Introduction
For Martin Sprock, founder of Moe’s Southwest Grill and Flying Biscuit Café, restaurants have always been more than places to eat. They are gathering spaces, job creators, and engines of community impact. Throughout his career, Sprock has emphasized the importance of giving back to the neighborhoods his brands serve. In this Q&A, he explains why community involvement matters, the initiatives he has championed, and how he measures success beyond financial performance.
Why is community involvement important to Martin Sprock?
A: Community involvement has always been a core part of my philosophy as an entrepreneur. Restaurants don’t exist in a vacuum — they are part of the fabric of neighborhoods. If a community supports you, it’s only right to support them back. To me, involvement means more than sponsorships or one-time donations. It’s about creating lasting relationships, listening to local needs, and making sure our restaurants contribute positively to the people around them. When a community thrives, so does the business. That mutual support is what builds true sustainability.
What initiatives has Martin Sprock championed to give back?
A: Over the years, I’ve supported a range of initiatives, from local school fundraisers and food drives to partnerships with nonprofit organizations. At Moe’s, we often partnered with schools and sports teams to help them raise money. At Flying Biscuit Café, community initiatives have included donating meals to frontline workers and supporting local charities focused on hunger relief. I’ve also been passionate about job creation and mentorship, which I see as another form of giving back — helping people build skills and careers that can change their lives.
How does Martin Sprock encourage franchisees to support their neighborhoods?
A: I believe community involvement works best when it’s grassroots. That’s why I always encourage franchisees to connect with the causes and organizations that matter most in their own neighborhoods. We provide guidance and support, but we also give them the flexibility to choose what fits their community. That could be sponsoring a local youth team, supporting a food pantry, or hosting events that bring people together. When franchisees take ownership of community involvement, it feels authentic and makes a much bigger impact.
What examples of community impact stand out in Martin Sprock’s career?
A: One of the most memorable moments was when Moe’s Southwest Grill partnered with schools to fund arts and music programs that were at risk of being cut. Seeing how much those programs meant to students and families was incredibly rewarding. At Flying Biscuit Café, I’ve been proud of the efforts franchisees have made to support first responders and healthcare workers, especially during challenging times. Those kinds of contributions remind me that restaurants aren’t just businesses — they’re lifelines for their communities.
How does Martin Sprock measure success beyond profit?
A: Of course financial success is important, but it’s not the only measure. I look at how many jobs our concepts create, how many local partnerships we build, and how many lives we touch through community programs. Success is also about reputation — when people think of your brand as a positive force in the community, that’s worth more than numbers on a spreadsheet. For me, the true measure of success is knowing that our restaurants make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Conclusion
Martin Sprock’s career demonstrates that community involvement isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business. By championing initiatives that support schools, nonprofits, and frontline workers, and by empowering franchisees to engage locally, he has built brands that people trust and love. His approach proves that success in the restaurant industry is measured not only by profits but also by the positive impact made in the communities served.
