A little over four years ago, on a clear, sunny day in Sacramento, California, a TV news crew pulled up to a Chick-fil-A at the corner of a busy intersection. An American flag fluttered on a pole in the parking lot, and palm trees swayed above the Ford dealership across the street. The crew was there for a feel-good story.
“Imagine making $17 an hour working at a fast-food restaurant, a local ABC anchor said, introducing the segment. “And you'd get sick time, personal days, vacation days. Well, that is going to be the reality for one Chick-fil-A here in Sacramento.
The protagonist of this happy tale was Eric Mason, the operator of the Chick-fil-A in question. A former baseball player, Mason has a dense, athletic build, with a clean-shaven head and expressive brown eyes. “They're trying to survive,” he said of his employees at the time. “When we go to the living wage, we're looking for people trying to raise families and improve their lifestyles.
In news clips from that day, Mason can be seen working the register in an Oxford button-down, bustling to tables with trays of chicken sandwiches and chatting up customers. “Enjoy!” he says, doling out fresh waffle fries to a party of teens. He is the picture of confidence, and competence.
But looking back on that moment, he admits, I was scared. I was super scared. I didn't know if it was going to work entirely.”
This story is from the June 2022 edition of Entrepreneur.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2022 edition of Entrepreneur.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why Small Businesses Can't Afford to Grow
Big companies take a long time to pay their suppliers. Sometimes, so long that the supplier goes out of business. Two entrepreneurs wanted to find out why this system is so broken-and wound up creating a solution.
MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER
For small, independent businesses, loyal patrons are benefactors, protectors, muses, and mascots. They make sure the show goes on. Here, three business owners celebrate an irreplaceable member of their community.
Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?
We don't give ourselves enough credit for trying. So let's start doing it right now.
He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales
When Jeffrey Bell gave up horse training to buy a Floor Coverings International franchise, he wanted to get out ahead of his new pack. To do that, he had to learn to delegate.
How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller
After competing in two Olympics, Cammile Adams dove headfirst into her second career - and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.
How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You
There are a lot of great brands out there. But that doesn't mean they're all a great fit.
Serving the Underserved
When Dennis Johnson opened a Pizza Ranch in Minnesota, he hoped to serve the nearby Native American communities in more ways than one.
When Life Is Preparation
Vanesa Ellis was no expert on mosquitoes or lawn care. But as it turns out, something else made her the perfect fit for two home-care franchise brands.
Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.
Here are five reasons why franchise ownership could be the right fit for you.
WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER
For mom-and-pop business owners, just as inflation calms in one area of operations, it rears its head somewhere else. The best way to stay on top of it, experts say, is to stay flexible.
