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Detroit 75 Will Never Franchise & This is Why

I will never franchise my restaurant, and here’s why.

This place is special, and that’s exactly how I want it to stay. Think about it; how many incredible small businesses have gone to sh*t as soon as they franchise or are bought up by a big corporation? Once big money gets involved, the priority becomes maximizing profits, starting with the quality of the products and service. And that goes for all kinds of businesses, not just restaurants.

People tell me all the time how much money I’m leaving on the table by refusing to franchise, and maybe they’re right. But the fact of the matter is that franchising will cost the soul of Detroit 75 Kitchen, and no amount of money is worth that— not to me. 

At the end of the day, I would rather be the guy who turned down a few extra bucks than just another sellout. 

– Chef Mike

#realtalk #businessmindset #franchise #sellout

43 Comments

  1. Amen my Brother… I design bespoke/premium confectionary and ice cream by profession. The offers for high-end outlet venues and collaborations never ends… lately, the suggestion- and pressure to franchise what I create for my store is almost overwhelming!

    Thank you, you helped me make up my mind Mike!

  2. Your brand might not lose its soul, but you will one day. If you came down with lung cancer tomorrow from all that cinematic smoking, somebody else will have to run the place. Think of the future of the business.

  3. I had plans to come to your new place when the Gordie Howe bridge opens, and I won't get sent to a detention center. Until then, I will drool via your channel. 🙂 Friends.

  4. I like the way you think! Lately the food has become horrible no one cares why they put out. You and the staff are amazing!

  5. Bravo ! I love the small hometown feel of diners no matter where I travel. I say, excel in your trade and push out the franchise

  6. There is a real sense of accomplishment in doing good things well, and you can't buy that with money.

  7. When colonel Saunders sold his franchise, the first thing the new owners did was change the recipe to use cheaper ingredients. MacDonalds franchises started to use fillers in their patties and powdered milkshake mixes- a macDonalds burger has more in common with a yoga mat than a home made burger.

  8. I worked for Old Chicago's when only 2 locations existed.

    It was one of the best kitchens I ever worked in.

    Then I worked for them again after they grew and went public.
    All of the things that made it great were gone.
    🤷‍♂️

  9. Yep why give what you’ve built to a cookie cutter corporation who will gut quality for profit? This is why it’s so important to support local business always.

  10. Humans with integrity do still exist. Thank you for showing us. May God continue to bless you. ❤

  11. If I ever get to Detroit, I'm coming to see you. I live in the southwest, but I've benefited from from the excellent marinades and rubs and other things that you've shared. I think you're exactly right. I believe the only places that will survive, are the places is created with love and loved by the community places that understand the valueof real food places who understand the value of the people that work there my hands off to you.

  12. Yes chef. I agree. The whole business is what your business is about. Your Staff,Fresh ingredients,Great customer service. Quality. Homemade food and sauce options. G.

  13. So true tho. When you go to the heart and soul of a place….ITS UNLIKE ANY OTHER! The compassion, integrity, wholesome customer service, and good business MATTERS!!! ITS LITERALLY THE CORE OF GOOD BUSINESS!!

  14. This guys passions and authenticity makes me want to go to his restaurant. We need more owners that ain’t just about a dollar bill! 🙌🏾

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