What does it take to successfully grow a brand while keeping operations simple, consistent, and people-focused? On this episode of The Grounded Podcast, host Lauren Mitchell sits down with Lori Cominsky, Vice President of Operations and Training at Pancheros Mexican Grill, to explore leadership, training, and scalable growth in the fast-paced hospitality industry.

Lori shares how staying closely connected to frontline employees, embracing simplicity in operations, and investing in mentorship have helped Pancheros maintain its commitment to quality while strategically expanding its footprint. From supply chain partnerships to innovative training approaches, Lori offers actionable insights for leaders who want to build thriving teams and resilient organizations.

Takeaways:

• Why staying close to frontline employees leads to better processes and team alignment.
• How evolving training strategies to match generational learning styles improves retention and performance.
• Why operational simplicity is key to delivering consistent quality and scaling successfully.
• The value of mentorship, networking, and partnerships in driving personal and organizational growth.
• How strategic supply chain collaboration mitigates risks and supports sustainable expansion.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Part of building the bridge between operations and training is understanding that the people in the restaurants sometimes know best, so it's important to listen.” - Lori Cominsky

Connect with Lori:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loricominsky/
• Company website: https://pancheros.com/
• Gleam Network: GLEAM Network - Mentorship and Leadership Development
• Prosper Forum: 2024 Prosper Accelerators - Prosper Forum

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