How I transformed Spartan into Europe’s largest
Greek-inspired fast-food chain
Since Spartan opened its first restaurant in 2012, it has grown to over 80 locations. And now it generates millions of dollars in revenue and employs more than 1,200 people. But this wasn’t always my reality.
My journey to building a franchise empire was paved with challenges, failures, and some of the most rewarding lessons I’ve ever learned.
I’m sharing my story not to impress you, but to show you that success is possible—even if you start with just a dream and a willingness to learn.
The beginning: a lawyer with a big dream
Before I ever flipped a gyro or standardized a sauce recipe, I was practicing law. It was a respectable career, but something inside me was restless. I didn’t want to spend my life in courtrooms—I wanted to build something bigger, something that could outlast me. I wanted to create a brand that people would know and love.
In 2012, I decided to open my first restaurant.
I didn’t know much about the food industry back then, but I was determined to learn. I chose a Greek-inspired fast-food concept because I believed in its potential—healthy, flavorful, and unique in a market saturated with burgers and pizza.
The first Spartan location: a rough start
The first Spartan location was small, with modest ambitions. I poured everything I had into it, often working late into the night. I managed inventory, trained staff, and even cleaned the floors when needed.
I thought hard work alone would be enough to succeed.
But I quickly realized that running a restaurant isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart.
I was stuck micromanaging every detail, and my business wasn’t scaling. Customers loved our food, but operational inefficiencies were holding us back. I was trapped in a cycle where I was always busy but not moving forward.
Scaling Spartan: turning a restaurant into a franchise
The turning point came two years after opening the first Spartan. I realized that if I wanted to grow, I needed to change how I operated. My dream wasn’t to own a single restaurant—it was to build a franchise empire.
Here’s what I did to scale Spartan:
1. Standardized everything
Consistency is king in franchising.
I documented every process, from how we prepare our tzatziki to how we greet customers. These procedures became our “Franchise Bible,” ensuring that every Spartan location could replicate the same quality and experience.
2. Built a strong brand
I knew that for Spartan to succeed, people needed to recognize and trust the brand. I invested in professional branding, from our logo to our restaurant interiors.
Our Spartan warrior theme became more than a design—it became a symbol of strength, quality, and reliability.
3. Created scalable systems
To scale, I had to get out of the weeds of daily operations.
I hired managers, implemented technology to streamline inventory and sales tracking, and focused on building systems that could run without me.
The first franchisee: a leap of faith
In 2014, we signed our first franchise agreement. I was nervous—handing over control of the brand I had built was a leap of faith. But I had done the work to create systems and training programs, and I was ready to take the risk.
That first franchise location was a success, and it proved that Spartan wasn’t just a great restaurant—it was a great business model.
More franchisees followed, and soon, Spartan began to grow exponentially.
3 challenges I met along the way
Scaling Spartan wasn’t without its challenges. Here are a few lessons I learned the hard way:
1. Choose the right franchisees
Not everyone is a good fit for your brand. I’ve had to say no to potential franchisees who didn’t align with our values or vision. It’s better to grow slower with the right partners than to compromise your brand for the sake of expansion.
2. Invest in training
I learned that training is everything. We created comprehensive programs to ensure our franchisees understood every aspect of running a Spartan location, from operations to customer service. A well-trained franchisee is a successful franchisee.
3. Adapt to new markets
As we expanded, we had to adapt to local tastes and preferences without losing the essence of our brand. For example, some menu items were tweaked to suit regional palates, but our core offerings remained the same.
5 practical lessons for aspiring franchisors
If you’re a restaurant, café, or bar owner dreaming of scaling your business, here are some practical lessons I’ve learned along the way:
1. Start with a proven concept
Before you can franchise, you need to prove that your business model works. Your first location should be profitable, well-run, and able to serve as a blueprint for future locations.
2. Document everything
Franchising is all about replicating success. Create detailed manuals for every process in your business. This will make it easier for franchisees to follow your systems and maintain consistency.
3. Build a strong brand
Your brand is what sets you apart from the competition. Invest in professional branding, create a compelling story, and make sure your values are reflected in everything you do.
4. Focus on training and support
Your franchisees are your partners in success. Provide them with the training and support they need to thrive. Regular check-ins, ongoing training programs, and clear communication go a long way.
5. Be selective with franchisees
Your franchisees represent your brand. Choose people who share your vision, are willing to follow your systems, and have the financial and operational capacity to succeed.
Looking ahead: your brand’s future
The power of hard work is the silent engine that turns big dreams into reality.
No matter how grand a vision may be, it remains just an idea until daily effort brings it to life. Perseverance is the force that keeps you on your path even when fatigue, failures, or doubts try to stop you.
But hard work and perseverance need a solid foundation: continuous education.
As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
In a constantly changing world, success lies in the desire to keep learning, to add new knowledge, to develop new strategies, and to view each day as an opportunity for growth.
Believe in your dreams and the power of franchising to turn them into reality!
With a united, dedicated, and passionate team, you can achieve any goal!
Continuous education will be your guide, and each step forward will bring your dream closer. Let courage fuel your journey, because success is within reach for those who believe and never give up!
If you’re an entrepreneur dreaming of scaling your restaurant, bar or café, believe in your vision, learn from your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to take that first step.
If I could build Spartan from a single restaurant into a franchise empire, so can you.
Dream big, take action, and make it happen! Your empire is waiting!
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The ultimate guide to franchising reveals:
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