How did Kathryn Chayka transform 12 struggling Wendy’s locations into a thriving empire?
She entered the franchising world with little prior experience—but with a bold business mindset and a commitment to the local community around her stores— Kathryn not only revived those locations in Quebec, but expanded her portfolio to 70+ units. Early in her career, Kathryn and her husband John Chayka took a bold step into franchising by acquiring 12 underperforming Wendy’s stores in Quebec under the JKC Restaurant portfolio. They saw an opportunity to turn things around, and that’s exactly what they did. Kathryn shares how she and her team led with their focus on the systems and community engagement to build a growing portfolio.
In this episode of Smart Franchising Podcast, Kathryn shares:
- The essence of humble and supportive leadership in franchise operations
- Kathryn’s take on local marketing and its impact on franchise success
- Insights and practices learned from top-performing franchisees
- Strategies behind improving sales and operations post-COVID
- Her community-focused marketing and employee retention plans
On the Importance of Learning from Top Performers
Kathryn: “Connecting with successful peers and learning from their experiences is invaluable. When I acquired my Wendy’s stores, I made it a priority to share insights and collaborate. Together, we even launched Wendy’s Energy Challenge to focus on energy efficiency, a project that grew from our collective efforts.”
On Value-Focused Marketing in Delivery Services
Kathryn: “Delivering value doesn’t mean compromising on quality. It’s about providing great deals on quality products. This guideline has been crucial, especially for our delivery services. When customers feel they are getting good value, their perception of the brand strengthens, driving sales.”
On What Guides Her Business Philosophy
Kathryn: “My mother’s community involvement through Tim Hortons left a deep impression on me. Seeing how local engagement can turn a business into a community cornerstone, I’ve integrated those lessons into my approach. Focusing on local ownership and empowering managers helps us stay connected and committed to our communities.”
