Introduction
From founding Moe’s Southwest Grill to expanding Flying Biscuit Café, Martin Sprock has left a lasting mark on both the restaurant and franchise industries. His career reflects a blend of vision, resilience, and innovation that continues to influence entrepreneurs today. In this Q&A, we reflect on how to define his legacy, the impact he has had on peers and franchisees, and why his story matters now more than ever.
How do you define Martin Sprock’s legacy in franchising?
A: I would define my legacy in franchising as showing that a brand can be both scalable and soulful. With Moe’s, we proved that fast casual could be more than just convenience — it could be a culture that people wanted to be part of. With Flying Biscuit Café, we demonstrated that Southern comfort food could be expanded nationally without losing its authenticity. My legacy isn’t just about the number of locations or the financial success — it’s about building systems that empower franchisees, create jobs, and deliver experiences that guests remember.
What do people in the industry say about Martin Sprock’s impact?
A: Over the years, I’ve heard from peers, franchisees, and competitors that they see my work as helping to shape the modern franchise landscape. Industry leaders often point to Moe’s as one of the brands that helped define fast casual and opened the door for a wave of new concepts. Others highlight how Flying Biscuit Café preserved authenticity while scaling — something not easy to achieve. I’m grateful for the recognition, but more than anything, I’m proud that people view my impact as pushing the industry forward in meaningful ways.
How has Martin Sprock inspired other entrepreneurs?
A: I’ve been fortunate to meet many entrepreneurs who’ve told me that my journey gave them confidence to chase their own ideas. Moe’s showed that a brand could succeed by being bold, different, and unapologetically fun. Flying Biscuit showed that even a beloved neighborhood restaurant could scale if you respected its roots. Beyond my own brands, I’ve also mentored franchisees and young entrepreneurs, some of whom have gone on to build concepts of their own. If my story inspires others to take risks, innovate, and lead with authenticity, then I consider that one of my greatest achievements.
What will Martin Sprock be remembered for in the restaurant world?
A: I hope to be remembered for making a lasting contribution to fast casual dining and franchising. Moe’s will always stand out as a brand that brought personality to a category that was still defining itself. Flying Biscuit will always represent the power of authenticity and community. More broadly, I think I’ll be remembered for helping show that restaurants aren’t just businesses — they’re opportunities to build culture, create jobs, and impact communities. That’s the kind of legacy I’d like to leave behind.
Why is Martin Sprock’s story important to share today?
A: My story is important today because the challenges and opportunities in franchising remain as relevant as ever. Entrepreneurs are still trying to figure out how to scale without losing authenticity, how to innovate without straying from tradition, and how to build systems that empower people. Those were the same challenges I faced, and I believe the lessons from my journey can help guide others. Sharing my story also shows that success isn’t about perfection — it’s about resilience, vision, and staying true to your values. That message matters now as much as it did when I started.
Conclusion
Martin Sprock’s legacy in the food and franchise world goes beyond building successful brands. It is defined by innovation, mentorship, and the ability to inspire others to think bigger. His journey from Moe’s Southwest Grill to Flying Biscuit Café reflects the evolution of fast casual dining and the enduring importance of culture and community in franchising. By celebrating his story today, we not only honor his contributions but also provide a roadmap for the entrepreneurs shaping the next chapter of the restaurant industry.
