While living in California, Joe Fontana discovered Nashville hot chicken and was taken by the spicy and trendy recipe. After writing a business plan, the Villa Park native moved his family back to Chicago and two years ago opened the first Fry the Coop in Oak Lawn. The company generated sales of $1.8 million last year and projects revenue to nearly double this year to $3.5 million. Fry the Coop employs 58. Before launching the restaurant, Fontana was a marketing coordinator at a software company. Earlier, he worked at Chicago-area bars and restaurants as a valet, bar back, server, bartender and manager. The National Restaurant Owners Network: https://www.nrop.com My One Page Business Plan Builder: https://stanwith.me/restaurantresource A "recovering restaurant owner" specializing in the strategic growth of emerging restaurant brands across the country. Kyle’s insider perspective of what it means to be a restaurant owner operator day-in and day-out, allow him to relate to his clients’ ever-changing needs. He's digital marketer first, creating thought provoking content on daily basis on multiple platforms and host of The National Restaurant Owners Podcast, a show focused on bringing value to restaurant owners by sharing his insight and experience, with a wide variety of guests. Website: http://kyleinserra.space Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kyleinserra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleinserra/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kyleinserra --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/restaurantowners/message