Introduction
Martin Sprock is best known for founding Moe’s Southwest Grill and expanding Flying Biscuit Café, but his influence on the U.S. restaurant franchise market extends far beyond those brands. Even today, his ideas, mentorship, and leadership continue to shape how entrepreneurs approach franchising. In this Q&A, Sprock shares how he remains active in the industry, what projects he’s pursuing, and why his career still serves as a model for future franchise leaders.
How is Martin Sprock still influencing franchising today?
A: I stay involved in franchising by mentoring entrepreneurs, advising on new concepts, and continuing to invest in opportunities that I believe have potential. Many of the principles I used to grow Moe’s Southwest Grill and Flying Biscuit Café — strong systems, bold branding, and community engagement — are still highly relevant. I share those lessons with up-and-coming operators and help them avoid the mistakes I made early in my career. In many ways, my influence now is less about building my own brands and more about helping others build theirs.
What new projects is Martin Sprock involved in?
A: I’m always exploring new restaurant and franchise concepts that align with evolving consumer trends. Recently, I’ve been involved in supporting smaller, emerging brands that have strong cultural resonance and room to grow. Some projects are about food, while others focus on hospitality or lifestyle experiences. What excites me most is helping passionate entrepreneurs take an idea and turn it into something scalable. I see my role today as part investor, part mentor, and part brand builder — working behind the scenes to help shape the next generation of franchises.
How do other restaurant leaders view Martin Sprock’s contributions?
A: I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition from other leaders in the industry who respect the way Moe’s helped define fast casual and how Flying Biscuit made Southern comfort food scalable. Many peers have told me they were inspired by how we brought culture into franchising — proving that a brand could be fun, authentic, and still grow nationwide. I think my contributions are seen as part of the larger story of how franchising evolved in the U.S., and I’m honored to be considered an innovator in that space.
Why does Martin Sprock remain relevant in the franchise conversation?
A: Franchising is always evolving, but the core challenges — scaling systems, maintaining consistency, and supporting franchisees — remain the same. The lessons I learned building brands are timeless, and that’s why they still resonate. I also stay relevant by adapting to change. I pay close attention to technology, consumer trends, and the shifting role of community in dining. By combining those insights with years of experience, I’m able to bring perspective that helps today’s entrepreneurs navigate the franchise landscape.
What can future entrepreneurs learn from Martin Sprock’s career?
A: I think the biggest lesson is that vision and culture matter as much as operations. A franchise isn’t just about replicating food — it’s about replicating an experience. Entrepreneurs can also learn the importance of resilience. There will always be setbacks, but those challenges can push you to innovate and grow stronger. Finally, I’d encourage future entrepreneurs to see franchising as a way to create opportunity for others. If you focus on building systems that empower franchisees and communities, your brand will have impact that goes far beyond profits.
Conclusion
Martin Sprock’s continued influence on the U.S. restaurant franchise market reflects both his past achievements and his current role as a mentor and innovator. From helping entrepreneurs scale emerging concepts to shaping industry conversations about culture and opportunity, he remains a relevant and respected voice in franchising. For the next generation of entrepreneurs, his career offers both inspiration and a playbook for long-term success.
