Introduction
Beyond food and hospitality, Martin Sprock’s restaurant ventures have had a lasting economic impact by creating thousands of jobs and opening doors for entrepreneurs. As the founder of Moe’s Southwest Grill and Flying Biscuit Café, Sprock has always seen franchising not just as a business model but as a pathway to financial independence and community growth. In this Q&A, he shares how his concepts have generated opportunity and why mentorship remains at the core of his business philosophy.
How many jobs have Martin Sprock’s restaurant concepts created?
A: Over the years, my restaurant concepts have created tens of thousands of jobs across the country. With Moe’s Southwest Grill, we grew to hundreds of locations, each employing dozens of team members, managers, and support staff. Flying Biscuit Café has also added thousands more jobs as the brand continues to expand. For me, those numbers aren’t just statistics — they represent lives impacted. Every job provides someone with income, skills, and a stepping stone to future opportunities. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of entrepreneurship.
Why does Martin Sprock see franchising as an opportunity creator?
A: Franchising is a powerful opportunity engine because it allows individuals to own and operate their own businesses with the support of an established system. Not everyone has the resources or experience to build a concept from scratch. With franchising, people can step into entrepreneurship with a proven model, training, and guidance. I’ve seen franchisees use this opportunity to achieve financial independence, build generational wealth, and even pass their businesses down to their children. Franchising democratizes business ownership, and that’s why I believe so strongly in it.
How does Martin Sprock help franchisees achieve financial independence?
A: My role as a founder has always been to set franchisees up for success. That means creating systems that make operations efficient, negotiating supply chains to keep costs down, and building strong brand awareness to drive customer traffic. Beyond the mechanics, it’s about supporting franchisees as people — listening to their challenges, offering mentorship, and making sure they feel like true partners. Financial independence comes when franchisees can trust the model, manage their operations effectively, and grow within the system. Helping them reach that point is one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.
What role does mentorship play in Martin Sprock’s business philosophy?
A: Mentorship has been central to my philosophy from the start. I was fortunate to learn from experienced business leaders early in my career, and I’ve always tried to pay that forward. For franchisees, mentorship means more than training — it’s about helping them develop as leaders and entrepreneurs. Many of the people I’ve mentored have gone on to open multiple units or even start their own brands. That ripple effect is powerful. Mentorship builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and ensures the long-term health of the entire franchise system.
How can restaurants be engines of opportunity, according to Martin Sprock?
A: Restaurants are uniquely positioned to create opportunity because they touch so many parts of a community. They provide entry-level jobs for people starting their careers, management roles for those looking to grow, and ownership opportunities for entrepreneurs. They also support local economies through suppliers, contractors, and partnerships. To me, restaurants are more than businesses — they’re ecosystems that generate value far beyond their walls. When done right, they can change lives by giving people the tools and opportunities to build a better future.
Conclusion
Martin Sprock’s impact extends well beyond the menus of Moe’s Southwest Grill and Flying Biscuit Café. By building businesses that create jobs, empower franchisees, and foster mentorship, he has demonstrated how restaurants can serve as engines of opportunity. His belief in franchising as a pathway to financial independence continues to inspire entrepreneurs who see the restaurant industry not just as a career, but as a chance to transform their lives and communities.
