Introduction
Building and scaling successful restaurant brands requires more than business savvy — it takes leadership that inspires people, creates culture, and builds resilience. Martin Sprock, founder of Moe’s Southwest Grill and Flying Biscuit Café, has led teams through rapid growth, challenges, and constant change in the competitive restaurant industry. In this Q&A, he shares his leadership style, the mistakes that shaped his philosophy, and the lessons he hopes to pass on to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
What is Martin Sprock’s leadership style?
A: I would describe my leadership style as collaborative and culture-driven. I believe in setting a clear vision, but also in empowering the people around me to take ownership of their roles. At the same time, I put a lot of focus on culture — I want teams and franchisees to feel they’re part of something bigger than just selling food. Leadership, to me, isn’t about control; it’s about inspiration, trust, and making sure everyone is aligned around a common purpose.
How does Martin Sprock motivate teams and franchisees?
A: Motivation starts with communication and recognition. I’ve always believed in being transparent with both teams and franchisees — sharing not just the successes but also the challenges. That openness builds trust. I also focus on celebrating wins, whether it’s a franchisee hitting sales milestones or an employee delivering great customer service. Recognition fuels motivation. Beyond that, I try to inspire by painting a picture of what’s possible — when people see the vision clearly, they feel motivated to work toward it.
What mistakes shaped Martin Sprock’s leadership philosophy?
A: Early on, I sometimes moved too fast without making sure everyone was fully aligned. That created unnecessary friction at times. I also learned the hard way that not every partnership is the right one — picking the wrong people can create big challenges down the road. Those experiences taught me patience and discernment. Leadership isn’t just about speed; it’s about making thoughtful decisions and building strong relationships. The mistakes shaped me into a more deliberate leader who values alignment and trust above quick wins.
How does Martin Sprock handle challenges and setbacks?
A: I see challenges as part of the entrepreneurial journey. No brand grows without bumps along the way. My approach has always been to stay calm, gather the facts, and focus on solutions. I don’t dwell on setbacks — I use them as opportunities to learn and improve. For example, when competition heated up in the fast-casual space, we used it as motivation to innovate and differentiate Moe’s. Resilience is key. Challenges are temporary, but how you respond to them determines your long-term success.
What leadership lessons does Martin Sprock want future entrepreneurs to know?
A: The most important lesson is that leadership is about people. You can have the best systems and strategies, but if you don’t invest in your people, the business won’t thrive. I’d also emphasize the value of culture — it’s not a buzzword, it’s what makes your brand unique and keeps teams engaged. Another lesson is to embrace humility. You won’t have all the answers, and that’s okay — surround yourself with smart people and learn from them. Finally, don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Leadership requires risk, resilience, and vision. If you keep those in balance, you’ll be prepared for the challenges ahead.
Conclusion
Martin Sprock’s leadership journey shows that effective leadership in the restaurant industry is about more than managing operations — it’s about inspiring people, building culture, and learning from mistakes. By leading with collaboration, resilience, and humility, he has guided multiple brands to national success while empowering franchisees and teams along the way. For future entrepreneurs, his lessons provide a roadmap for becoming not just business builders, but true leaders.
