4 minute read
Our PLeasure
INTRODUCTION TO GRACE DAMPIER, FRANCHISEE OWNER/ OPERATOR OF CHICK-FIL-A QUINTARD MALL
Grace Dampier is a native of North Alabama. She grew up with a loving mom, dad, and two siblings in the town of Punkin Center, AL (it’s as small as it sounds, according to Grace). Grace and her siblings were raised to love the Lord, to strive to serve him well, and love on the others around them. Grace graduated high school in 2009 and attended the University of North Alabama where she graduated in 2013 with a degree in Mass Communications.
Her tenure with Chick-fil-A began at the age of 15 in Decatur, AL. According to Grace, she was simply a young teenage kid who needed spending money, and Chick-fil-A offered an excellent environment for young people. From there, she worked with the company until the age of 22 when she graduated from college. “I knew from the beginning something was special about Chick-fil-A,” Grace said. “Not only was the food amazing, but the men and women (Owners/ Operators) I worked for really cared for the team and me.”
Upon graduating from college, Grace moved to Nashville, TN, to work for her uncle who is also a Chick-fil-A franchise owner. For the next four years, she worked alongside her uncle and his team, helping them increase sales in the ever-growing town of Nashville. According to Grace, she had many opportunities to travel the country and to be an ambassador for the brand assisting in grand openings of new restaurants. “During that time,” Grace said, “I had the privilege to meet many other franchise owners from all walks of life. And they, too, loved the food and loved loving on their people. This sparked joy and a drive in me to own my own franchise.” The process to become a Chick-fil-A franchisee is not a simple task. In 2018 alone, 60,000 people applied to own a franchise. Only about 100 applicants were selected.
“I knew I had to do something to take a step up in the business and make a name for myself,” Grace said. “In 2016, I applied for Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program. It is a 24-30-month premiere training program commitment where participants live on the road 365 days a year. It allows participants to walk hand-in-hand with new franchise owners and help them establish their businesses. The experience learned in this program catapults someone looking to be a candidate for a franchisee opportunity from one to 10!”
Grace began her journey with the Leadership Development Program in July 2016 and ended in August 2018. During that time, she was a resident in eight states, over 12 cities, and she traveled on hundreds of flights. “To say it was exciting is an understatement. Thankfully, at the end of my tenure in the program, I was selected to be the Franchisee Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Quintard Mall,” Grace said.
— S. Truett Cathy 1921—2014
What made you interested in the food industry?
My dad is a partial owner of his own company in north Alabama. Growing up, we had many dinner table conversations about his company, and I spent long days alongside my dad watching him build his brand from the ground up. Seeing my dad’s love for business and his drive always to serve a great product fueled my spark to own my own business. With that drive and my love for food, Chick-fil-A made sense. Starting as a team member at a young age, I knew the brand. I knew the food. I knew the high standards for customer service. And I loved the thought of getting to employ and influence young people just like I was at a young age.
What are your thoughts on working in Oxford?
I love Oxford! I am an Alabama girl born and bred, and this town plays into every aspect of what I love; community, family oriented, local business. I am so honored to call Oxford home.
How is it working with your husband? Do you have different responsibilities?
I met my husband, Kevin, through Chick-fil-A. He grew up in south Florida and moved to Nashville in the fall of 2017 to pursue a career with my uncle's franchise location. My uncle played a hand in helping us meet in March 2018. Not only did Kevin know the Chick-fil-A brand, but he loves the Lord, loves people, and he always makes me laugh. We dated long distance while I was traveling and got engaged in July 2018. We got married on December 1, 2018. I cannot imagine doing life or business without him.
As the owners, and also as a married couple, we find great balance being together in the restaurant. Kevin is very passionate about leadership and team development. He spends most of his time working alongside new or existing team members to help them grow or better understand their role in an ever-growing business. He also does administrative tasks that help the business run more efficiently. That, partnered with my role in leading the restaurant and team, is the perfect match!
What are some contributing factors to excellent customer service?
Since our founder, Truett Cathy, opened the doors to the first Chick-fil-A in 1967, our brand has been known for its customer service. We strive daily to serve the guests with honor, dignity, and respect, where we give each guest an outstanding experience.
If you were a Chick-fil-A sauce, which one would you be?
I would 100 percent be the Chick-fil-A sauce. Not only is it the “house sauce,” but it is the perfect blend of sweet and creamy. Paired with chicken or waffle fries, it is a taste like no other!
Do you and your husband have any hobbies?
We have two precious dogs, Archie and Abbie. When we aren’t working, you can typically find Kevin and me spending time with our dogs at Choccolocco Park or looking for a new local restaurant to try!
