FranchiseU! Episode 119: Building a Franchise Legacy

In Conversation with David Blackburn

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Kathy Gosser sits down with David Blackburn, founder, former CEO and current chairman of Southern Rock Restaurants, the nation’s largest McAlister’s Deli franchisee. With more than 45 years of restaurant industry experience, from his start as a busboy to serving as VP of Operations and VP of Business Development for O’Charley’s Restaurants, Blackburn shares his remarkable journey of growth, leadership and purpose. After leaving O’Charley’s in 2006 to pursue entrepreneurship, he built Southern Rock Restaurants into a powerhouse operating over 164 McAlister’s Deli locations across 13 states, alongside his franchise accounting firm Compel4 and a growing multi-brand platform. In this engaging conversation, Blackburn reflects on the leadership principles that guided his success, the importance of family and fun in business and his belief in being “present to win.” A must-listen for anyone passionate about franchising, operations and the art of leading with heart and strategy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• David Blackburn’s Career Journey
• Leadership Lessons from O’Charley’s
• The meaning of ‘Have Fun, No Regrets’
• Family and Business at Southern Rock
• Managing Multi-Unit Operations
• Multi-Unit Operations Management Tips
• Effective Communication and Daily Routines
• Franchise Advisory Council Insights

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