Episode 26: Shila Morris and Kay Salerno

Sisters Shila Morris and Kay Salerno were 17 and 10, respectively, when their parents bought a small breakfast cafe in Truckee California. They had no way of knowing that the lessons learned growing up in the business would lead them to grow and refine "Squeeze In" into the successful 11-unit restaurant concept it is today.

"You get into the business because of your love of cooking and connecting with others," says Shila, adding, "but it wasn’t until we implemented systems and procedures that we were able to maintain consistency and successfully replicate."

In this episode, we learn how a combination of award-winning omelets, eccentric decor from community thrift stores, customers referred to as "egghead nation" and served by an engaged staff known as the "tribe" created a breakfast/lunch concept that has successfully expanded throughout Nevada and into Idaho and Texas. 

"The pandemic presented an overnight 85% drop in revenue and really tested our creativity," says Kay; however, quick adjustments to menu and marketing resulted in some amazing events. YouTube "cook-alongs" and their make-at-home Mimosa kits, along with an extremely successful meal sponsorship program for health care workers helped keep customers and staff engaged.

The sisters are enjoying remarkable growth through franchising, and are pleased to allow families the opportunity to make a living with a high quality of life as Squeeze In franchisees. They plan to continue selecting their franchisees based on their fit with the culture and values of the concept. 

"Happy Guest, Happy Associates, Everyday" aren’t simply words to work by, but a way of life at Squeeze In. Shila and Kay are brilliant operators who have demonstrated how to properly shift from working in their business to working on their business.

This episode is a "must listen" for all those planning to open or expand their restaurant concept. This is how you do it!