long-standing , passionate career . “ I opened the third FGR location when we were still a very small company ,” he explains . “ The timing of which , arguably led to me becoming our first director of operations , and ultimately a partner . My quest has always been to work out how we continue to do what we do , while striving to do it better . I ’ m not big on blame . Mistakes are a key part of learning , and I always say ‘ don ’ t let a good screw up go to waste .’
“ Another key focus of ours , is supporting our people through their personal growth and development . This could mean they are promoted from a server to a manager , or a cook to a chef . It could also mean that they develop away from the industry by putting themselves through nursing school . The latter is equally rewarding , when a decade later somebody comes back with their family to share the place that played a key role in their formative years . I love that aspect of our industry , people achieve their dreams both inside and outside of restaurant walls , so we are purposeful in helping them succeed . We strongly believe that if you are growing your employees , the business will flourish around them .”
The emphasis that FGR places on its internal relationships is reflected in the importance with which it holds its external ones . In operating a two-way-street mentality , Stuart states that the business recognizes the necessity for mutual success . “ We consider our suppliers to be partners , and value tenure of service over the introductory discounts of cold callers . A recent example of creating a win-win relationship involved us reducing our delivery days with a long-
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