in the U.S. grocery store industry include pricing by the pound, nutritional labeling, and customer parking lots at its retail stores.

Safeway has been listed on the New York Stock exchange since 1928, and its retail grocery store brands include Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Genuardi’s, and Carrs.

Headquarters of the Safeway Corporation

The Safeway corporate headquarters are located in Pleasanton, California.

Mission and Vision of the Safeway Corporation

The mission of the Safeway corporation and the Safeway Supermarket chain begins first with a general vision that focuses its employees on building a loyal relationship with Safeway customers. The vision of the Safeway corporation is:“We earn the loyalty of the people we serve through the talents and passion of employees.“To make this vision statement more real and actionable, Safeway also provides its employees with a more specific Mission Statement which specifies the four ways in which Safeway employees work to earn that customer loyalty every day in their daily work at all levels. The Safeway Mission Statement is:​"We earn the loyalty of the people we serve by first anticipating, then fulfilling their needs with our superior-quality products, a unique shopping experience, customer-focused service, and continuous innovation, while generating long-term profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Dairy Queen Restaurant Chain Mission: Making Memories, Not Fast Food

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The mission statement of the Dairy Queen restaurant chain is about making memories, not fast food.

Dairy Queen History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

J.F. “Grandpa” McCullough and his son Alex McCullough invented the soft-service ice cream that was the primary product the entire Dairy Queen restaurant brand and concept was built around.

On June 22, 1940, the first Dairy Queen restaurant opened in Joliet, Ilinois, jointly owned by the McCulloughs and Sherb Noble. When the McCulloughs first conceptualized the idea of soft-serve ice cream, Sherb Noble was the first to test the product in his store, which then served traditional hard-frozen ice cream. Noble’s soft-serve ice cream pilot was considered successful after 1,600 servings of soft serve were dished up to his customers in just two hours.The menu at the first Dairy Queen was simply this new soft-service ice cream product, which required a specially designed and patented machine to dispense it. The first 1,400 Dairy Queen locations served soft-serve ice cream in a cone, sundaes in a cup, and take-home pints or quarts of ice cream. Dairy Queen was in business for almost a decade before introducing milkshakes, malts, and banana splits to the menu. Some Dairy Queen restaurants added hot food items to their menus.Dairy Queen became a publicly-traded company in 1972, and in May of that year, the first international Dairy Queen store was opened in Tokyo, Japan. In 1987 International Dairy Queen Inc. acquired Orange Julius. In 1986 Dairy Queen acquired the Karmelkorn chain. In 1997 Dairy Queen was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway.

International Dairy Queen Restaurant Headquarters:

The headquarters of International Dairy Queen, Inc., is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mission Statement of the Dairy Queen Restaurant Chain

Being in the restaurant business, it would seem logical that the Dairy Queen mission statement would be focused, at least in part, on food, particularly on its signature soft-serve ice cream product. But the leaders of Dairy Queen use their mission statement to focus the DQ organization, instead, on the customer experience. The Dairy Queen mission statement is:

”To create positive memories for all who touch DQ®.”

But the DQ leaders haven’t forgotten the industry that they’re in, so they have also crafted a Vision Statement that articulates their place in the global retail restaurant industry. The Vision Statement of International Dairy Queen Inc. is:

”DQ® - the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.”

California Pizza Kitchen Mission: ROCK Philosophy and 4 Success Keys

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In place of a formal mission statement, California Pizza Kitchen guides its employee team with a “ROCK Philosophy” and “Four Keys to Success.”

California Pizza Kitchen Founders Facts and Trivia

The first California Pizza Kitchen restaurant was opened in Beverly Hills, California, in 1985 by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. What defined the first California Pizza Kitchen was the hearth-baked pizzas made with global recipes and a unique combination of non-standard pizza ingredients. 

California Pizza Kitchen Restaurant Chain Headquarters

In alignment with the name of the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) chain, the CPK headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California.

The California Pizza Kitchen Mission Statement:

Instead of a formal mission statement, the California Pizza Kitchen restaurant chain has something it calls its “ROCK Philosophy,” which creates a foundation for the California Pizza Kitchen employee culture. The CPK ROCK Philosophy is:

Respect: Simply said, all voices matter, and our focus on respect ensures that all voices are heard.Opportunity: Through exciting career growth and cross-training, we’re always looking to develop and refine our top talent to drive the business and lead others.​Communication: We have an open-door policy and a culture where everyone is known on a first-name basis and always welcome to speak up.​Kindness: Kindness defines the energy and spirit of California Pizza Kitchen.

In addition to the ROCK Philosophy, California Pizza Kitchen also has Four Keys of Success that help define the CPK employee and workplace culture. The CPK Four Keys of Success are:

The First Key is our employees: we make CPK a great place to work.The Second Key is our guests: we strive to amaze every guest every time.The Third Key is our focus on sales and profit growth: it’s important for everyone to achieve financial success.The Fourth Key is community: we are deeply committed to supporting our local communities.

Jack in the Box Mission: Innovative, Customized, Anytime Food

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The Jack in the Box restaurant chain mission statement is a restaurant concept focused on innovative, customized food that’s available at any time of the day.

Jack in the Box History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Jack in the Box Restaurant was founded by Robert O. Peterson. Opened in 1951 in San Diego, California, the first Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant sold hamburgers for 18 cents, had a drive-thru with a two-way intercom, and a jack-in-the-box head on top of the building.

Although the In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain lays claim to opening the first drive-thru in the state of California, Jack in the Box claims to be the “first major hamburger chain to develop and expand the concept of drive-thru dining. Other “firsts” that Jack in the Box claims to have achieved in the fast-food niche of the U.S. restaurant industry include:

The first breakfast sandwich in 1969. (The McDonald’s Egg McMuffin was not “born” until 1972.)The first “portable salad” in 1982. (Wendy’s first offered the salad bar in its restaurants in 1979.)The first quick-serve restaurant chain “to integrate video graphics in order-confirmation displays” in 1997.The first in-store self-serve ordering kiosks in 2006.Offered the first 100-percent Sirloin Burger on a fast-food menu in 2007.

The headquarters of the Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant chain is located in San Diego, California.

Mission Statement of Jack in the Box Restaurant

Although Jack in the Box doesn’t have a published company mission statement, in its stockholders reports, it defines the Jack in the Box “restaurant concept,” which sufficiently serves as a mission statement in providing direction and vision to the employees and franchisees responsible for delivering the innovative, customized food served any time of the day, which is the promise of today’s Jack in the Box brand.

“Jack in the Box offers a broad selection of distinctive, innovative products targeted primarily at the adult fast-food consumer. Our menu features a variety of items including hamburgers, tacos, specialty sandwiches, drinks, real ice cream shakes, salads, and side items. Jack in the Box restaurants also offers guests the ability to customize their meals and to order any product, including breakfast items, any time of the day.” 

IHOP Restaurants Mission: Most Important Part of the IHOP Experience

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The International House of Pancakes restaurant chain’s mission focuses on franchisees and employees on the most important part of the IHOP experience every day.

International House of Pancakes Founders Facts

The First International House of Pancakes was opened in 1958 by Al and Jerry Lapin, and Al and Trudy Kallis in Toluca Lake, California. The company first referred to itself as IHOP as part of a marketing campaign in 1973. IHOP Corp. acquired the Applebee’s restaurant chain in 2007, and the name of the parent company changed to Dine Equity (DIN) in 2008. 

IHOP Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

IHOP headquarters are located near where its first restaurant was opened, in Glendale, California.

Vision and Values of IHOP

The IHOP mission statement, vision, and values are those of its parent company, Dine Equity, which focuses on IHOP’s franchisees and employees on the most important part of the IHOP experience every day. The Dine Equity (and IHOP) vision is:

“DineEquity unites great franchisees, brands, and team members to create the world’s leading restaurant company, one guest experience at a time.”

To clarify how IHOP franchisees and employees will “create the world’s leading restaurant company,” Dine Equity provides these Company Values:​

Integrity: We do the right thing. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.​Excellence: We expect the best from ourselves and each other.​Innovation: We find creative, new ways to delight our guests.​Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We are responsible for our actions.​Inclusion: We respect and value the diversity of others. We benefit from many points of view.​Trust: We collaborate and build trust through open, honest communication.​Community: We make a difference in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Mission: Defining the Difference in Fast Food

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Carl’s Jr. fast-food restaurant mission statement defines the competitive difference of Carl’s Jr. product and experience in a crowded fast-food market.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

Carl’s Jr. restaurants have their roots in a hot dog cart that was purchased with $311 borrowed against a Plymouth car and $15 from the savings account of Carl and Margaret Karcher in 1941 in Los Angeles, California. This first fast-food venture sold hot dogs for a dime and soda for a nickel and took in $14.75 on the first day. Less than five years later, after opening three more hot dog carts, the Karcher’s opened Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue in Anaheim, California, which was the first to have hamburgers on the menu.After founder Carl Karcher died in 1992, the company took on a new structure, with CKE Restaurants Inc. as its parent company. CKE purchased the Hardee’s fast-food chain in 1997.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Carl’s Jr. restaurants is located in Carpinteria, California, close to where the first hamburger-serving restaurant was opened.

Mission Statement of Carl’s Jr. Fast Food Restaurants

Although it is not labeled officially as a “mission statement,” this statement by Andrew Puzder, President and CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., is exactly what a good corporate mission statement should be because it defines the competitive difference of the product and the experience in a crowded fast-food market. That “mission” statement from Andrew Puzder is:”CKE’s brands, Carl-s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, “craveable” fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” - Andrew F. Puzder, President, and CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Bob Evans Restaurants Mission: Friends, Family and Being the BEST

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The mission statement of Bob Evans Restaurants is not about food, but rather about customers who are treated like friends and family and the BEST dining experience that can be created with the Bob Evans Special Touch and Brand Builders. 

Bob Evans Restaurant Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

Bob Evans Farms was founded by Bob Evans in 1948 when he began making sausage from the hogs that were raised on his farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. Bob was motivated to make the sausage to serve at a 12-stool diner that he owned in Gallipolis, Ohio. The sausage was so popular with the diners that Bob decided to focus on building a sausage-making business.

After the Bob Evans sausage business became well known, Bob opened up a 12-stool restaurant on his farm property, which he called The Sausage Shop. This original restaurant still operates today with 134 seats and is considered to be the first Bob Evans restaurant.

As of 2012, Bob Evans Farms, Inc. consisted of more than 700 Bob Evans casual dining restaurants, more than 100 Mimi’s Cafe restaurants, Bob Evans branded grocery products, and Ownes Country Sausage branded grocery products. 

Bob Evans Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and the Bob Evans casual dining restaurant chain are located in Columbus, Ohio.

Mission Statement, Values and Core Goals 

The mission statement of the Bob Evans restaurant chain focuses the Bob Evans employees and leaders on the dining customers, and how they should be treated in every interaction. The Bob Evans mission statement is:​

”At Bob Evans, we treat strangers like friends and friends like family.”

Since every employee would have their own interpretation about how to treat friends and family, Bob Evans provides further clarity with its definition of being the BEST, which is an acronym for Bob Evans Special Touch. Being the BEST means going above and beyond expectations in three key areas:

QualityServiceCleanliness

According to Bob Evans, BEST is also the sum total of embracing 8 Core Values in every action and decision. The Bob Evans Core Values are:

ConsistencyIntegritySafetyTeamworkHonestyQualitySincerityTradition

While the Core Values give guidelines for how Bob Evans employees do business, there are five core goals which are called the Bob Evans Brand Builders that provide specific guidance about specific actions that Bob Evans employees should take, which help prioritize what is most important to accomplish every day. The Bob Evans Brand Builders are:

Win Together as a TeamConsistently Drive Sales GrowthImprove Margins with an Eye on CustomersBe the Best at Operations ExecutionIncrease Returns on Invested Capital

Waffle House Mission: Uniquely Consistent People-First Experience

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The mission statement of Waffle House restaurants is all about creating a customer experience that is uniquely consistent and aligned with the belief of co-founder Joe Rogers, Sr. that people come first and food second.

Waffle House Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain was co-founded by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner in 1955 when they opened up their first Waffle House restaurant on Labor Day in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Prior to that Tom was working for the Toddle House restaurant chain, Joe was working in real estate, and the two men were neighbors.

These Waffle House co-founders wanted to create a business that had shared ownership with the management team, and Waffle House compensation was structured that way from the very beginning. It wasn’t until 1961 that Joe and Tom left their other jobs to work full-time in their Waffle House business. 

Waffle House Restaurants Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain is located in Norcross, Georgia, not far from where the first Waffle House restaurant was located, 

Mission Statement of Waffle House

Co-founder Joe Rogers, Sr. established the Waffle House business philosophy when he said, “We’re not in the food business… we are in the people business.” The Waffle House Mission Statement is aligned with that founder’s philosophy and focuses Waffle House employees on creating a people-first experience that is uniquely consistent throughout the Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain.

The Mission Statement of Waffle House

”Our mission is to deliver a unique experience to our customers through delivering great food, friendly, attentive service, excellent price, and a welcoming presence.”

Hardee’s Restaurants Mission: Vision for a Fast Food Difference

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The Hardee’s mission statement is the vision of its parent company CKE, which defines what makes Hardee’s food and dining experience different from that of its fast-food competitors.

Hardee’s Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Hardee’s restaurant was opened in 1960 in Greenville, South Carolina by founder Wilber Hardee. The first Hardee’s franchise was opened five months later, and the first international franchise location was opened in Germany that decade. Hardee’s became well known for its biscuits in the 1970s.Hardee’s acquired the Burger Chef chain in the 1980s and then CKE Restaurants, Inc. acquired the Hardee’s chain in 1997. After the CKE acquisition, the Hardee’s menu shifted to be in alignment with its new sister company, Carl’s Jr.

Hardee’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Carl’s Jr. restaurants are located in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Mission Statement of Hardee’s Fast Food Restaurants

Although it is not labeled officially as a “mission statement,” one particular statement attributed to Andrew Puzder, President and CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., on the CKE corporate website is exactly what a good corporate mission statement should be because it defines the competitive difference of the Hardee’s product and the experience in a crowded fast-food market. That “mission” statement from Andrew Puzder is:”CKE’s brands, Carl-s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, “craveable” fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” - Andrew F. Puzder, President and CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Checkers Restaurants Mission: A Guest-Obsessed Double Drive-Thru

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The Checkers mission statement differentiates the chain from all other fast-food hamburger restaurant competitors with Guest Obsessed and double-drive-thru service experiences.

Checkers Restaurant History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Jim Mattei, Mark Reed, and Herbert Brown, the first location opened in Mobile, Alabama in 1986 with the Checkers name, reportedly named after the concept of checkered taxi cabs. The first Checkers restaurant had a simple menu focused on low-priced hamburgers and combo meals. Checkers is credited for starting the “value” menu trend in U.S. fast food, and for revolutionizing the fast food concept with modular restaurants that had no dining rooms and no parking lots. Checkers claimed that each of its restaurants could serve twice as many customers in half the time at a fraction of the price of its major hamburger fast-food competitors, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King.The Checkers hamburger chain merged with another double drive-thru competitor, the Rally’s chain, in 1999.

Checker’s Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the Checker’s/Rally’s restaurant chains are located in Tampa, Florida.

Mission Statement of Checker’s Hamburger Restaurant 

In the crowded and fiercely competitive hamburger fast food niche of the U.S. restaurant industry, it’s important that the Checkers mission statement defines the Checkers restaurant difference and guides its employees and franchisees in delivering that uniquely branded Checkers restaurant difference. The Checkers mission statement successfully defines the Checkers “guest-obsessed double drive-thru” experience:​

“To serve top-quality meals at a great value with Guest-Obsessed© hospitality, speed, and accuracy at our double drive-thru lanes, and to foster a culture where employees are well-trained and well rewarded, and franchisees are supported in their endeavors to better the brand.”

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Mission: 3 Core Values to Create Great

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Papa Murphy’s mission is three common-core values which, when done consistently, create a “great” Papa Murphy’s pizza experience.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

Papa Murphy’s is the combination of two separate pizza chains, both of which were using the take-and-bake concept to sell pizzas. Papa Aldo’s was started in Hillsboro, Oregon in 1981, and Murphy’s Pizza was started in Petaluma, California in the early 1990s. In 1995, Terry Collins became a major investor in both businesses and merged them into one chain which he called Papa Murphy’s.

In 2013, Papa Murphy’s was the fifth largest retail pizza chain in the U.S. with more than 1,200 stores operating in 37 different states. In 2013 Papa Murphy’s was also recognized as one of the top three pizza restaurant chain “movers and shakers” by PizzaMarketplace.com ahead of much larger chains like Pizza Hut and Little Caesars.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chain Headquarters

Papa Murphy’s corporate headquarters is located in Vancouver, Washington.

Mission Statement of Papa Murphy’s

The mission statement of the Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizza chain is really three core values, which are simple and common not only to all pizza restaurants but to just about every company in the U.S. restaurant industry. The core values/mission of Papa Murphy’s is:

”Great quality. Great value. Great customer service.”

These core values are so basic that it might not seem that they could possibly create effective results in guiding the actions and decisions of a retail organization. But Papa Murphy’s clarifies how and why it has chosen to build its business around this simple mission in this way:

“Papa Murphy’s was built on these core values from day one, and they continue to distinguish Papa Murphy’s today. These values aren’t revolutionary, but when they’re done consistently they allow our guests to leave our stores with the best pizza and experience possible – it’s the reason we’ve been named the #1 Rated Pizza Chain. Papa Murphy’s will keep on evolving, but our foundation is set in stone.” 

Little Caesars Mission: Principles for Happy! Happy! Customers

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The Little Caesars mission statement is about Happy! Happy! and the operating principles that create them.

Little Caesars Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Little Caesars restaurant was opened in Garden City, Michigan on May 8, 1959, by husband-and-wife team Michael and Marian Ilitch, who reportedly invested $10,000 of their own money to fund their dream. Michael wanted to call the new restaurant Pizza Treat. Marian wanted to call it Little Caesars (which is how she characterized her husband). They compromised and called the first restaurant Little Caesar’s Pizza Treat. In addition to pizza, the first Little Caesars restaurant also served hot dogs, chicken, shrimp, and fish.

Little Caesars partnered with Kmart in the 1990s, opening up Little Caesars stores within the Kmart stores. Coincidentally, both the Kmart and Little Caesars chain started in Garden City.

The first Little Caesars U.S. franchise restaurant was sold in 1961, and the first Little Caesars international location was opened in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in 1969.

Little Caesars Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The headquarters of the Little Caesars pizza restaurant chain is located not far from where the chain began, in Detroit, Michigan.

Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of Little Caesars

The mission statement of Little Caesars is defined for both Little Caesars employees and Little Caesars franchisees. While both mission statements are similar and compatible, they are notably different. The mission statement provided to Little Caesars employees is:

“We Want Happy! Happy! Customers. Our mission is to provide delicious, high-quality products at an affordable price, with friendly, prompt, and courteous service.”

The separate mission statement specified for franchisees is:

“To be the best take-home pizza chain by exceeding customer expectations with extraordinary value, great tasting products, and outstanding people while providing strong returns to our stakeholders.”

To specifically define how Little Caesars expects its employees and franchisees to achieve the Little Caesars mission statement, the Little Caesars leaders have created five “Stakeholder Operating Principles”:

Customers: To develop a fun-loving and lasting relationship with every customer.Franchisees: To provide our Franchisees with value-added support and discipline.Colleagues: To train and encourage Colleagues to achieve excellence.Suppliers: To develop mutually beneficial relationships built on trust and respect.Communities: To maintain an image that is a constant source of pride and quality in our communities.

Boston Market Restaurant Mission: An Awesome Mission Not Well Defined

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The “awesome” mission statement of the Boston Market fast-casual restaurant chain is designed to create a positive dining experience but leaves a lot of room for interpretation and execution because of its broad and undefined goals.

Boston Market Founders Facts and Trivia

Arthur Cores and Steven Kolow opened the first Boston Chicken restaurant in Newton, Massachusetts in 1985. The name was changed to New Boston Chicken, Inc. when a third partner, Goerge Naddaff, joined the company. The company name was shortened to Boston Chicken, Inc. in 1992 before going public in 1993. The chain was renamed Boston Market in 1995 to reflect an expansion of the menu and the addition of other meats besides the original rotisserie chicken.

The Boston Market chain was purchased by the McDonald’s corporation in 2000, two years after the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The Boston Market chain was then sold by McDonald’s to Sun Capital Partners in 2007.

Boston Market Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Boston Market restaurants are located in Golden, Colorado.

Mission Statement and Values of Boston Market 

The mission statement of Boston Market restaurants is obviously fashioned to help create a positive dining experience for Boston Market customers. But the mission statement is worded so broadly that it leaves a lot of room for interpretation by individual Boston Market employees, and therefore, inconsistent experience for the Boston Market diner. The Boston Market mission statement is:

”To create awesome food, served quickly by warm and friendly people!!”

Some specific clarification is provided to Boston Market leaders about creating a workplace that would attract and retain the “warm and friendly people” in the Boston Market mission statement. Although not specifically labeled, these could be considered either the Boston Market workplace qualities or leadership values:

Pride: Every day we have a sense of pride about what we do.Walk the talk: We all try and ‘walk the talk,’ which could include going through the dining room, filling up drinks, picking up plates and talking with our guests.Clear Direction: Our managers set a clear direction for our teams.Career Growth: Our employees know that not only do they have a job with Boston Market, but they also know they can grow that job into a career.Fun: Most importantly, it’s fun to work at Boston Market.

Red Mango Yogurt Mission: Focus on Products With a Competitive Edge

Dkla777 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

The competitive edge for Red Mango Yogurt stores is its product offerings, and the Red Mango mission statement focuses employees on the delivery of that.

Red Mango Yogurt Stores Founders Facts and Trivia

Red Mango was founded in Seoul, South Korea by Roni Akeakamai Choo in 2002. The U.S. “founder” and Chief Concept Officer, Dan Kim, opened the first U.S. Red Mango yogurt store in 2007 in Westwood, California, near the UCLA campus.

Red Mango Headquarters

The U.S. headquarters for Red Mango is located in Dallas, Texas. The headquarters for Relay International Co., Inc. is located in Seoul, South Korea.

Mission Statement of Red Mango USA

The competitive edge of Red Mango is its product offerings, with their probiotic ingredients that are healthy and tasty at the same time. The Red Mango mission statement focuses employees on the uniqueness of the Red Mango product offerings:

“To help our customers treat themselves well with the healthiest and best tasting frozen yogurt, smoothies, beverages, and quick refreshments.”

Del Taco Restaurants Mission: A Bolder, Fresher, Better Brand

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The mission statement of the Del Taco fast food chain defines what makes Del Taco different from all other Mexican fast-food chain competitors, and guides employees about how to deliver a bolder, fresher, better restaurant brand.

Del Taco Restaurant History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Del Taco founders Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson opened the first Del Taco restaurant in Yermo, California in 1964 under the name Casa Del Taco. The menu of the first Casa Del Taco fast-food Mexican restaurant included tacos, tostadas, french fries, and cheeseburgers.

Del Taco Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the Del Taco fast-food Mexican restaurant chain is located in Lake Forest, California.

Mission Statement of Del Taco Fast Food Restaurant 

With significant competition from fast-food and fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains like Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Qdoba, the Del Taco restaurant chain differentiates itself from its competitors with a mission statement that describes how Del Taco products and employees create a uniquely branded Del Taco experience. Although it’s not specifically identified as a “mission,” the statement made to potential franchisees is:​

“With over 550 restaurants and growing, we’ve built a bolder, fresher, better brand offering unbelievable value, uncompromising quality and freshness, and a taste for every appetite and budget.”

Additionally, Del Taco defines “The Del Difference,” which includes:

Menu items are prepared to order using the freshest ingredients with no microwaves.Menu innovations that keep fans engaged and coming back for more.A combination of value-oriented offerings and premium items.A clean, welcoming atmosphere inside restaurants.Great Mexican food at a great value.

Tony Roma’s Mission: Focused on the Ultimate Goal of Guest Loyalty

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Tony Roma’s restaurant mission statement focuses its employees on what is considered to be the ultimate Tony Roma’s goal: guest loyalty.

Tony Roma’s Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Tony Roma’s restaurant was opened on January 20, 1972, in Miami, Florida by founder Tony Roma. The original menu included steaks and hamburgers. Ribs were first offered as a weekend special and were so popular that they quickly became the centerpiece of the Tony Roma’s menu.

Just four years later, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys ate at Tony Roma’s while he was in Miami for the Super Bowl, which his team lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the trip was not fully disappointing for Clint Murchison, Jr. because he liked the Tony Roma’s restaurant food so much that he purchased a big chunk of the restaurant’s U.S. franchise rights, and became the driving force behind the Tony Roma’s U.S. and international expansion. 

Tony Roma’s Restaurants Headquarters

The international headquarters of the Tony Roma’s restaurant chain is located in Dallas, Texas.

Mission Statement of Tony Roma’s 

Tony Roma’s mission statement does one thing that every good mission statement should do. It clearly defines the motivation that all employees should have behind everything they do by stating the goal that is the most important thing to the company. In this case, that ultimate goal to Tony Roma’s is guest loyalty. The Mission Statement of Tony Roma’s Restaurants is:​​

“Great Food delivered by Professional, Friendly Team Members resulting in Guest loyalty… Worldwide.”

Along with this mission statement, Tony Roma’s has identified qualities that it expects its employees to demonstrate in order to do things the “Tony Roma’s Way.” Although these qualities are not labeled as such, in essence, these PICI2 qualities could be considered service standards. Tony Roma’s PICI2 qualities are:

PassionIntelligenceCompassionIntegrityIntensity

Bojangles Restaurant Mission: Best-Tasting, Quick, Quality Chicken

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The mission statement of the Bojangles chicken-based fast-food restaurant chain is about being the best, quickest, highest quality, and friendliest choice in the highly competitive quick-service chicken restaurant niche.

Bojangles Chicken History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas, the first Bojangles Fast Food Chicken Restaurant Location opened in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first Bojangles restaurant had no seating and no drive-thru window. The Bojangles chain started as a walk-in, takeout-only restaurant. The first franchised Bojangles location opened up in 1978. In 2014, the 600th Bojangles location was opened, and the fried chicken restaurant chain reached $1 billion in historical sales.

From the beginning, Bojangles distinguished itself in the fast-food chicken niche with distinct Cajun seasonings, and menu items like freshly baked, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, dirty rice, and “Cajun pintos.” Bojangles also offers breakfast menu items all day, every day.

Bojangles Chicken Restaurant Group Headquarters

The headquarters of the Bojangles fast-food chicken restaurant chain is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Bojangles brand and concept were born.

Mission Statement of Bojangles Chicken Chain

Although not identified specifically as its “mission statement,” Bojangles specifies that employees at all levels of its organization are committed to the “Bojangles difference,” which is:

”…ensuring that our guests always get the best-tasting, highest-quality products possible, served quickly by friendly people in a clean and pleasant environment.” 

Considering the purpose of a mission statement is to focus employees on what the organization values and what makes its products and services distinct, this “Bojangles difference” commitment serves the Bojangles restaurant chain well as a mission statement.

Captain D’s Restaurants Mission: Be Best With Fresh, Honest, Quality

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The mission of Captain D’s seafood restaurant chain is its Brand Promise to be the best, which Captain D’s believes is a result of fresh, honest, and quality food.

Captain D’s Seafood Founders Facts and Trivia

The Captain D’s restaurant chain began in 1969 when Ray Danner of Danner Foods opened a Mr. D’s restaurant in Donelson, Tennessee. In 1974 Danner Foods merged with Shoney’s and then Mr. D’s restaurants were renamed, Captain D’s.

Captain D’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The headquarters of Captain D’s are located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mission Statement and Brand Promise of Captain D’s 

The mission statement of Captain D’s is referred to as its Brand Promise, and focuses on the qualities of Captain D’s products that are necessary to be the “best.” The Brand Promise of Captain D’s is:

“At Captain D’s we challenge ourselves to be the best seafood restaurant. We promise to deliver unique and fresh ingredients, prepare them honestly and with flavor, and to deliver quality.

We believe that our guests deserve great food that they can enjoy every day.”

In addition, Captain D’s has defined “The Captain’s Difference,” which is similar to the Brand Promise but written for an internal employee audience. “The Captain’s Difference” is:​

“At Captain D’s, we work hard to deliver quality seafood at competitive prices. We search the globe for the best quality seafood at the best value possible and deliver that experience to our guests in the restaurants every day.”

Stater Bros. Markets Mission: Family, Loyalty, and the American Dream

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The mission statement of Stater Bros. Markets is not focused on groceries, but rather on family, loyalty, and the American Dream.

Stater Bros. History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

The first Stater Bros. Market was opened in August 1936 in Yucaipa, California after 24-year-old twins Leo and Cleo Stater purchased it for $800 from Cleo’s boss. The company’s first slogan “The low price leader in your hometown,” was chosen because the Stater Bros. embarked on their grocery store business adventure the middle of the Great Depression.

When the U.S. entered World War II, the Stater brothers left to serve as Army Air Force pilots. In their absence, their parents ran their grocery store chain, which had grown to four retail locations. After World War II a third and younger Stater brother, Savoy, joined the business, making three Stater brothers running the Stater Bros. Markets chain.

Stater Bros. Markets Retail Headquarters

The headquarters of Stater Bros. Markets is located in San Bernardino, California.

Stater Bros. Supermarkets Corporate Mission and Values

The mission statement of Stater Bros. Markets is not focused on the groceries that the company sells or services that it provides. Rather, the Stater Bros. company mission statement focuses on how the company does business and the way that it interacts with its customers and communities. The Stater Bros. mission statement is:​

“To always offer outstanding value in our prices, high quality in all our merchandise, and friendliness in our service, so that our loyal customers and their families, the dedicated members of the Stater Bros. “family” of employees, and the communities we are privileged to serve may all share in the American Dream.”

Save Mart Supermarkets Mission: People, Passion, Shopping Experience

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The mission statement of Save Mart Supermarkets is about people, passion, and the remarkable shopping experience they can create.

Save Mart History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Mike Piccinini and his brother, Nick Tocco, the first Save Mart Supermarket opened on January 17, 1952, in Modesto, California. In addition to groceries, the first Save Mart retail store also sold pre-packaged meats, yard and garden supplies, plants, fresh-cut flowers, and gift items, which would have earned Save Mart a spot the Most Innovative Retailer list in the 1950s, if such a list existed then.

Save Mart Supermarkets Headquarters:

The headquarters of Save Mart Supermarkets is located in Modesto, California.

Save Mart Supermarkets Corporate Mission and Values

The mission statement for Save Mart Supermarkets accomplishes what a good mission statement is meant to accomplish, which is to identify what’s important, to inspire employees, and create a branded identity. The Save Mart Supermarket corporate mission statement, which is effective in its simplicity, is:

“Bringing People Together, Through Our Passion for Food and a Remarkable Shopping Experience”

Additionally, the Save Mart company provides some defined corporate values, which focus on the employees who will be responsible for delivering on the promise of the mission statement. The Values that guide decisions and actions with the Save Mart employee team are:

Our Values: Save Mart Supermarkets is committed to ensuring a quality workplace for every employee. This means treating people with dignity and respect, demonstrating trust, maintaining an inclusive work environment that values diversity and teamwork, ensuring a productive atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment, and providing a safe environment, free from injury, drug and alcohol use.Respect: Demonstrate respect and trust, value diversityOpportunity: Committed to your growth and successTeamwork: Make the employee connectionSafety: Maintain a safe workplace free from injury, drug and alcohol use

El Pollo Loco Restaurant Mission: Best Chicken and High Standards

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The El Pollo Loco fast-food restaurant chain mission statement is about serving the best chicken and doing business with the highest ethical standards.

El Pollo Loco History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founder Juan Francisco opened the first location in Mexico in 1964 with the El Pollo Loco name. The menu of the first El Pollo Loco fast-food location was focused on Mexican food. 

El Pollo Loco Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the El Pollo Loco fast-food chicken restaurant chain is located in Costa Mesa, California.

Mission Statement of El Pollo Loco Fast-Food Chicken 

The mission statement of the El Pollo Loco chicken restaurant chain is exemplary in its simplicity and clarity. But because it is oversimplified and non-specific, it could apply to any fast food restaurant chain in the world that has chicken as its main menu item. The mission statement of El Pollo Loco is:

" The primary mission of El Pollo Loco, Inc. is to serve the best chicken meal profitably.”

El Pollo Loco leaders provide employees with more specific guidance about making decisions and creating a unique El Pollo loco dining experience with its Code of Business Conduct:

Compliance with the Law: El Pollo Loco and its employees will abide by the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws and regulations and will act in such a manner that the full disclosure of all facts related to any activity will always reflect favorably upon the Company.Adherence to High Ethical Standards: El Pollo Loco and its employees will adhere to the highest ethical standards of conduct in all business activities and will act in a manner that enhances El Pollo Loco’s standing as a vigorous and ethical competitor within the business community.Responsible Business Citizenship: El Pollo Loco and its employees will act as responsible citizens in the communities where the Company does business.

Moe’s Southwest Grill Mission: Original Awesome Food, Energy

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The Moe’s Southwest Grill fast-casual restaurant chain mission statement defines the brand with awesome food, energetic service, originality, and irreverence.

Moe’s Southwest Grill History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founder Martin Sprock, then CEO of Raving Brands, opened the first location in December 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia, serving a menu of fresh, made-to-order Southwestern food. Today Moe’s differentiates itself from Mexican Restaurant competitors like Qdoba and Chipotle with all-natural chicken, grass-fed steak, organic tofu, along with vegetarian, flexitarians, kids’ and low-calorie options. The Moe’s Southwestern Grill branded experience also includes free chips and salsa and a legendary “Welcome to Moe’s” greeting for every in-store customer who walks in the door.

In 2007, Raving Brands and Martin Sprock sold a 345-unit Moe’s Southwest Grill Chain to FOCUS Brands. The first international Moe’s Southwest Grill opened in Turkey on March 8, 2011. As of 2019, there are more than 700 Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants operating in four countries.

Moe’s Southwestern Grill Headquarters

The headquarters of the Moe’s Southwest Grill is located with its parent company FOCUS Brands in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Mission Statement of Moe’s Southwest Grill 

The importance that Moe’s Southwest Grill places on its employee culture is unmistakable. Not only does Moe’s have a clearly defined Mission Statement, but it also provides its employees and franchisees with a clearly defined Vision, Purpose, and Objective:​

Our Vision: To deliver the best customizable Southwestern food and irreverent brand culture to communities around the world, making Moe’s Southwest Grill the choice restaurant for guests, franchisees, and associates.​Our Mission: To provide a one-of-a-kind experience that energizes everyone with an enthusiastic welcome, exceptional service, awesome food, killer tunes and an unforgettable time.​Our Purpose: To promote a culture that celebrates originality.​Our Objective: To create wealth, growth and personal fulfillment by living Moe’s distinct culture.

Each of these corporate statements provides a view of the “ideal” Moe’s customer and employee experience, and what Moe’s leaders and franchisees need to keep employees focused upon. Additionally, Moe’s Southwest Grill clearly defines its company values, which specifically guide franchisees and employees in their decision-making and in shaping the employee culture that is the foundation of the desired Moe’s branded customer experience. The Moe’s Guiding Values are:

Act With Integrity: We believe that all of us have the responsibility.Add Value: We believe everything we do should add value for our guests.Infuse Passion: We believe that our passion and enthusiastic welcome are the foundation of our brand.Provide Leadership: We believe great leadership establishes the foundation of our long-term success.Think Sustainability: We believe we have a social responsibility.Know & Share the Brand: We believe that our clear vision of the future is born from understanding our history.Be Yourself: We believe it is important not to take ourselves too seriously.Give Back We believe in pulling together.Have Fun: We believe that fun breeds creativity.

Fred’s Mission: Fast, Fun, and Friendly Shopping in Your Hometown

Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 

The mission of Fred’s is to be a discount shopping leader, but its vision is not about profits, it’s about people.

Fred’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first store opened in Coldwater, Mississippi by Paul Baddour and his two brothers in 1947 was called “Good Luck.” As the chain expanded, the stores were named after one of the Baddour brothers, Fred.

Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores Headquarters

The headquarters of Fred’s Discount chain is located in Memphis, TN.

The Vision of Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores

“A smile on every customer’s face!” 

The Mission of Fred’s Hometown Discount Store:

“To be the Hometown Discount Store that provides a fast, fun and friendly low-price place to shop!”

In addition to its vision and mission, Fred’s makes “promises” to its shareholders, customers, and employees: 

Fred’s Promises to Its Shareholders: To our shareholders, we promise industry-leading financial performance through extraordinary results, not just extraordinary efforts.

Fred’s Promises to Its Customers: To our customers, we promise:

Team members who are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.Great prices that are clearly marked.A fast and easy shopping experience.Well-stocked stores.A treasure hunt of unique bargains.A clean environment.

Fred’s Promises to Its Employees: To each other, we promise:

To be decisive, accountable and results-focusedTo help team members be successful.Teamwork, mutual respect, and integrity.Open communication with candor.To embrace change and to achieve sustainable solutions.

Western Sizzlin Company Mission: Relaxed, Friendly Family Dining

Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

Western Sizzlin customers enjoy a relaxed, friendly family dining because of the company’s “perspectives.”

Western Sizzlin Restaurant Chain Founder

Nick Pascarella opened the first Western Sizzlin restaurant in Augusta, Georgia in 1962. The company began franchising its restaurants four years later.

Western Sizzlin Headquarters

Western Sizzlin corporate headquarters are located in Roanoke, Virginia, and Columbus, Ohio.

Western Sizzlin’s Mission Statement

Not specifically labeled as a “mission statement, Western Sizzlin has what it calls “company perspectives” that provides the same kind of vision and purpose as a mission statement:

“Our primary goal has always been to exceed our guests’ expectations for both quality and service. Our restaurants strive to provide a relaxing, enjoyable dining experience in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.”

Dunkin’ Donuts Mission: 12 Values of Quick, Fresh, Delicious

The original mission statement for Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants was created by its founder. Today, the Dunkin’ Brands 12 Values and Principles guide franchise owners to the same quick, fresh, and delicious outcome that the founder had envisioned.

Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Dunkin’ Donuts store was opened by William Rosenberg in 1950 in Quincy Massachusetts. The first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise was opened in 1955, and today there are more than 10,000 Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in 36 states in the U.S. and 32 countries around the world. In 1990, Allied Lyons, the parent company of the Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream chain, purchased Dunkin’ Donuts, and in 2004 the name of the parent company was changed to Dunkin’ Brands.

Dunkin’ Donuts Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise, along with with the headquarters of the Dunkin’ Brands group, is located in Canton, Massachusetts.

Mission Statement of Dunkin’ Donuts Stores

The original mission statement (referred to as the “philosophy”) of Dunkin’ Donuts came straight from the founder:​

“Make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores.”

Today, because 100 percent of the 10,000+ Dunkin’ Donuts stores located around the world are franchisee-owned and operated, each individual Dunkin’ Donuts store could have its own mission statement. But as the parent company of the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, Dunkin’ Brands has 12 Values and Principles that the company believes should guide the decisions of everyone associated with Baskin-Robbins retail outlets and lead all Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees to success. The Dunkin’ Brands Values and Guiding Principles are:

• Honesty - Embrace the truth about oneself and the world.Transparency - Demonstrate openness and vulnerability.Humility - Acknowledge own mistakes and commit to learning.Integrity - Say what you think and do what you say.Respectfulness - Honor the dignity, inclusion, and diversity of others.Fairness - Do what is right based on common principles.Responsibility - Make yourself accountable to the community.

Guiding Principles

• Leadership - Responsibility with passion at every level.Innovation - Excellence in everything we do.Execution - Ownership, and accountability for results, success, and failure.Social Stewardship - Demonstration of good corporate citizenship and responsibility to all constituencies.Fun - Approach every challenge with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement. “Celebrate every step of the way!”

McDonald’s Restaurants Mission: A Common Mission With Branded Values

The mission statement of McDonald’s fast-food restaurants is a common mission for every restaurant, but the McDonald’s Values reflect the McDonald’s experience. (See the complete McDonald’s mission statement below.) It is the principles and influences of McDonald’s founders that make the McDonald’s restaurant chain the iconic American brand that it is today.

Mission Statement of McDonald’s Fast Food Restaurants

The mission statement of McDonald’s fast-food restaurants around the world is not much different from any restaurant chain.

“McDonald’s brand mission is to be our customers’ favorite place and way to eat.”

That broad and common mission statement is more clearly defined by the McDonald’s Values, which reflect the experience that customers can expect when walking into a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant no matter where it is located.

• We place the customer experience at the core of all we do.We are committed to our people.We believe in the McDonald’s System.We operate our business ethically.We give back to our communities.We grow our business profitably.We strive continually to improve.

In 2013 McDonald’s implemented a global strategy it called “Plan to Win,” which was designed to create a consistently excellent customer experience in McDonald’s restaurants. The five key facets of that McDonald’s experience were defined as being People, Products, Place, Price, and Promotion.

McDonald’s Restaurants Founders

Almost always, a company’s mission statement is a reflection of the vision and values of the person who founded the company.  In the case of the McDonald’s restaurant chain, it would be the reflection of three founders – Dick and Mack McDonald and Ray Kroc.Most people think that the McDonald’s restaurant chain was started by Ray Kroc, which isn’t exactly true. The first McDonald’s restaurant was called McDonald’s Bar-B-Que restaurant, which was opened by Dick and Mack McDonald in 1940 in San Bernardino, CA. They didn’t convert to a simple hamburger and potato chips menu until 1948. In 1949 french fries replaced the potato chips and triple thick milkshakes were added to the menu.Technically Kroc was not a “founder” at all.  But he is the man credited with “founding” the international expansion of the McDonald’s restaurant chain. The four principles that Kroc and his franchisees lived by were Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value. Kroc is the “founder” of Hamburger University, the official McDonald’s franchisee training facility that delivered mandatory training classes for the purpose of maintaining a consistent McDonald’s experience in every individual McDonald’s location around the world.

McDonald’s Restaurants Headquarters

The worldwide headquarters of the McDonald’s restaurant chain is in Oak Brook, IL, along with its training facility called Hamburger University.

Burger King Mission: Vision for Food, Speed, and Customer Experience

The founders of Burger King restaurants had a vision for their fast-food chain which included food, speed, and customer experience. The mission and commitments of Burger King today are aligned with that original vision.

Burger King Founders Facts and Trivia

The Burger King restaurant chain was started in 1953 by Matthew Burns and Keith J. Kramer in Jacksonville, Florida as the Insta-Burger King restaurant, featuring an Insta-Broiler to cook the food. In 1954 when the company was having financial problems, two franchises, James McLamore, and David Edgerton purchased the right to operate the chain and changed the name to Burger King.Once established, expansion and growth happened quickly for the Burger King restaurant chain. The Whopper was introduced in 1957, the first Burger King franchise was opened in 1959, the first Burger King international location opened in Puerto Rico in 1965, and the company was purchased by Pillsbury in 1967.

Burger King Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Burger King fast-food restaurant chain is located in Miami, Florida, where the original franchise of McLamore and Edgerton was located.

The Mission Statement of Burger King Restaurants

The vision of McLamore and Edgerton when they purchased the Insta-Burger King restaurant concept has remained the vision and mission of Burger King restaurants throughout the world and is referenced in the individual international Burger King restaurant websites. That original Burger King Vision was:

“Offering reasonably priced quality food, served quickly, in attractive, clean surroundings.”

Today in the U.S., Burger King uses “commitments” to guide its business, in addition to that original mission statement. Specifically, Burger King commitment is:

“Our commitment to premium ingredients, signature recipes, and family-friendly dining experiences is what has defined our brand for more than 50 successful years.”

Burger King corporate further defines the commitments that guide its daily business operations in its corporate governance documents:

Food: “For over 50 years, our restaurants have been serving high quality, great-tasting and affordable food around the world. Our commitment to the food we serve is what defines us as a company and is at the center of our HAVE IT YOUR WAY brand promise.“People: “We are dedicated to supporting and investing in our people – employees, franchisees, suppliers and restaurant guests – because they are the cornerstone of our business. In many different ways, we do all that we can to serve employees and guest alike.”Also, Burger King has a clear statement of “What We Believe,” which also serves as a mission statement, although not officially identified as one:

What Do We Believe? “We believe in working together with and listening to our employees, guests, business partners and the people in the communities in which we live and work. We share their concerns for our neighborhoods, educating children, preserving the environment, providing jobs and doing our part to help families eat and live better by offering more nutritious food options and promoting healthy lifestyle messages. We know we have a role to play in each of these areas.”

Subway Mission: Freshness + Customer Satisfaction = The Exceptional

The mission statement, vision, and values of Subway Sandwich fast-food restaurants focus on freshness and customer satisfaction, which creates an exceptional Subway experience.

Subway Sandwich Franchises Facts and Trivia

Subway was founded in 1965 when 17-year-old ​Fred DeLuca partnered with Dr. Peter Buck and opened the first Pete’s Subway in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Subway didn’t start franchising until 1974, when its first franchise location opened in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Subway Sandwich Restaurants Headquarters:

The international headquarters for Subway Sandwich restaurants and franchises are located in Milford, Connecticut.

The Subway Sandwich Fast Food Mission Statement

In its clarity, simplicity, and achievability, the Subway Sandwich Restaurant chain has one of the best mission statements in the U.S. restaurant industry. The Subway mission statement is:​

“Delight every customer, so they want to tell their friends – with great value through fresh, delicious, made-to-order sandwiches, and an exceptional experience.”

Subway fast-food restaurants also have a larger vision, which is the inspiration for its international restaurant operations. The Subway restaurants and franchises vision is: 

“Be the #1 Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) franchise in the world, while delivering fresh, delicious sandwiches and an exceptional experience.”

How Subway Sandwich restaurant franchisees and employees achieve the company’s mission and make the Subway vision a reality is further defined by the Subway Core Values and Philosophy:

• Family – We build our business relationships by serving each other, our customers and our communities, much as we do within our own families.Teamwork – We challenge ourselves and each other to succeed through teamwork, against shared goals and to be accountable for our responsibilities.Opportunity – We create an entrepreneurial, ever-growing SUBWAY® community, increasing the opportunity for everyone.

Chick-Fil-A Restaurants Mission: Quick Service, Positive Purpose

The mission statement of the Chick-Fil-A restaurants is the same as any other quick-service restaurant chain in the U.S., but the Chick-Fil-A corporate purpose reveals an identity and values that give meaning to the Chick-Fil-A operations.

Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The Chick-fil-A history extends back to 1946 when Truett Cathy opened up his first restaurant, which he called The Dwarf Grill, in Atlanta, Georgia. It wasn’t until 18 years later that Cathy invented what is known today as the Chick-Fil-A sandwich. Three years later, in 1967 Cathy opened a restaurant in a shopping mall named after the Chick-Fil-A sandwich he had invented.

The first free-standing Chick-Fil-A restaurant was opened in Druid Hills, Georgia in 1986. As of 2019, there were more than 2,000 Chick-fil-A restaurant locations.

The Chick-Fil-A Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Chick-Fil-A quick-service restaurant chain is located where the company has its roots, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mission Statement and Corporate Values of Chick-Fil-A 

The mission statement of the Chick-Fil-A restaurant chain is pretty much the same mission as any big or small restaurant chain in the U.S. The Chick-Fil-A mission statement is:

“Be America’s best quick-service restaurant.”It’s the Chick-Fil-A Corporate Purpose that reveals the identity and character behind the Chick-fil-A operations and gives meaning to the employees as they take actions and make decisions every day. The Chick-fil-A Corporate Purpose is:​

“To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-Fil-A.”

Starbucks Mission: Inspiration and Connection One Cup at a Time

Starbucks’ mission to “inspire the human spirit” is something that can’t be served in a cup with whipped cream.

Starbucks Coffee Founder Facts and Trivia

The first Starbucks location opened in 1971 in Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA. Eleven years later, Howard Schultz was hired by the company to be the director of retail operations and marketing. The first Starbucks with the current coffee house look and feel was opened in 1984 in downtown Seattle. Starbucks went on to change supply chain management.

Starbucks Coffee Headquarters

The Starbucks headquarters are still located in Seattle, Washington.

Starbucks Coffee Mission Statement

“Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”

To accomplish its mission, Starbucks has principles that guide all of its employees as they go about their daily business:

• Our Coffee – It has always been, and will always be, about quality.Our Partners – We always treat each other with respect and dignity. And we hold each other to that standard.Our Customers – When we are fully engaged, we connect with, laugh with, and uplift the lives of our customers – even if just for a few moments.Our Stores – It’s about enjoyment at the speed of life – sometimes slow and savored, sometimes faster. Always full of humanity.Our Neighborhood – We can be a force for positive action – bringing together our partners, customers, and the community to contribute every day.Our Shareholders - We are fully accountable to get each of these elements right so that Starbucks – and everyone it touches – can endure and thrive.

Kroger Supermarkets Mission: Being the Leader With Values

From a single store opened in 1883, Kroger is achieving its mission to “be a leader” with some clearly defined values.

The Kroger Company Founder

Barney Kroger opened a grocery store in downtown Cincinnati in 1883 by investing his life savings of $372. His “mission statement” from the beginning was:

“Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself.”

The Kroger Company Headquarters

The Kroger Company headquarters is located not far from the location of its first store in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Kroger Company Mission/Vision Statement

“Our mission is to be a leader in the distribution and merchandising of food, pharmacy, health, and personal care items, seasonal merchandise, and related products and services.“To accomplish its mission, Kroger has six values that provide guidance to its employees about how they do what they do every day. Those values are:

• Honesty - Doing the right things, telling the truth.Integrity - Living our values in all we do; unified approach to how we do business and treat each other.Respect for Others - Valuing opinions, property, and perspectives of others.Diversity - Reflecting a workplace that includes a variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures; diversity of opinions and thoughts.Safety - Watching out for others; being secure and safe in your workplace.Inclusion - Your voice matters, working together works, encouraging everyone’s involvement, being the best person you can be.

Trader Joe’s Mission: Fun, Individual Pride, and Company Spirit

The mission of Trader Joe’s grocery stores includes fun, individual pride, and company spirit, which helps create the constantly upbeat Trader Joe’s customer experience. 

Trader Joe’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Trader Joe’s opened in 1967 in Pasadena, California, and is still in operation in the same location today. Trader Joe’s started selling private label merchandise and reusing canvas bags in 1977, long before many major grocery store chains adopted these practices in the 21st century. The founder of Trader Joe’s is Joe Coulombe, who earned an MBA at Stanford University and positioned Trader Joe’s like the grocery store for “overeducated and underpaid people.”

Trader Joe’s Headquarters

Trader Joe’s was purchased by Aldi Nord in 1979, and it now has headquarters in Monrovia, California, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Trader Joe’s Mission, Vision, and Values

Trader Joe’s says its first mission statement was written in chalk, 24 years after its first store opened. The current mission statement of Trader Joe’s is more official and not as easily erasable: 

“The mission of Trader Joe’s is to give our customers the best food and beverage values that they can find anywhere and to provide them with the information required to make informed buying decisions. We provide these with a dedication to the highest quality of customer satisfaction delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, fun, individual pride, and company spirit.”

Panera Bread Mission: All About Bread at Panera Restaurants

The Panera Bread restaurant chain’s mission statement is completely bread-focused and seemingly unobtainable. But the success of the Panera chain proves that the best mission statements are less about the “statement,” and more about the “mission” that the leaders of the company embrace.

The Mission Statement and Leadership Goal of Panera Bread Restaurants (PNRA)

The published mission statement of the Panera Bread Restaurant Chain is:“A loaf of bread in every arm.“Because of its narrow focus on one product, the Panera Bread mission statement falls short is in its ability to guide employees at any level in their daily operations, interactions, and decision-making unless they are the baker of the bread, the line cook who uses the bread or the server who serves the meals that include the bread.To further clarify things, Panera also publishes its “bread leadership goal”:“With the single goal of making great bread broadly available to consumers across America, Panera Bread freshly bakes more bread each day than any bakery-cafe concept in the country.“Again with the narrow focus on its product, rather than the overall philosophy, experience, or any type of overarching purpose, the Panera Bread company mission statement seemingly fails in the ways that a traditional mission statement inspires and guides its employees.

However, the success of the Panera Bread restaurant chain in the U.S. retail industry proves that mission statements are less about the “statement” and more about the “mission” that the leaders carry out.  In the case of Panera Bread, the “mission” of its leaders comes from two different men from two different worlds and the outlook that each brought into their business world.

Panera Bread Restaurant Chain Founders Facts

The Panera Bread restaurant chain was founded by Ron Shaich and Louis Kane as Au Bon Pain Co. After acquiring the St. Louis Bread Co. chain, the Panera Bread concept evolved. In 1999 the Au Bon Pain restaurants were sold, and the company put its primary focus on growing the Panera Bread restaurants. The St. Louis Bread Co. restaurants continue to operate with the same Panera Bread concept and menu in the state of Missouri.

Panera Bread Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of the Panera Bread Restaurant chain are located in Richmond Heights, MO.

Ben & Jerry’s Mission: Product, Social, Economic Missions for Change

The mission statement of Ben and Jerry’s goes far beyond its ice cream products and retail stores and defines the company’s social and economic missions for changing the world.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Ben and Jerry’s ice cream store was opened on May 5, 1978, in Burlington, Vermont after Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield completed a correspondence course on ice cream making from the Pennsylvania State University Creamery.Ben and Jerry were born four days apart and met in junior high school. The first Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavors included Dastardly Mash, Heath Bar Crunch, Chunky Monkey, Tuskegee Chunk, and Cherry Garcia.

Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Headquarters

The headquarters of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream is located where the company first began in Burlington, Vermont.

The Mission Statement of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream

The mission of Ben and Jerry’s is really about contributing to making a positive change in the world. To do that, Ben and Jerry’s has three missions that the company strives to integrate into its daily business operations:

Ben and Jerry’s Social Mission

“To operate the Company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Ben and Jerry’s Product Mission

“To make, distribute and sell the finest quality all-natural ice cream and euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment.”

Ben and Jerry’s Economic Mission

“To operate the Company on a sustainable financial basis of profitable growth, increasing value for our stakeholders and expanding opportunities for development and career growth for our employees.”

Buffalo Wild Wings Mission: A Big Mission With How-to-Wow Directions

The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar mission statement could belong to any restaurant chain or retail company, but it’s the four how-to-wow statements that tell BWW employees how to accomplish the BWW mission in a way that is uniquely BWW.

Buffalo Wild Wings Founders Facts and Trivia

The Buffalo Wild Wings history extends back to 1982 when Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery opened a restaurant on the campus of Ohio State University which they called Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck. “Weck” referred to a type of sandwich served almost exclusively in the Buffalo, New York area consisting of roast beef and horseradish sauce on a salty bread called a kummelweck roll. There’s no official word on why the Weck was dropped from the name, and the sandwich was eventually dropped from the menu.

Buffalo Wild Wings became a publicly-traded company in 2003, and as of 2017, there were more than 1,200 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in the U.S. The first international BWW restaurant opened in Toronto, Canada in 2011.

The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Buffalo Wild Wings casual dining restaurant chain is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mission Statement of Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurants

The mission statement of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants is short and leaves no room for doubt about what is the most important thing for all employees at all levels. The Buffalo Wild Wings mission statement is:”Our mission is to WOW people every day.”

Along with this BWW mission statement are four specific how-to-wow strategies, which guide employees in their behaviors, actions, decisions, and priorities each day. The Buffalo Wild Wings how-to-wow guidelines are:

• We are Guest Driven - We will WOW our guests every day.We are Team-Focused - We will WOW our team members.We are Community-Connected - We will WOW the communities where we do business.We are Dedicated to Excellence - We will WOW our franchisees and stakeholders.

Coca-Cola Mission: 7 Values, 6 P’s, 5 Behaviors, 1 Happy Mission

It takes seven values, a vision with six P’s, and five behaviors to achieve the one mission of The Coca-Cola Company: happiness.

Coca-Cola Founders Facts and Trivia

The beverage known as Coca-Cola was invented by a pharmacist, John Pemberton, in Atlanta, Georgia in 1886. Pemberton invented the syrup and then went to nearby Jacobs Pharmacy to add the carbonated water. Customers who tasted the first batch of the new beverage responded favorably, so Jacobs Pharmacy started selling it for five cents per glass. Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, is credited for naming the drink Coca-Cola, and for creating the distinctive Coca-Cola script, which is used as the logo for both the soft drink and the company more than 131 years later.Pemberton died just two years later. Reportedly sales of Coca-Cola at that time was nine glasses per day.

Coca-Cola Company International Headquarters

The Coca-Cola Company headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, where the beverage was invented.

Coca-Cola Company Mission Statement

The mission of the Coca-Cola Company extends far beyond the manufacturing of beverage products and focuses on the impact the company wants to make on the global customers who consume the Coca-Cola beverage products. The mission statement of the Coca-Cola Company is:“To refresh the world… To inspire moments of optimism and happiness…To create value and make a difference.“Beyond its mission, the Coca-Cola company also has an official Vision to help it achieve sustainable growth. This Vision consists of six Ps:

• PeoplePortfolioPartnersPlanetProfitProductivity

In order to fulfill its vision, the Coca-Cola Company has defined six behaviors of a Winning Culture that define the attitude that it expects all Coca-Cola employees will embrace as they go about their daily work. The six winning behaviors are:

• Focus on the MarketWork SmartAct Like OwnersBe the BrandLive Our Values

One final set of guidelines that Coca-Cola provides its employee team is the seven “values” that they are expected to “live.” The values of the Coca-Cola Company are:

• LeadershipCollaborationIntegrityAccountabilityPassionDiversityQuality

Cheesecake Factory Restaurants Mission: Baking a Legacy of Excellence

The mission statement of the Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, along with its company Vision and Values, is designed to build the Cheesecake Factory brand and create a “continuing legacy of excellence.”

Cheesecake Factory Founders Facts and Trivia

The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain started first with a cheesecake recipe created by Evelyn Overton in Detroit, Michigan. Evelyn baked cheesecakes in her basement and sold them wholesale to local Detroit restaurants for more than 20 years. After her two children were grown, Evelyn and her husband Oscar decided to move their cheesecake business to Los Angeles in 1972. They opened a 700-square-foot store where they sold retail and wholesale cheesecakes. Over the next five years, Evelyn created 20 different varieties of cheesecake, and Oscar established hundreds of wholesale accounts.In 1978 the Overtons’ son, David, opened the first Cheesecake Factory restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, which had a full menu in addition to his mother’s cheesecakes and desserts. As of 2012, there are more than 150 Cheesecake Factory locations in the U.S., and the company has a licensing agreement to open 22 restaurant locations in the Middle East by 2016.

The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant Headquarters

The company headquarters of The Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain is located in Calabasas Hills, California.

Mission Statement of Cheesecake Factory Restaurants

The mission statement of the Cheesecake Factory restaurant chain lets Cheesecake Factory employees know what’s most important about their work. The Cheesecake mission statement is:”To create an environment where absolute guest satisfaction is our highest priority.”Then the company goes further with its Vision statement, which more specifically defines what the Cheesecake Factory “environment” looks, feels, smells, and tastes like to its customers. The Cheesecake Factory company vision is:“Through a shared commitment to excellence, we are dedicated to the uncompromising quality of our food, service, people, and profit, while taking exceptional care of our guests and staff. We will continuously strive to surpass our own accomplishment and be recognized as a leader in our industry.”To further clarify the unique Cheesecake Factory experience and how employees are expected to create it, Cheesecake Factory outlines six values that every Cheesecake Factory employee is expected to embrace, saying: “These values guide our behavior, bind us together, and provide a framework for making decisions – defining for us the right courses of action. We set our objectives, formulate our strategies, and judge our results consistent with these values.”

• A Passion for ExcellencePassion fuels our commitment to the endless quest for excellence.Integrity, Respect, and ResponsibilityWe are committed to doing what is right without exception.People – Our Greatest ResourceOutstanding people make it all happen – they will lead us toward the future.Service-MindednessWe are dedicated to unparalleled hospitality and genuine care of our guests.DynamicAs leaders of our Company, we must have dynamic energy and the ability to energize others.High PerformanceWe are dedicated to maximum levels of performance and productivity in all areas of our business.

In-N-Out Burger Mission: Simple Philosophy Not Easy to Serve Up

The In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain mission statement is a hamburger fast-food chain philosophy that’s simple to define, but not easy to deliver.

In-N-Out Burger History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

In-N-Out Burger was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder, with the first In-N-Out Burger restaurant location opening in 1948 in Baldwin Park, California. It served a menu of hamburgers, french fries made from fresh-cut potatoes, and drinks. The first In-N-Out Burger had no freezers or microwaves, and that is still the case in the more than 300 restaurants in the In-N-Out Burger fast-food chain today.The first In-N-Out Burger restaurant used a two-way speaker system to allow customers to order from the outside of the restaurant, instead of using the car-hop delivery service system that was the standard at the time. This made the Baldwin Park In-N-Out Burger Restaurant the first drive-thru restaurant in the state of California. 

In-N-Out Burger Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain is located in Irvine, California.

Mission Statement of In-N-Out Burger Restaurant

The mission of the In-N-Out Burger fast food restaurant chain came from the founders; it is referred to as their “philosophy.” It seems clear that the Snyders felt that the formula for creating an excellent hamburger restaurant was simple. In fact, the In-N-Out Burger philosophy/mission is so simple that it’s no different from any of In-N-Out’s fast-food competitors. But just because the In-N-Out Burger mission/philosophy is simple doesn’t mean it’s easy to serve up consistently. It is the fact that In-N-Out Burger has a reputation for delivering on the promise of its mission/philosophy that differentiates the chain from its fast-food competitors.

The In-N-Out Burger Mission/Philosophy:

“Since 1948, we have maintained a simple philosophy – serve only the highest-quality product, prepare it in a clean and sparkling environment, and serve it in a warm and friendly manner. We have built a reputation for fresh, made-to-order foods prepared and served by friendly, well-trained Associates.”

Wendy’s Company Mission: Keeping the Spirit of Dave Thomas Alive

Wendy’s employees keep the spirit of founder Dave Thomas alive by following the company’s “What We Believe” guidelines.

Wendy’s Fast Food Restaurant Chain Founder

After working directly with Colonel Harland Sanders in Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises, Dave Thomas started his own fast food franchise business in 1969, which he named after his daughter, Melinda Lou (nicknamed “Wenda,” which was how she pronounced her name as a toddler).

Wendy’s Headquarters

Wendy’s headquarters are located in the city where the company’s first restaurant was opened, Columbus, Ohio.

Wendy’s Mission Statement

Wendy’s provides its employees with “What We Believe” guidelines, which serve as both an internal mission statement and an external customer service goal. For those who put on a Wendy’s nametag, this is “What We Believe”:

• Quality Is Our Recipe - We don’t cut corners on our products, service, or employees!Treat Everyone With Respect - Be genuine and kind and lend each other a helping hand!Do the Right Thing - Honesty and integrity are rules we live by!Profit Means Growth - Teamwork is the key to our success!Give Back - Make your community better every day!

Domino’s Pizza Restaurants Mission: Being World’s Best With Culture

The Domino’s mission to be the best in the world is built around a work environment that values employee contributions and a culture of team member diversity.

Domino’s Pizza Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The history of Domino’s Pizza extends back to 1960 when brothers Tom and James Monaghan bought an existing pizza delivery business located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which was named “DomNick’s.” The company was renamed “Domino’s” in 1965.The first Domino’s Pizza International restaurant was opened in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on May 12, 1983. Domino’s Pizza is sold in more than 16,100 Domino’s Pizza restaurants located in 60+ countries.

Domino’s Pizza Restaurant Delivery Chain Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Domino’s Pizza restaurant chain is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Mission Statement, Vision and Values of Domino’s

The mission statement of the Domino’s Pizza Restaurant could be – and probably is – the mission statement of pizza restaurants small and large around the world:

”Exceptional people, all with a shared goal: to be the best pizza delivery company in the world. That’s Domino’s Pizza’s vision.”

Further explanation about what Domino’s considers to be “exceptional” in its team members and the Domino’s “vision” comes from what Domino’s refers to as its “core commitments,” which defines its employee culture:“Our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles make up the core commitments that govern our business decisions. Domino’s Pizza is committed to an inclusive culture which values the contributions of our customers, team members, suppliers, and neighbors.The cornerstones of our diversity philosophy will be clearly communicated to each team member, with a promise that we are committed to providing an environment in which:

• Team members are treated fairly.Team members are recognized and rewarded based on ability and merit for their contributions.Team members have equal access to opportunity for growth and advancement.Team members respect each other and are free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance.The management and development of our team members is recognized as crucial to the success of the business.”

PepsiCo Mission: Honesty, Fairness, Integrity and Convenient Foods

The mission of PepsiCo is about honesty, fairness, integrity and convenient foods.

PepsiCo Founders Facts and Trivia

The beverage that became known as Pepsi Cola was invented by a pharmacist, Caleb Bradham, in New Bern, North Carolina in 1893 (seven years after Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta Georgia). The name Pepsi Cola was chosen after the kola nut extract in the recipe, and after the pepsin enzyme which aids digestion, because Bradham believed his new drink had positive digestive properties, even though the recipe didn’t contain any pepsin. The Pepsi Cola Company was incorporated in 1898.Meanwhile, the Frito Company was founded by Elmer Doolin in 1932, and the H. W. Lay Company was founded by Herman W. Lay in that same year. Those two companies merged into the Frito-Lay company in 1961. When the Pepsi Cola company merged with the Frito-Lay company in 1965, PepsiCo Inc. was born.

PepsiCo Company International Headquarters

The PepsiCo company headquarters are located in Purchase, New York.

PepsiCo Mission Statement, Vision, and Purpose

The mission of PepsiCo focuses on products and performance primarily, with a few values thrown in for good measure. The mission statement of the PepsiCo Company is:“Our mission is to be the world’s premier consumer products company focused on convenient foods and beverages. We seek to produce financial rewards to investors as we provide opportunities for growth and enrichment to our employees, our business partners and the communities in which we operate. And in everything we do, we strive for honesty, fairness, and integrity.“PepsiCo has also defined a Vision for its business, which provides a less practical, and more inspiring motivation for its employees and leaders. The PepsiCo Vision is:“PepsiCo’s responsibility is to continually improve all aspects of the world in which we operate - environment, social, economic - creating a better tomorrow than today.”PepsiCo provides one more specific set of guidelines to its employee team which it calls “Performance with Purpose.” Although PepsiCo doesn’t label these guidelines as values, they do provide the “how” behind PepsiCo’s intention to “create a better tomorrow.” Performance With Purpose at PepsiCo includes:

• Human Sustainability
• Environmental Sustainability
• Talent Sustainability

Jamba Juice Mission: Personal Health and Well-Being With FIBER Values

With a healthy mission statement and a set of FIBER Values, the Jamba Juice Restaurant Chain intends to make a positive impact on planetary well-being.

Jamba Juice Founders Facts and Trivia

Jamba Juice was first called Juice Club Inc., and the first retail store was opened in San Luis Obispo, California, by founder Kirk Perron, a dedicated fitness advocate, and cyclist.

Jamba Juice Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The headquarters for the Jamba Juice fast food restaurant chain is located in Emeryville, California.

The Jamba Juice Mission Statement

Like the food and beverages it sells, the mission statement of the Jamba Juice restaurant chain is all about health and well-being. The Jamba Juice mission statement is:“Jamba! Enriching the daily experience of our customers, our community and ourselves through the life-nourishing qualities of fruits and vegetables.“To help employees understand what “enriching the daily experience of our customers” means, Jamba Juice, Inc. also has what they call their FIBER Values:

• Fun -  Smile and create a spirit of celebration for your customers. Integrity -  Demonstrate good character and encourage an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Balance - Consider the needs of customers, team members and shareholders alike. Empowerment -  Be responsive and innovative. Do whatever it takes to make your customer happy. Respect - Help each other to grow. Contribute to a vibrant and diverse community.”

Whole Foods Markets Mission: Motto, Mission, Core Values and Standards

The mission statement of the Whole Foods Markets is derived from its motto, and its core values and quality standards turn the words of the mission into real Whole Foods employee actions, which creates the Whole Foods shopping experience.

Whole Foods Markets Founders Facts and Trivia

The original Whole Foods Market store was opened in Austin, Texas, on September 20, 1980, by four people: current CEO John Mackey, Rene Lawson Hardy, Craig Weller, and Mark Skiles. Prior to that Weller and Skiles had owned a Clarksville Natural Grocery and Mackey and Hardy had owned a health food store called SaferWay, where they also lived and bathed using the kitchen’s Hobart dishwasher. Since that first opening, Whole Foods Company has acquired 15 businesses and retail chains as part of its expansion to the Whole Foods Market grocery chain that is known today.

Whole Foods Headquarters

The headquarters of the Whole Foods Company is located where the company began, in Austin, Texas.

Mission Statement of the Whole Foods Company

The mission statement of the Whole Foods Company and Whole Foods Markets begins with its motto:“Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet"The Whole Foods mission explains and defines what that motto means. This mission explanation includes: 

• Whole Foods - We obtain our products locally and from all over the world, often from small, uniquely dedicated food artisans.Whole People - We recruit the best people we can to become part of our team. We empower them to make their own decisions, creating a respectful workplace where people are treated fairly and are highly motivated to succeed.Whole Planet - We recognize the connection between our lives, our communities, and the environment.”

The Whole Foods Motto and Mission are further defined by a list of Core Values that guide the decisions and actions of employees in all job positions every day. The Whole Foods Core Values define how Whole Foods leaders and employees interact with their products, customers, employee team, shareholders, communities, suppliers, and align everyone behind the mission of improving health in general.The Whole Foods Quality Standards clearly define what’s important when making decisions about the Whole Foods product mix.

Chili’s Restaurant Mission: Chili’s Mission is Brinker’s Vision Too

The mission statement of the Chili’s restaurant chain is really the philosophy and motto of its parent company, Brinker International; they are completely aligned because they are the same.

Chili’s Grill and Bar Facts and Trivia

The first Chili’s was opened in Dallas, Texas, by Larry Lavine after becoming a chili cook-off enthusiast in 1967. Twenty-three Chili’s restaurants were acquired by Norman Brinker in 1983. The 1,000th Chili’s restaurant was opened on August 3, 2004, in Dallas, Texas.In 1991 the name of the parent company officially became Brinker International.

Chili’s Restaurants Headquarters

The Chili’s Restaurant and Brinker International Headquarters are located in Northbrook, Illinois. 

The Chili’s Grill and Bar Mission Statement

The mission statement of Chili’s Grill and Bar is really the same as its parent company, Brinker International, which is not referred to as a mission, but rather a “philosophy” and a “motto.” The Philosophy of Brinker and Chili’s is:“We believe in celebrating the differences that make a good company great, and in leveraging individual strengths to create an innovative inclusive and unified team.“The official motto of all Brinker International says everything about the tone of all Brinker International retail restaurant chains. The motto is simply:“Let’s Play Restaurant!”

Five Guys Restaurant Mission: Burgers Are the Business and the Mission

Burgers are the products, the business, and the mission of the Five Guys Burgers & Fries Restaurant Chain.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Founders Facts and Trivia

The Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant chain began with a single location in Arlington, Virginia, which was opened by Jerry Murrell and four of his sons. Today the “five guys” that lead the chain are the five Murrell brothers: Matt, Jim, Chad, Ben, and Tyler.

Five Guys Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant chain is located in Lorton, Virginia.

Mission Statement of Five Guys Burgers and Fries

The Five Guys mission statement, as simple as its menu, is aligned with the philosophy that if you’re going to sell hamburgers and french fries in a restaurant industry that is crowded with hamburgers-and-french-fries chains, you’d better do hamburgers and french fries better than anyone else. Simply stated, the mission statement of Five Guys Burgers and Fries is:

“We are in the business of selling burgers.“To expand on the obvious, the Five Guys also has a “goal”:“Five Guys goal is to sell the best quality burgers possible. To sell the best burger possible, we focus on Quality, Service, and Cleanliness.“Many customers have noticed a sign that hangs on the beverage machine at every Five Guys restaurant, which is sometimes referred to as a “mission statement,” but is really more of a Service Promise:

• You the customer are the most important visitor on our premises.You are not dependent on us; we are dependent on you. You are not an outsider in our business – you are a part of it.We are not doing you a favor by serving you –- you are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Mission: 12 Values and Principles for Success

The Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream mission statement is comprised of 12 Values and Principles for Success fashioned by its parent company, Dunkin’ Brands.

Baskin-Robbins Founders Facts and Trivia:

Baskin-Robbins was founded by brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, who each started their own ice cream shops and then merged them together to create the Baskin-Robbins concept. Irv’s ice cream store was Snowbird Ice Cream, which he opened in Glendale, California in 1945, featuring 21 different ice cream flavors. Burt’s ice cream shop was called Burton’s Ice Cream Shop, and the first one opened in Pasadena, California in 1946.In 1953 more than 40 Burton’s and Snowbird Ice Cream shops were rebranded as Baskin-Robbins 31 Ice Cream, with “31” representing a different flavor for every day of the month. Baskin-Robbins was acquired by London-based J. Lyons & Co and is now part of the Dunkin’ Brands group along with the Dunkin’ Donuts chain.

Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream is located with the headquarters of the Dunkin’ Brands group in Canton, Massachusetts.

Mission Statement of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ 

Since 100 percent of the more than 7,800 Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream stores in 50 countries are franchise-owned, each Baskin-Robbins franchise owner could have their own mission statement. But as the parent company of Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’ Brands has 12 Values and Principles that the company believes should guide the decisions of everyone associated with Baskin-Robbins retail outlets, leading Baskin-Robbins franchisees toward success. The Dunkin’ Brands Values and Guiding Principles are:Values: 

Guiding Principles

• Leadership - Responsibility with passion at every level.Innovation - Excellence in everything we do.Execution - Ownership, and accountability for results, success, and failure.Social Stewardship - Demonstration of good corporate citizenship and responsibility to all constituencies.Fun - Approach every challenge with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement…celebrate every step of the way!”

Papa John’s Pizza Mission: 4 Missions and 6 Core Values for P.A.P.A. Focus

Papa John’s has four mission statements and six core values designed to keep employees focused and to keep the P.A.P.A. in Papa John’s.

Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Papa John’s pizza restaurant opened in a converted broom closet in the back of his father’s tavern, Mick’s Bar, in 1983 in Jeffersonville, Indiana by founder John Schnatter. John sold his 1972 Z28 Camaro to buy $1,600 worth of used restaurant equipment to start his first Papa John’s Pizza location, and 37 years later he tracked that very same Camaro down and bought it back for $250,000.The first standalone Papa John’s restaurant was opened in 1985.

Papa John’s Pizza Restaurant Headquarters

Papa John’s corporate headquarters are located in Louisville, Kentucky.

Mission Statement of Papa John’s Pizza

Papa John’s has four different mission statements that apply to four different groups of Papa John’s stakeholders. Those four mission statements are:“Customers: Papa John’s will create superior brand loyalty, i.e. ‘raving fans,’ through (a) authentic, superior-quality products, (b) legendary customer service and (c) exceptional community service.Team Members: People are our most important asset. Papa John’s will provide clear, consistent, strategic leadership and career opportunities for Team Members who (a) exhibit passion toward their work, (b) uphold our Core Values, (c) take pride of ownership in building the long-term value of the Papa John’s brand and (d) have ethical business practices.Franchisees: We will work as a team with our franchisees to create continued opportunity for outstanding financial returns to those franchisees who (a) adhere to Papa John’s proven Core Values and systems, (b) exhibit passion in running their businesses and (c) take pride of ownership in building the long-term value of the Papa John’s brand.Shareholders: We will produce superior long-term value for our shareholders.”

Additionally, Papa John’s has defined six core values to keep all Papa John’s stakeholders focused on “the main thing,” and to keep the P.A.P.A. in Papa John’s pizza restaurants and delivery no matter where they are operating. The Core Values of Papa John’s restaurants are:

• Focus: We must keep The Main Thing, The Main Thing. We will consistently deliver a traditional Papa John’s superior-quality pizza.Accountability: We do what we say we are going to do when we say we are going to do it. We earn the right to hold others to a higher level of accountability by being accountable to ourselves, our customers and our business partners.Superiority: Our customer satisfaction must be consistent, quantifiable and demonstrable. At Papa John’s we expect excellence – the ‘best in its class’ in everything we do.P.A.P.A.: People Are Priority Always. Our success depends upon our ability, as a team, to work together to achieve our goals and expectations.Attitude: If you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right! The difference between winners and losers is a positive mental attitude. Our attitude is a reflection of what we value: successful team members must be upbeat, proactive and passionate about everything they do.Constant Improvement: We never stop trying to surpass our previous best. We constantly ‘Raise the Bar.’ No matter how good we are, we will always get better.

Applebee’s Restaurant Mission: One Key Aspect of the Dining Experience

The Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurant chain’s mission focuses on one key aspect of the Applebee’s dining experience.

Applebee’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Applebee’s restaurant was opened by Bill and TJ Palmer in Atlanta, Georgia in 1980 under the name of T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs. The Palmers sold their restaurant concept to W.R. Grace and Company in 1983, and Bill Palmer then became an Applebee’s franchisee. The name of the restaurant was officially changed to Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in 1986, and Applebee’s International (APPB) became a publicly-traded company in 1989. The name of the company changed to Dine Equity (DIN) in 2008. 

Applebee’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of the Applebee’s Restaurant chain is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Vision and Values of Applebee’s

The Applebee’s mission statement, vision, and values are those of its parent company, Dine Equity, which focus Applebee’s franchisees and employees on the one key aspect of the Applebee’s dining experience that is the most important. The Dine Equity (and Applebee’s) vision is:“DineEquity unites great franchisees, brands, and team members to create the world’s leading restaurant company, one guest experience at a time.“To clarify how Applebee’s franchisees and employees will “create the world’s leading restaurant company,” Dine Equity provides these Company Values:

• Integrity: We do the right thing. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.Excellence: We expect the best from ourselves and each other.Innovation: We find creative, new ways to delight our guests.Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We are responsible for our actions.Inclusion: We respect and value the diversity of others. We benefit from many points of view.Trust: We collaborate and build trust through open, honest communication.Community: We make a difference in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve.

Publix Supermarkets Mission: Customers, Stockholders and Employee Value

The mission statement of Publix Supermarkets is built on a commitment to provide value to customers, stockholders, and employees.

Publix Grocery Store Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

The Publix grocery store chain started as a single store in Winter Haven, Florida, opened in the midst of The Great Depression by the founder George W. Jenkins. From the beginning, Publix was known for its high standards of cleanliness and customer service. The Publix customer service philosophy is summed up in its commitment “to never knowingly disappoint our customers,” and its high customer service standards have been recognized by the harshest critics of all – its customers.From the beginning, Publix has also been well known for its employee-relation practices. Founder George Jenkins established a profit-sharing and employee ownership structure, and more than 80 years later, Publix is still privately owned by its employees.

Publix Corporate Headquarters

The company headquarters of Publix is located where the chain originally began in Winter Haven, Florida.

Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of Publix 

The mission statement of the Publix grocery store chain is more of a global vision statement and one that any grocery store chain in the world might have. The Publix mission statement is:”To be the premier quality food retailer in the world..”To make the Publix “mission” more real and achievable to its employees, Publix has also defined a set of “commitments” that clearly define the vision for how Publix wants to do business on a daily basis. Publix expects the commitments of all employees at all levels to be:

• Passionately focused on Customer ValueIntolerant of WasteDedicated to the Dignity, Value and Employment Security of Associates Devoted to the highest standards of stewardship for our StockholdersInvolved as Responsible Citizens in our Communities.

Panda Express:Mission: Exceptional Asian Dining, Inspired Employees

The Panda Express restaurants mission statement is about an exceptionally fast, casual Asian dining experience and the inspired employees who will create that.

Panda Express History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Panda Express was founded by Andrew Cherng and his father, Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng. The first Panda Express restaurant opened in 1973 under the name Panda Inn Mandarin Cuisine in Pasadena, California. Panda Inn was a full-service restaurant, and the menu introduced Szechuan and Mandarin Cuisine to Southern California.Ten years later, the first Panda Express restaurant was opened as a fast-casual restaurant and became the quick-service Mandarin cuisine to copy. Panda Express was the first quick-service restaurant to open an outlet inside a grocery store in 1988. The first Panda Express with a drive-thru opened in 1997, and the first international Panda Express opened in Mexico in 2011.As of 2019, the Panda Express Restaurant Group operated five Panda Inn full-service restaurants and more than 2,000 Panda Express fast-casual restaurants located in 50 American states, as well as Mexico and Puerto Rico. The Panda Express Restaurant Group also owns and operates the Hibachi-San Japanese Grill restaurant chain.

Panda Express Restaurant Group Headquarters:

The headquarters of the Panda Express Restaurant Group is located in Pasadena, California, where all the Panda fun began.

Mission Statement of Panda Express 

The mission statement of the Panda Express Restaurant Group is the mission of its parent company, Panda Restaurant Group. The mission statement is equally relevant to headquarters management-level Panda Restaurant Group employees as it is to the employees who work in all three branded restaurant chains: Panda Inn, Panda Express, and Hibachi-San. The Panda mission statement is:

”Deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives.”

To further define how to create an “exceptional dining experience” and “inspired people,” the Panda Restaurant Group defines a list of corporate values:

• Proactive: We identify opportunities.Respect/Win-Win: We treat each other with respect.Growth: For Panda to grow, we must each learn and grow.Great Operation: Great operations are a competitive advantage.Giving: We give our time and resources.

Arby’s Restaurants Mission: Six Core Values Behind Goals and Decisions

The Arby’s mission statement is a combination of six core values that drive goals, build relationships, and guide decisions for all Arby’s employees and franchisees.

Arby’s Fast Food Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Arby’s restaurant was opened by Leroy and Forrest Raffel in Boardman, Ohio, on July 23, 1964, selling roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and iced tea. The first Arby’s franchise opened just one year later.Arby’s was purchased by Triarc Companies in 1993, and Triarc merged with Wendy’s in 1993 to become the Wendy’s Arby’s Group. In 2011, a private equity group, Roark Capital Group, purchased the Arby’s restaurant operation and separated it from Wendy’s Group. Arby’s was the first American fast food restaurant chain to introduce a lite (low-calorie) menu and also the first to ban smoking in all its company-owned restaurants in 1994.

Arby’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Arby’s restaurant chain are located in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The Mission Statement of Arby’s Fast Food Restaurants

Instead of one static mission statement, the Arby’s Group uses its Six Core Values to guide its employees and franchisees in setting goals, building relationships, and making decisions. The Six Core Values of the Arby’s Group are:

• Dream Big: We believe in the unlimited potential that lies within all people, and we are committed to providing opportunities for people to achieve their dreams.Work Hard: We believe that hard work and front end effort are prerequisites for success.Get it Done: We believe that achieving positive results is the key to continued success for everyone.Play Fair: We believe that winning teams play by the Golden Rule. We treat our customers, business partners, and the team as they want to be treated - with respect.Have Fun: We believe that life is meant to be enjoyed. Success comes more quickly by having fun while working toward our objectives.Make A Difference: We believe that as a company and as individuals we have the responsibility to improve the quality of life for our employees and communities.

Jimmy John’s Restaurants Mission: Fresh, Freaky, Fast and Fanatical

The mission statement of the Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant chain is fresh, freaky, fast, and fanatical.

Jimmy John’s History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Jimmy John’s restaurant chain was founded by Jimmy John Liautaud. The first Jimmy John’s Restaurant was opened by 19-year-old Jimmy John in 1983 in Charleston, IL. The first Jimmy John’s menu included four different kinds of sandwiches made on fresh-baked bread and soda with no ice because founder Jimmy John couldn’t afford an ice machine. Delivery began as a marketing strategy to secure more business in a college town market.

The first franchise store was opened in 1993. In 2019 there are more than 2,800 Jimmy John’s restaurant locations in the U.S. According to the Jimmy John’s franchise prospectus, the average franchised location will gross $1.4 million, and make a net profit of more than $300,000.

Freshly baked bread, freshly sliced meats, and vegetables, high-quality condiments, quick preparation, and crazy fast delivery, have been the hallmarks of the Jimmy John’s brand from the beginning, which gives it a recognizable niche in the extremely competitive quick-service sandwich market.

The headquarters of the Jimmy John’s restaurant chain is located in Champaign, Ilinois.

Mission Statement of Jimmy John’s Restaurant Chain

Jimmy John’s sandwich restaurant chain is anything but traditional, so it’s no surprise that the company doesn’t have a traditionally labeled “mission statement.” What Jimmy John’s does have are two overarching slogans that identify its brand, define its culture, and guide its employees, which fulfills the purpose of a mission statement. Those Jimmy John’s “mission” slogans are:

• “freaky fast…freaky good” “Subs So Fast You’ll Freak!”

A more traditional “mission” is found in the company description that is provided to potential franchisees: 

“Our business is about simplicity, quality, speed, and delivery. The best sandwiches in the business, made with the best meats, cheese, and bread! Lightning-fast service and delivery!”

Additionally, Jimmy John’s has used one guiding principle since the beginning, which is referred to as Jimmy John’s “Golden Rule”:

”Make a deal, keep a deal.”

In terms of a sandwich restaurant franchise, “making a deal and keeping a deal” is further defined by founder Jimmy John’s “Components to the Brand,” which says:

• Simple: Bottom line, we make gourmet sandwiches, and we avoid anything that complicates the process or our image.Honest: We promise an honestly good sandwich and deliver on that promise.Makes it Happen: As long as we’re fanatical about Jimmy John’s, customers will be fanatical about us.”

Safeway Supermarkets Mission: Earning Customer Loyalty in Four Ways

The vision and mission of the Safeway corporation and Safeway retail grocery store chain is focused on customer loyalty and the four ways to earn that loyalty.

Safeway Corporation Founders Facts and Trivia

Safeway’s history extends back to 1915 when M.B. Skaggs purchased a small grocery store from his father in American Falls, Idaho. He opened 428 Skaggs stores in the next 11 years in 10 different states. In 1926 he purchased 322 Safeway (Selig) stores. Safeway’s innovations in the U.S. grocery store industry include pricing by the pound, nutritional labeling, and customer parking lots at its retail stores.

Safeway has been listed on the New York Stock exchange since 1928, and its retail grocery store brands include Vons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Genuardi’s, and Carrs.

Headquarters of the Safeway Corporation

The Safeway corporate headquarters are located in Pleasanton, California.

Mission and Vision of the Safeway Corporation

The mission of the Safeway corporation and the Safeway Supermarket chain begins first with a general vision that focuses its employees on building a loyal relationship with Safeway customers. The vision of the Safeway corporation is:“We earn the loyalty of the people we serve through the talents and passion of employees.“To make this vision statement more real and actionable, Safeway also provides its employees with a more specific Mission Statement which specifies the four ways in which Safeway employees work to earn that customer loyalty every day in their daily work at all levels. The Safeway Mission Statement is:​"We earn the loyalty of the people we serve by first anticipating, then fulfilling their needs with our superior-quality products, a unique shopping experience, customer-focused service, and continuous innovation, while generating long-term profitable growth for our shareholders.”

Dairy Queen Restaurant Chain Mission: Making Memories, Not Fast Food

The mission statement of the Dairy Queen restaurant chain is about making memories, not fast food.

Dairy Queen History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

J.F. “Grandpa” McCullough and his son Alex McCullough invented the soft-service ice cream that was the primary product the entire Dairy Queen restaurant brand and concept was built around.

On June 22, 1940, the first Dairy Queen restaurant opened in Joliet, Ilinois, jointly owned by the McCulloughs and Sherb Noble. When the McCulloughs first conceptualized the idea of soft-serve ice cream, Sherb Noble was the first to test the product in his store, which then served traditional hard-frozen ice cream. Noble’s soft-serve ice cream pilot was considered successful after 1,600 servings of soft serve were dished up to his customers in just two hours.The menu at the first Dairy Queen was simply this new soft-service ice cream product, which required a specially designed and patented machine to dispense it. The first 1,400 Dairy Queen locations served soft-serve ice cream in a cone, sundaes in a cup, and take-home pints or quarts of ice cream. Dairy Queen was in business for almost a decade before introducing milkshakes, malts, and banana splits to the menu. Some Dairy Queen restaurants added hot food items to their menus.Dairy Queen became a publicly-traded company in 1972, and in May of that year, the first international Dairy Queen store was opened in Tokyo, Japan. In 1987 International Dairy Queen Inc. acquired Orange Julius. In 1986 Dairy Queen acquired the Karmelkorn chain. In 1997 Dairy Queen was purchased by Berkshire Hathaway.

International Dairy Queen Restaurant Headquarters:

The headquarters of International Dairy Queen, Inc., is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mission Statement of the Dairy Queen Restaurant Chain

Being in the restaurant business, it would seem logical that the Dairy Queen mission statement would be focused, at least in part, on food, particularly on its signature soft-serve ice cream product. But the leaders of Dairy Queen use their mission statement to focus the DQ organization, instead, on the customer experience. The Dairy Queen mission statement is:

”To create positive memories for all who touch DQ®.”

But the DQ leaders haven’t forgotten the industry that they’re in, so they have also crafted a Vision Statement that articulates their place in the global retail restaurant industry. The Vision Statement of International Dairy Queen Inc. is:

”DQ® - the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.”

California Pizza Kitchen Mission: ROCK Philosophy and 4 Success Keys

In place of a formal mission statement, California Pizza Kitchen guides its employee team with a “ROCK Philosophy” and “Four Keys to Success.”

California Pizza Kitchen Founders Facts and Trivia

The first California Pizza Kitchen restaurant was opened in Beverly Hills, California, in 1985 by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax. What defined the first California Pizza Kitchen was the hearth-baked pizzas made with global recipes and a unique combination of non-standard pizza ingredients. 

California Pizza Kitchen Restaurant Chain Headquarters

In alignment with the name of the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) chain, the CPK headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California.

The California Pizza Kitchen Mission Statement:

Instead of a formal mission statement, the California Pizza Kitchen restaurant chain has something it calls its “ROCK Philosophy,” which creates a foundation for the California Pizza Kitchen employee culture. The CPK ROCK Philosophy is:

• Respect: Simply said, all voices matter, and our focus on respect ensures that all voices are heard.Opportunity: Through exciting career growth and cross-training, we’re always looking to develop and refine our top talent to drive the business and lead others.​Communication: We have an open-door policy and a culture where everyone is known on a first-name basis and always welcome to speak up.​Kindness: Kindness defines the energy and spirit of California Pizza Kitchen.

In addition to the ROCK Philosophy, California Pizza Kitchen also has Four Keys of Success that help define the CPK employee and workplace culture. The CPK Four Keys of Success are:

• The First Key is our employees: we make CPK a great place to work.The Second Key is our guests: we strive to amaze every guest every time.The Third Key is our focus on sales and profit growth: it’s important for everyone to achieve financial success.The Fourth Key is community: we are deeply committed to supporting our local communities.

Jack in the Box Mission: Innovative, Customized, Anytime Food

The Jack in the Box restaurant chain mission statement is a restaurant concept focused on innovative, customized food that’s available at any time of the day.

Jack in the Box History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Jack in the Box Restaurant was founded by Robert O. Peterson. Opened in 1951 in San Diego, California, the first Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant sold hamburgers for 18 cents, had a drive-thru with a two-way intercom, and a jack-in-the-box head on top of the building.

Although the In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain lays claim to opening the first drive-thru in the state of California, Jack in the Box claims to be the “first major hamburger chain to develop and expand the concept of drive-thru dining. Other “firsts” that Jack in the Box claims to have achieved in the fast-food niche of the U.S. restaurant industry include:

• The first breakfast sandwich in 1969. (The McDonald’s Egg McMuffin was not “born” until 1972.)The first “portable salad” in 1982. (Wendy’s first offered the salad bar in its restaurants in 1979.)The first quick-serve restaurant chain “to integrate video graphics in order-confirmation displays” in 1997.The first in-store self-serve ordering kiosks in 2006.Offered the first 100-percent Sirloin Burger on a fast-food menu in 2007.

The headquarters of the Jack in the Box fast-food restaurant chain is located in San Diego, California.

Mission Statement of Jack in the Box Restaurant

Although Jack in the Box doesn’t have a published company mission statement, in its stockholders reports, it defines the Jack in the Box “restaurant concept,” which sufficiently serves as a mission statement in providing direction and vision to the employees and franchisees responsible for delivering the innovative, customized food served any time of the day, which is the promise of today’s Jack in the Box brand.

“Jack in the Box offers a broad selection of distinctive, innovative products targeted primarily at the adult fast-food consumer. Our menu features a variety of items including hamburgers, tacos, specialty sandwiches, drinks, real ice cream shakes, salads, and side items. Jack in the Box restaurants also offers guests the ability to customize their meals and to order any product, including breakfast items, any time of the day.” 

 

IHOP Restaurants Mission: Most Important Part of the IHOP Experience

The International House of Pancakes restaurant chain’s mission focuses on franchisees and employees on the most important part of the IHOP experience every day.

International House of Pancakes Founders Facts

The First International House of Pancakes was opened in 1958 by Al and Jerry Lapin, and Al and Trudy Kallis in Toluca Lake, California. The company first referred to itself as IHOP as part of a marketing campaign in 1973. IHOP Corp. acquired the Applebee’s restaurant chain in 2007, and the name of the parent company changed to Dine Equity (DIN) in 2008. 

IHOP Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

IHOP headquarters are located near where its first restaurant was opened, in Glendale, California.

Vision and Values of IHOP

The IHOP mission statement, vision, and values are those of its parent company, Dine Equity, which focuses on IHOP’s franchisees and employees on the most important part of the IHOP experience every day. The Dine Equity (and IHOP) vision is:

“DineEquity unites great franchisees, brands, and team members to create the world’s leading restaurant company, one guest experience at a time.”

To clarify how IHOP franchisees and employees will “create the world’s leading restaurant company,” Dine Equity provides these Company Values:​

• Integrity: We do the right thing. We are committed to the highest ethical standards.​Excellence: We expect the best from ourselves and each other.​Innovation: We find creative, new ways to delight our guests.​Accountability: We do what we say we will do. We are responsible for our actions.​Inclusion: We respect and value the diversity of others. We benefit from many points of view.​Trust: We collaborate and build trust through open, honest communication.​Community: We make a difference in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Mission: Defining the Difference in Fast Food

Carl’s Jr. fast-food restaurant mission statement defines the competitive difference of Carl’s Jr. product and experience in a crowded fast-food market.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

Carl’s Jr. restaurants have their roots in a hot dog cart that was purchased with $311 borrowed against a Plymouth car and $15 from the savings account of Carl and Margaret Karcher in 1941 in Los Angeles, California. This first fast-food venture sold hot dogs for a dime and soda for a nickel and took in $14.75 on the first day. Less than five years later, after opening three more hot dog carts, the Karcher’s opened Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue in Anaheim, California, which was the first to have hamburgers on the menu.After founder Carl Karcher died in 1992, the company took on a new structure, with CKE Restaurants Inc. as its parent company. CKE purchased the Hardee’s fast-food chain in 1997.

Carl’s Jr. Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of the Carl’s Jr. restaurants is located in Carpinteria, California, close to where the first hamburger-serving restaurant was opened.

Mission Statement of Carl’s Jr. Fast Food Restaurants

Although it is not labeled officially as a “mission statement,” this statement by Andrew Puzder, President and CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., is exactly what a good corporate mission statement should be because it defines the competitive difference of the product and the experience in a crowded fast-food market. That “mission” statement from Andrew Puzder is:”CKE’s brands, Carl-s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, “craveable” fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” - Andrew F. Puzder, President, and CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Bob Evans Restaurants Mission: Friends, Family and Being the BEST

The mission statement of Bob Evans Restaurants is not about food, but rather about customers who are treated like friends and family and the BEST dining experience that can be created with the Bob Evans Special Touch and Brand Builders. 

Bob Evans Restaurant Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

Bob Evans Farms was founded by Bob Evans in 1948 when he began making sausage from the hogs that were raised on his farm in Rio Grande, Ohio. Bob was motivated to make the sausage to serve at a 12-stool diner that he owned in Gallipolis, Ohio. The sausage was so popular with the diners that Bob decided to focus on building a sausage-making business.

After the Bob Evans sausage business became well known, Bob opened up a 12-stool restaurant on his farm property, which he called The Sausage Shop. This original restaurant still operates today with 134 seats and is considered to be the first Bob Evans restaurant.

As of 2012, Bob Evans Farms, Inc. consisted of more than 700 Bob Evans casual dining restaurants, more than 100 Mimi’s Cafe restaurants, Bob Evans branded grocery products, and Ownes Country Sausage branded grocery products. 

Bob Evans Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The corporate headquarters of Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and the Bob Evans casual dining restaurant chain are located in Columbus, Ohio.

Mission Statement, Values and Core Goals 

The mission statement of the Bob Evans restaurant chain focuses the Bob Evans employees and leaders on the dining customers, and how they should be treated in every interaction. The Bob Evans mission statement is:​

”At Bob Evans, we treat strangers like friends and friends like family.”

Since every employee would have their own interpretation about how to treat friends and family, Bob Evans provides further clarity with its definition of being the BEST, which is an acronym for Bob Evans Special Touch. Being the BEST means going above and beyond expectations in three key areas:

• QualityServiceCleanliness

According to Bob Evans, BEST is also the sum total of embracing 8 Core Values in every action and decision. The Bob Evans Core Values are:

• ConsistencyIntegritySafetyTeamworkHonestyQualitySincerityTradition

While the Core Values give guidelines for how Bob Evans employees do business, there are five core goals which are called the Bob Evans Brand Builders that provide specific guidance about specific actions that Bob Evans employees should take, which help prioritize what is most important to accomplish every day. The Bob Evans Brand Builders are:

• Win Together as a TeamConsistently Drive Sales GrowthImprove Margins with an Eye on CustomersBe the Best at Operations ExecutionIncrease Returns on Invested Capital

Waffle House Mission: Uniquely Consistent People-First Experience

The mission statement of Waffle House restaurants is all about creating a customer experience that is uniquely consistent and aligned with the belief of co-founder Joe Rogers, Sr. that people come first and food second.

Waffle House Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain was co-founded by Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner in 1955 when they opened up their first Waffle House restaurant on Labor Day in Avondale Estates, Georgia. Prior to that Tom was working for the Toddle House restaurant chain, Joe was working in real estate, and the two men were neighbors.

These Waffle House co-founders wanted to create a business that had shared ownership with the management team, and Waffle House compensation was structured that way from the very beginning. It wasn’t until 1961 that Joe and Tom left their other jobs to work full-time in their Waffle House business. 

Waffle House Restaurants Headquarters

The company headquarters of the Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain is located in Norcross, Georgia, not far from where the first Waffle House restaurant was located, 

Mission Statement of Waffle House

Co-founder Joe Rogers, Sr. established the Waffle House business philosophy when he said, “We’re not in the food business… we are in the people business.” The Waffle House Mission Statement is aligned with that founder’s philosophy and focuses Waffle House employees on creating a people-first experience that is uniquely consistent throughout the Waffle House casual dining restaurant chain.

The Mission Statement of Waffle House

”Our mission is to deliver a unique experience to our customers through delivering great food, friendly, attentive service, excellent price, and a welcoming presence.”

Hardee’s Restaurants Mission: Vision for a Fast Food Difference

The Hardee’s mission statement is the vision of its parent company CKE, which defines what makes Hardee’s food and dining experience different from that of its fast-food competitors.

Hardee’s Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Hardee’s restaurant was opened in 1960 in Greenville, South Carolina by founder Wilber Hardee. The first Hardee’s franchise was opened five months later, and the first international franchise location was opened in Germany that decade. Hardee’s became well known for its biscuits in the 1970s.Hardee’s acquired the Burger Chef chain in the 1980s and then CKE Restaurants, Inc. acquired the Hardee’s chain in 1997. After the CKE acquisition, the Hardee’s menu shifted to be in alignment with its new sister company, Carl’s Jr.

Hardee’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Carl’s Jr. restaurants are located in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Mission Statement of Hardee’s Fast Food Restaurants

Although it is not labeled officially as a “mission statement,” one particular statement attributed to Andrew Puzder, President and CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., on the CKE corporate website is exactly what a good corporate mission statement should be because it defines the competitive difference of the Hardee’s product and the experience in a crowded fast-food market. That “mission” statement from Andrew Puzder is:”CKE’s brands, Carl-s Jr. and Hardee’s, offer distinct, “craveable” fare prepared with premium quality ingredients that meet our exacting standards. Our attention to operational excellence, guest service, and product innovation keep our guests coming back for more.” - Andrew F. Puzder, President and CEO, CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Checkers Restaurants Mission: A Guest-Obsessed Double Drive-Thru

The Checkers mission statement differentiates the chain from all other fast-food hamburger restaurant competitors with Guest Obsessed and double-drive-thru service experiences.

Checkers Restaurant History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Jim Mattei, Mark Reed, and Herbert Brown, the first location opened in Mobile, Alabama in 1986 with the Checkers name, reportedly named after the concept of checkered taxi cabs. The first Checkers restaurant had a simple menu focused on low-priced hamburgers and combo meals. Checkers is credited for starting the “value” menu trend in U.S. fast food, and for revolutionizing the fast food concept with modular restaurants that had no dining rooms and no parking lots. Checkers claimed that each of its restaurants could serve twice as many customers in half the time at a fraction of the price of its major hamburger fast-food competitors, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King.The Checkers hamburger chain merged with another double drive-thru competitor, the Rally’s chain, in 1999.

Checker’s Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the Checker’s/Rally’s restaurant chains are located in Tampa, Florida.

Mission Statement of Checker’s Hamburger Restaurant 

In the crowded and fiercely competitive hamburger fast food niche of the U.S. restaurant industry, it’s important that the Checkers mission statement defines the Checkers restaurant difference and guides its employees and franchisees in delivering that uniquely branded Checkers restaurant difference. The Checkers mission statement successfully defines the Checkers “guest-obsessed double drive-thru” experience:​

“To serve top-quality meals at a great value with Guest-Obsessed© hospitality, speed, and accuracy at our double drive-thru lanes, and to foster a culture where employees are well-trained and well rewarded, and franchisees are supported in their endeavors to better the brand.”

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Mission: 3 Core Values to Create Great

Papa Murphy’s mission is three common-core values which, when done consistently, create a “great” Papa Murphy’s pizza experience.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chain Founders Facts and Trivia

Papa Murphy’s is the combination of two separate pizza chains, both of which were using the take-and-bake concept to sell pizzas. Papa Aldo’s was started in Hillsboro, Oregon in 1981, and Murphy’s Pizza was started in Petaluma, California in the early 1990s. In 1995, Terry Collins became a major investor in both businesses and merged them into one chain which he called Papa Murphy’s.

In 2013, Papa Murphy’s was the fifth largest retail pizza chain in the U.S. with more than 1,200 stores operating in 37 different states. In 2013 Papa Murphy’s was also recognized as one of the top three pizza restaurant chain “movers and shakers” by PizzaMarketplace.com ahead of much larger chains like Pizza Hut and Little Caesars.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza Chain Headquarters

Papa Murphy’s corporate headquarters is located in Vancouver, Washington.

Mission Statement of Papa Murphy’s

The mission statement of the Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizza chain is really three core values, which are simple and common not only to all pizza restaurants but to just about every company in the U.S. restaurant industry. The core values/mission of Papa Murphy’s is:

”Great quality. Great value. Great customer service.”

These core values are so basic that it might not seem that they could possibly create effective results in guiding the actions and decisions of a retail organization. But Papa Murphy’s clarifies how and why it has chosen to build its business around this simple mission in this way:

“Papa Murphy’s was built on these core values from day one, and they continue to distinguish Papa Murphy’s today. These values aren’t revolutionary, but when they’re done consistently they allow our guests to leave our stores with the best pizza and experience possible – it’s the reason we’ve been named the #1 Rated Pizza Chain. Papa Murphy’s will keep on evolving, but our foundation is set in stone.” 

Little Caesars Mission: Principles for Happy! Happy! Customers

The Little Caesars mission statement is about Happy! Happy! and the operating principles that create them.

Little Caesars Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Little Caesars restaurant was opened in Garden City, Michigan on May 8, 1959, by husband-and-wife team Michael and Marian Ilitch, who reportedly invested $10,000 of their own money to fund their dream. Michael wanted to call the new restaurant Pizza Treat. Marian wanted to call it Little Caesars (which is how she characterized her husband). They compromised and called the first restaurant Little Caesar’s Pizza Treat. In addition to pizza, the first Little Caesars restaurant also served hot dogs, chicken, shrimp, and fish.

Little Caesars partnered with Kmart in the 1990s, opening up Little Caesars stores within the Kmart stores. Coincidentally, both the Kmart and Little Caesars chain started in Garden City.

The first Little Caesars U.S. franchise restaurant was sold in 1961, and the first Little Caesars international location was opened in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in 1969.

Little Caesars Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The headquarters of the Little Caesars pizza restaurant chain is located not far from where the chain began, in Detroit, Michigan.

Mission Statement, Vision, and Values of Little Caesars

The mission statement of Little Caesars is defined for both Little Caesars employees and Little Caesars franchisees. While both mission statements are similar and compatible, they are notably different. The mission statement provided to Little Caesars employees is:

“We Want Happy! Happy! Customers. Our mission is to provide delicious, high-quality products at an affordable price, with friendly, prompt, and courteous service.”

The separate mission statement specified for franchisees is:

“To be the best take-home pizza chain by exceeding customer expectations with extraordinary value, great tasting products, and outstanding people while providing strong returns to our stakeholders.”

To specifically define how Little Caesars expects its employees and franchisees to achieve the Little Caesars mission statement, the Little Caesars leaders have created five “Stakeholder Operating Principles”:

• Customers: To develop a fun-loving and lasting relationship with every customer.Franchisees: To provide our Franchisees with value-added support and discipline.Colleagues: To train and encourage Colleagues to achieve excellence.Suppliers: To develop mutually beneficial relationships built on trust and respect.Communities: To maintain an image that is a constant source of pride and quality in our communities.

Boston Market Restaurant Mission: An Awesome Mission Not Well Defined

The “awesome” mission statement of the Boston Market fast-casual restaurant chain is designed to create a positive dining experience but leaves a lot of room for interpretation and execution because of its broad and undefined goals.

Boston Market Founders Facts and Trivia

Arthur Cores and Steven Kolow opened the first Boston Chicken restaurant in Newton, Massachusetts in 1985. The name was changed to New Boston Chicken, Inc. when a third partner, Goerge Naddaff, joined the company. The company name was shortened to Boston Chicken, Inc. in 1992 before going public in 1993. The chain was renamed Boston Market in 1995 to reflect an expansion of the menu and the addition of other meats besides the original rotisserie chicken.

The Boston Market chain was purchased by the McDonald’s corporation in 2000, two years after the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The Boston Market chain was then sold by McDonald’s to Sun Capital Partners in 2007.

Boston Market Restaurant Chain Headquarters

The corporate headquarters of Boston Market restaurants are located in Golden, Colorado.

Mission Statement and Values of Boston Market 

The mission statement of Boston Market restaurants is obviously fashioned to help create a positive dining experience for Boston Market customers. But the mission statement is worded so broadly that it leaves a lot of room for interpretation by individual Boston Market employees, and therefore, inconsistent experience for the Boston Market diner. The Boston Market mission statement is:

”To create awesome food, served quickly by warm and friendly people!!”

Some specific clarification is provided to Boston Market leaders about creating a workplace that would attract and retain the “warm and friendly people” in the Boston Market mission statement. Although not specifically labeled, these could be considered either the Boston Market workplace qualities or leadership values:

• Pride: Every day we have a sense of pride about what we do.Walk the talk: We all try and ‘walk the talk,’ which could include going through the dining room, filling up drinks, picking up plates and talking with our guests.Clear Direction: Our managers set a clear direction for our teams.Career Growth: Our employees know that not only do they have a job with Boston Market, but they also know they can grow that job into a career.Fun: Most importantly, it’s fun to work at Boston Market.

Red Mango Yogurt Mission: Focus on Products With a Competitive Edge

The competitive edge for Red Mango Yogurt stores is its product offerings, and the Red Mango mission statement focuses employees on the delivery of that.

Red Mango Yogurt Stores Founders Facts and Trivia

Red Mango was founded in Seoul, South Korea by Roni Akeakamai Choo in 2002. The U.S. “founder” and Chief Concept Officer, Dan Kim, opened the first U.S. Red Mango yogurt store in 2007 in Westwood, California, near the UCLA campus.

Red Mango Headquarters

The U.S. headquarters for Red Mango is located in Dallas, Texas. The headquarters for Relay International Co., Inc. is located in Seoul, South Korea.

Mission Statement of Red Mango USA

The competitive edge of Red Mango is its product offerings, with their probiotic ingredients that are healthy and tasty at the same time. The Red Mango mission statement focuses employees on the uniqueness of the Red Mango product offerings:

“To help our customers treat themselves well with the healthiest and best tasting frozen yogurt, smoothies, beverages, and quick refreshments.”

Del Taco Restaurants Mission: A Bolder, Fresher, Better Brand

The mission statement of the Del Taco fast food chain defines what makes Del Taco different from all other Mexican fast-food chain competitors, and guides employees about how to deliver a bolder, fresher, better restaurant brand.

Del Taco Restaurant History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Del Taco founders Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson opened the first Del Taco restaurant in Yermo, California in 1964 under the name Casa Del Taco. The menu of the first Casa Del Taco fast-food Mexican restaurant included tacos, tostadas, french fries, and cheeseburgers.

Del Taco Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the Del Taco fast-food Mexican restaurant chain is located in Lake Forest, California.

Mission Statement of Del Taco Fast Food Restaurant 

With significant competition from fast-food and fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains like Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Qdoba, the Del Taco restaurant chain differentiates itself from its competitors with a mission statement that describes how Del Taco products and employees create a uniquely branded Del Taco experience. Although it’s not specifically identified as a “mission,” the statement made to potential franchisees is:​

“With over 550 restaurants and growing, we’ve built a bolder, fresher, better brand offering unbelievable value, uncompromising quality and freshness, and a taste for every appetite and budget.”

Additionally, Del Taco defines “The Del Difference,” which includes:

• Menu items are prepared to order using the freshest ingredients with no microwaves.Menu innovations that keep fans engaged and coming back for more.A combination of value-oriented offerings and premium items.A clean, welcoming atmosphere inside restaurants.Great Mexican food at a great value.

Tony Roma’s Mission: Focused on the Ultimate Goal of Guest Loyalty

Tony Roma’s restaurant mission statement focuses its employees on what is considered to be the ultimate Tony Roma’s goal: guest loyalty.

Tony Roma’s Restaurant Founders Facts and Trivia

The first Tony Roma’s restaurant was opened on January 20, 1972, in Miami, Florida by founder Tony Roma. The original menu included steaks and hamburgers. Ribs were first offered as a weekend special and were so popular that they quickly became the centerpiece of the Tony Roma’s menu.

Just four years later, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys ate at Tony Roma’s while he was in Miami for the Super Bowl, which his team lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the trip was not fully disappointing for Clint Murchison, Jr. because he liked the Tony Roma’s restaurant food so much that he purchased a big chunk of the restaurant’s U.S. franchise rights, and became the driving force behind the Tony Roma’s U.S. and international expansion. 

Tony Roma’s Restaurants Headquarters

The international headquarters of the Tony Roma’s restaurant chain is located in Dallas, Texas.

Mission Statement of Tony Roma’s 

Tony Roma’s mission statement does one thing that every good mission statement should do. It clearly defines the motivation that all employees should have behind everything they do by stating the goal that is the most important thing to the company. In this case, that ultimate goal to Tony Roma’s is guest loyalty. The Mission Statement of Tony Roma’s Restaurants is:​​

“Great Food delivered by Professional, Friendly Team Members resulting in Guest loyalty… Worldwide.”

Along with this mission statement, Tony Roma’s has identified qualities that it expects its employees to demonstrate in order to do things the “Tony Roma’s Way.” Although these qualities are not labeled as such, in essence, these PICI2 qualities could be considered service standards. Tony Roma’s PICI2 qualities are:

• PassionIntelligenceCompassionIntegrityIntensity

Bojangles Restaurant Mission: Best-Tasting, Quick, Quality Chicken

The mission statement of the Bojangles chicken-based fast-food restaurant chain is about being the best, quickest, highest quality, and friendliest choice in the highly competitive quick-service chicken restaurant niche.

Bojangles Chicken History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas, the first Bojangles Fast Food Chicken Restaurant Location opened in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first Bojangles restaurant had no seating and no drive-thru window. The Bojangles chain started as a walk-in, takeout-only restaurant. The first franchised Bojangles location opened up in 1978. In 2014, the 600th Bojangles location was opened, and the fried chicken restaurant chain reached $1 billion in historical sales.

From the beginning, Bojangles distinguished itself in the fast-food chicken niche with distinct Cajun seasonings, and menu items like freshly baked, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, dirty rice, and “Cajun pintos.” Bojangles also offers breakfast menu items all day, every day.

Bojangles Chicken Restaurant Group Headquarters

The headquarters of the Bojangles fast-food chicken restaurant chain is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the Bojangles brand and concept were born.

Mission Statement of Bojangles Chicken Chain

Although not identified specifically as its “mission statement,” Bojangles specifies that employees at all levels of its organization are committed to the “Bojangles difference,” which is:

”…ensuring that our guests always get the best-tasting, highest-quality products possible, served quickly by friendly people in a clean and pleasant environment.” 

Considering the purpose of a mission statement is to focus employees on what the organization values and what makes its products and services distinct, this “Bojangles difference” commitment serves the Bojangles restaurant chain well as a mission statement.

Captain D’s Restaurants Mission: Be Best With Fresh, Honest, Quality

The mission of Captain D’s seafood restaurant chain is its Brand Promise to be the best, which Captain D’s believes is a result of fresh, honest, and quality food.

Captain D’s Seafood Founders Facts and Trivia

The Captain D’s restaurant chain began in 1969 when Ray Danner of Danner Foods opened a Mr. D’s restaurant in Donelson, Tennessee. In 1974 Danner Foods merged with Shoney’s and then Mr. D’s restaurants were renamed, Captain D’s.

Captain D’s Restaurant Chain Headquarters:

The headquarters of Captain D’s are located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Mission Statement and Brand Promise of Captain D’s 

The mission statement of Captain D’s is referred to as its Brand Promise, and focuses on the qualities of Captain D’s products that are necessary to be the “best.” The Brand Promise of Captain D’s is:

“At Captain D’s we challenge ourselves to be the best seafood restaurant. We promise to deliver unique and fresh ingredients, prepare them honestly and with flavor, and to deliver quality.

We believe that our guests deserve great food that they can enjoy every day.”

In addition, Captain D’s has defined “The Captain’s Difference,” which is similar to the Brand Promise but written for an internal employee audience. “The Captain’s Difference” is:​

“At Captain D’s, we work hard to deliver quality seafood at competitive prices. We search the globe for the best quality seafood at the best value possible and deliver that experience to our guests in the restaurants every day.”

Stater Bros. Markets Mission: Family, Loyalty, and the American Dream

The mission statement of Stater Bros. Markets is not focused on groceries, but rather on family, loyalty, and the American Dream.

Stater Bros. History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

The first Stater Bros. Market was opened in August 1936 in Yucaipa, California after 24-year-old twins Leo and Cleo Stater purchased it for $800 from Cleo’s boss. The company’s first slogan “The low price leader in your hometown,” was chosen because the Stater Bros. embarked on their grocery store business adventure the middle of the Great Depression.

When the U.S. entered World War II, the Stater brothers left to serve as Army Air Force pilots. In their absence, their parents ran their grocery store chain, which had grown to four retail locations. After World War II a third and younger Stater brother, Savoy, joined the business, making three Stater brothers running the Stater Bros. Markets chain.

Stater Bros. Markets Retail Headquarters

The headquarters of Stater Bros. Markets is located in San Bernardino, California.

Stater Bros. Supermarkets Corporate Mission and Values

The mission statement of Stater Bros. Markets is not focused on the groceries that the company sells or services that it provides. Rather, the Stater Bros. company mission statement focuses on how the company does business and the way that it interacts with its customers and communities. The Stater Bros. mission statement is:​

“To always offer outstanding value in our prices, high quality in all our merchandise, and friendliness in our service, so that our loyal customers and their families, the dedicated members of the Stater Bros. “family” of employees, and the communities we are privileged to serve may all share in the American Dream.”

Save Mart Supermarkets Mission: People, Passion, Shopping Experience

The mission statement of Save Mart Supermarkets is about people, passion, and the remarkable shopping experience they can create.

Save Mart History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founded by Mike Piccinini and his brother, Nick Tocco, the first Save Mart Supermarket opened on January 17, 1952, in Modesto, California. In addition to groceries, the first Save Mart retail store also sold pre-packaged meats, yard and garden supplies, plants, fresh-cut flowers, and gift items, which would have earned Save Mart a spot the Most Innovative Retailer list in the 1950s, if such a list existed then.

Save Mart Supermarkets Headquarters:

The headquarters of Save Mart Supermarkets is located in Modesto, California.

Save Mart Supermarkets Corporate Mission and Values

The mission statement for Save Mart Supermarkets accomplishes what a good mission statement is meant to accomplish, which is to identify what’s important, to inspire employees, and create a branded identity. The Save Mart Supermarket corporate mission statement, which is effective in its simplicity, is:

“Bringing People Together, Through Our Passion for Food and a Remarkable Shopping Experience”

Additionally, the Save Mart company provides some defined corporate values, which focus on the employees who will be responsible for delivering on the promise of the mission statement. The Values that guide decisions and actions with the Save Mart employee team are:

• Our Values: Save Mart Supermarkets is committed to ensuring a quality workplace for every employee. This means treating people with dignity and respect, demonstrating trust, maintaining an inclusive work environment that values diversity and teamwork, ensuring a productive atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment, and providing a safe environment, free from injury, drug and alcohol use.Respect: Demonstrate respect and trust, value diversityOpportunity: Committed to your growth and successTeamwork: Make the employee connectionSafety: Maintain a safe workplace free from injury, drug and alcohol use

El Pollo Loco Restaurant Mission: Best Chicken and High Standards

The El Pollo Loco fast-food restaurant chain mission statement is about serving the best chicken and doing business with the highest ethical standards.

El Pollo Loco History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founder Juan Francisco opened the first location in Mexico in 1964 with the El Pollo Loco name. The menu of the first El Pollo Loco fast-food location was focused on Mexican food. 

El Pollo Loco Restaurants Headquarters

The headquarters of the El Pollo Loco fast-food chicken restaurant chain is located in Costa Mesa, California.

Mission Statement of El Pollo Loco Fast-Food Chicken 

The mission statement of the El Pollo Loco chicken restaurant chain is exemplary in its simplicity and clarity. But because it is oversimplified and non-specific, it could apply to any fast food restaurant chain in the world that has chicken as its main menu item. The mission statement of El Pollo Loco is:

" The primary mission of El Pollo Loco, Inc. is to serve the best chicken meal profitably.”

El Pollo Loco leaders provide employees with more specific guidance about making decisions and creating a unique El Pollo loco dining experience with its Code of Business Conduct:

• Compliance with the Law: El Pollo Loco and its employees will abide by the letter and the spirit of all applicable laws and regulations and will act in such a manner that the full disclosure of all facts related to any activity will always reflect favorably upon the Company.Adherence to High Ethical Standards: El Pollo Loco and its employees will adhere to the highest ethical standards of conduct in all business activities and will act in a manner that enhances El Pollo Loco’s standing as a vigorous and ethical competitor within the business community.Responsible Business Citizenship: El Pollo Loco and its employees will act as responsible citizens in the communities where the Company does business.

Moe’s Southwest Grill Mission: Original Awesome Food, Energy

The Moe’s Southwest Grill fast-casual restaurant chain mission statement defines the brand with awesome food, energetic service, originality, and irreverence.

Moe’s Southwest Grill History, Founders Facts, and Trivia

Founder Martin Sprock, then CEO of Raving Brands, opened the first location in December 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia, serving a menu of fresh, made-to-order Southwestern food. Today Moe’s differentiates itself from Mexican Restaurant competitors like Qdoba and Chipotle with all-natural chicken, grass-fed steak, organic tofu, along with vegetarian, flexitarians, kids’ and low-calorie options. The Moe’s Southwestern Grill branded experience also includes free chips and salsa and a legendary “Welcome to Moe’s” greeting for every in-store customer who walks in the door.

In 2007, Raving Brands and Martin Sprock sold a 345-unit Moe’s Southwest Grill Chain to FOCUS Brands. The first international Moe’s Southwest Grill opened in Turkey on March 8, 2011. As of 2019, there are more than 700 Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants operating in four countries.

Moe’s Southwestern Grill Headquarters

The headquarters of the Moe’s Southwest Grill is located with its parent company FOCUS Brands in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Mission Statement of Moe’s Southwest Grill 

The importance that Moe’s Southwest Grill places on its employee culture is unmistakable. Not only does Moe’s have a clearly defined Mission Statement, but it also provides its employees and franchisees with a clearly defined Vision, Purpose, and Objective:​

• Our Vision: To deliver the best customizable Southwestern food and irreverent brand culture to communities around the world, making Moe’s Southwest Grill the choice restaurant for guests, franchisees, and associates.​Our Mission: To provide a one-of-a-kind experience that energizes everyone with an enthusiastic welcome, exceptional service, awesome food, killer tunes and an unforgettable time.​Our Purpose: To promote a culture that celebrates originality.​Our Objective: To create wealth, growth and personal fulfillment by living Moe’s distinct culture.

Each of these corporate statements provides a view of the “ideal” Moe’s customer and employee experience, and what Moe’s leaders and franchisees need to keep employees focused upon. Additionally, Moe’s Southwest Grill clearly defines its company values, which specifically guide franchisees and employees in their decision-making and in shaping the employee culture that is the foundation of the desired Moe’s branded customer experience. The Moe’s Guiding Values are:

• Act With Integrity: We believe that all of us have the responsibility.Add Value: We believe everything we do should add value for our guests.Infuse Passion: We believe that our passion and enthusiastic welcome are the foundation of our brand.Provide Leadership: We believe great leadership establishes the foundation of our long-term success.Think Sustainability: We believe we have a social responsibility.Know & Share the Brand: We believe that our clear vision of the future is born from understanding our history.Be Yourself: We believe it is important not to take ourselves too seriously.Give Back We believe in pulling together.Have Fun: We believe that fun breeds creativity.

Fred’s Mission: Fast, Fun, and Friendly Shopping in Your Hometown

The mission of Fred’s is to be a discount shopping leader, but its vision is not about profits, it’s about people.

Fred’s Founders Facts and Trivia

The first store opened in Coldwater, Mississippi by Paul Baddour and his two brothers in 1947 was called “Good Luck.” As the chain expanded, the stores were named after one of the Baddour brothers, Fred.

Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores Headquarters

The headquarters of Fred’s Discount chain is located in Memphis, TN.

The Vision of Fred’s Hometown Discount Stores

“A smile on every customer’s face!” 

The Mission of Fred’s Hometown Discount Store:

“To be the Hometown Discount Store that provides a fast, fun and friendly low-price place to shop!”

In addition to its vision and mission, Fred’s makes “promises” to its shareholders, customers, and employees: 

Fred’s Promises to Its Shareholders: To our shareholders, we promise industry-leading financial performance through extraordinary results, not just extraordinary efforts.

Fred’s Promises to Its Customers: To our customers, we promise:

• Team members who are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.Great prices that are clearly marked.A fast and easy shopping experience.Well-stocked stores.A treasure hunt of unique bargains.A clean environment.

Fred’s Promises to Its Employees: To each other, we promise:

• To be decisive, accountable and results-focusedTo help team members be successful.Teamwork, mutual respect, and integrity.Open communication with candor.To embrace change and to achieve sustainable solutions.

Western Sizzlin Company Mission: Relaxed, Friendly Family Dining

Western Sizzlin customers enjoy a relaxed, friendly family dining because of the company’s “perspectives.”

Western Sizzlin Restaurant Chain Founder

Nick Pascarella opened the first Western Sizzlin restaurant in Augusta, Georgia in 1962. The company began franchising its restaurants four years later.

Western Sizzlin Headquarters

Western Sizzlin corporate headquarters are located in Roanoke, Virginia, and Columbus, Ohio.

Western Sizzlin’s Mission Statement

Not specifically labeled as a “mission statement, Western Sizzlin has what it calls “company perspectives” that provides the same kind of vision and purpose as a mission statement:

“Our primary goal has always been to exceed our guests’ expectations for both quality and service. Our restaurants strive to provide a relaxing, enjoyable dining experience in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.”