Ford Fry of Rocket Farm Restaurants on Creating Memorable Experiences

Ford Fry, the chef-owner and founder of the Rocket Farm Restaurants, is passionate about creating emotional experiences for his customers. What sets Fry apart from other restaurateurs is his commitment to helping others achieve their dreams.

Watch now to learn about Chef Ford Fry’s dream to help others, the increasing role of technology in hospitality, and creating memorable experiences.

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Chapters:

[3:51] - Rocket Restaurant's Story

[6:13] - Spotify and Rocket Farm Restaurants

[13:11] - Mario Batali Influence

[23:28] - Ford Fry's Personal Brand

[34:30] - Partnering with Smith Hanes Studio

Ford Fry is a Restaurant Influencer -

The founder of the Rocket Farm Restaurants is a man with a mission. The Rocket Farm umbrella includes popular food spots, such as State of Grace, Superica, and more across Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Houston.

"I've just always been a dreamer," says Chef Ford Fry (@fordfry) to Shawn Walchef of "If there's others, younger people who want to do it, I want to help them because there's nothing like when someone reaches out to me.”

Fry’s goal is to continue creating restaurants that are relevant, timeless, and inspired, and do so in unique, soulful spaces. He wants to run restaurants guided by customer satisfaction and growth, not just sales benchmarks. "I love finding talent in the region, and putting these people in an environment where they can learn and grow," Fry says.

For Fry, technology plays an increasingly vital role in his restaurant empire.

“It's huge," he says about restaurant technology. "We have a department who are dedicated to that. It's just grown over the years… People use that as their direct line of communication to the restaurant.”

It's not just about using technology to streamline operations. It's also about creating emotional connections with his customers. For example, Ford Fry created a curated Spotify Playlists to set the correct ambiance for restaurant patrons and website visitors.

"That's what we do.” Fry says. “We create a setting for people to come and have experiences amongst themselves. You know? Experience your girlfriend or boyfriend, experience your spouse, your parents, your kids, and those are the memories.”

Ford Fry is a man who is passionate about creating experiences and helping others achieve their dreams. One step into any of his many concepts will provide a memorable experience, which is exactly what he is going for every day.

Episode Links:

Ford Fry Instagram

Ford Fry Spotify Playlist

Rocket Farm Restaurant Website

Ford Fry's Cookbook

ABOUT FORD FRY:

Ford Fry’s culinary inspirations cover many years and much of the country. Fry and his restaurants have been included in numerous national and local publications such as Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Chicago Tribune, Cooking Light, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Esquire, Food & Wine, Garden & Gun, Sky, Southern Living and The Washington Post. Ford Fry now operates restaurants all over the country, including 9 Supericas. Since its inception in 2015 with the first location in Atlanta, Superica has expanded nationally with 9 locations in 4 markets including Atlanta, Nashville, North Carolina, Houston and soon Florida. By the end of 2022, Superica will have a total of 10 locations across the country.

Ford Fry Restaurants Linkedin

ABOUT RESTAURANT INFLUENCERS:

Restaurant Influencers is a weekly video podcast series presented by Entrepreneur Media and Cali BBQ Media. Every week host and restaurant owner Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) talks with business leaders like Rob Dyrdek, Emeril Lagasse, Chris Comparato, Meredith Sandland, and more, about their secrets to Smartphone Storytelling, marketing and branding, and how to show up where customers are engaging online.

• Published by Entrepreneur Media

• Produced by Cali BBQ Media

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