The Faces Behind Taziki's: How People Power Our Mediterranean Success Story
When prospective franchise partners ask what sets Taziki's apart in the competitive fast-casual landscape, we always start with the same answer: our people.
Yes, our Mediterranean-inspired menu delights guests from Birmingham to Des Moines. Our operational systems and technology stack rival any franchise in the industry. But at the end of the day, Taziki's success comes down to the remarkable humans who embody our mission of combining fresh Mediterranean fare with meaningful human connection.
A Foundation Built on Authentic Hospitality
The Taziki's story begins with Keith and Amy Richardson's transformative trip to Greece in 1997. But it wasn't just the flavors that inspired them—it was the hospitality.
"In those Greek cafes, we experienced something special," Keith recalls. "We were greeted at the door by the owners and made to feel like part of the family. That level of hospitality became the foundation of everything we built."
Twenty-seven years later, that same spirit permeates every Taziki's location. It's evident in how our corporate team supports franchise partners, how our franchise partners serve their communities, and how team members at every level embrace our culture compass: Connection, Challenge, Collaboration, Details, and Fresh.
Leadership That Walks the Walk
Dan Simpson, Chief Executive Officer
9 years with Taziki's
Dan joined Taziki's with a vision for scaling authentic hospitality without losing the personal touch that makes each location special. Under his leadership, Taziki's has expanded strategically while maintaining the quality and community focus that defines our brand.
"Every successful restaurant company today has to have three things: great food, great people, and great technology," Dan notes. "But what makes Taziki's special is how we integrate these elements to create genuine community connections."
Julie Wade, Senior Director of Marketing
4 years with Taziki's
Julie's marketing approach reflects Taziki's commitment to authenticity. Rather than flashy campaigns, she focuses on community-driven initiatives that showcase how Taziki's becomes an extension of customers' kitchens.
"Taziki's is well-positioned to be best in class for technology," Julie explains. "From our TikTok presence to our proprietary app, we balance high-touch community connection with cutting-edge digital solutions."
Lynn Edwards, VP of Human Resources & People Operations
2 years with Taziki's
Lynn champions our "Hire Right, Train Right, Treat Right" philosophy, ensuring that every team member—from corporate to cafe—has the tools and support needed to thrive.
"Hospitality is at the heart of our business," Lynn emphasizes. "We hire people who understand that every time you dine at a Taziki's, you should feel that every time you dine at a Taziki's, you should feel part of something special."
Franchise Partners: The Heart of Our Success
While our corporate team provides the foundation, our franchise partners bring Taziki's to life in communities across America. Their stories showcase what's possible when passionate entrepreneurs partner with a proven system.
Success in Music City: Armando Perez, Nashville
Armando's Nashville location exemplifies how Taziki's franchise partners become community leaders. His focus on local sourcing and community engagement has created a gathering place that extends far beyond meals.
Arkansas Excellence: Jake Keet
Jake's Arkansas operations demonstrate the scalability of the Taziki's model while maintaining the personal touch that makes each location special.
The Culture That Drives Results
What unites everyone in the Taziki's family—from founders to franchise partners to front-line team members—is our shared commitment to our five core values:
Connection: Creating environments where meaningful relationships flourish
Challenge: Continuously improving and pushing boundaries
Collaboration: Working together to achieve shared goals
Details: Caring about the small things that make big differences
Fresh: Staying innovative while honoring our authentic roots
This culture translates directly into business results. Our franchise partners report strong unit economics, community loyalty, and personal satisfaction that comes from building something meaningful.
Technology That Enhances, Never Replaces, Human Connection
Taziki's commitment to innovation includes best-in-class technology through our Restaurant365 platform, proprietary mobile app, and data-driven decision making. But technology always serves our ultimate goal: creating more opportunities for genuine human connection.
"Every successful restaurant company today has to have three things: great food, great people, and great technology," reflects CEO Dan Simpson. "At Taziki's, we've mastered the integration."
Join Our Growing Family
As we continue expanding across America, we're actively seeking franchise partners who share our values and vision. We look for individuals who understand that successful restaurants aren't just about serving food—they're about serving communities.
Recent grand openings in South Carolina, San Antonio, and Des Moines demonstrate the growing demand for the Taziki's experience. Each new location represents not just business expansion, but community enhancement.
Ready to learn more about becoming part of the Taziki's success story?
Contact Alex Garmezy, Senior Director of Market Development, at (205) 855-2654 or schedule a discovery call to explore opportunities in your market.