For 30 years, Frankie’s Chicago Style has provided a taste of the Windy City to New Hope, Minn. With authentic menu items like deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches and classic Chicago hot dogs, customers get to enjoy their Chicago favorites without having to purchase a plane ticket. Kent Garbers, President of Frankie’s Chicago Style, explains how their adaptability and loyal customers have brought them continued success.

What inspired you to get into foodservice?

“A lifelong career in the industry started at 15-years-old with a cashier position in a fast-paced downtown restaurant. I instantly enjoyed working in foodservice, inspired from early days learning from my mother in our home kitchen. A decade later I had the chance to purchase Frankie’s and jumped on the opportunity. We have grown the restaurant and developed it into the version it is now.”

What do you love about your business?

“I love the community aspect of the business the most. My entire staff shares the same sense for caring and we have created an environment open and welcoming for the neighborhood to share. This has distinguished us as the go-to place during these difficult times. The community has rallied along with us to help us survive and continue to move forward.”

What’s the most interesting thing to happen to your business?

“The restaurant world is always full of surprises! Prior to the pandemic, I would have said the days of independent pizzerias were numbered, in favor of chain restaurants and casual bar/restaurant concepts. With the changes we have all found ourselves in, smaller restaurants have been able to adapt and find success in the current world. Partnerships forged with industry leaders in technology and creativity have helped small businesses succeed. In these difficult times, the “Little Guys” have access to the tools necessary for us to compete.”

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

“The biggest lesson I have learned in the industry is “wearing too many hats” or trying to do everything myself. It is difficult to let go of certain tasks and trust them to others. By learning to let others do what they can do (often times better), it gives leaders in the industry the opportunity to concentrate on what they themselves do best. It was a difficult challenge to even see in myself and one I will always be working on.”

What Cambro products help make your business work?

“The appeal and solid quality of Cambro products is well-known in the foodservice industry. Guest perception is a priority for us and delivering our food to the guest’s home in Cambro GoBags and GoBoxes sets us apart! We utilize storage containers in the shop knowing their quality will last us for years!”

Links for Frankie’s

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ADRIANA DESIDERIO IS THE DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER AT CAMBRO.