Celebrity chef Tiffany Derry announced the launch of an innovative new franchising model designed to grow the Roots Chicken Shak concept. T2D Concepts, the purpose-driven hospitality group created by Derry and Tom Foley is offering a scalable restaurant concept that creates a great dining experience, and works to further social justice.
"Our mission at T2D Concepts is to practice hospitality with purpose: deliver great experiences for our guests and great opportunities for our people and partners," said Foley. "We designed this model with the intention to shift the franchise system and provide pathways for marginalized community members to operate their own business. We invite those interested in starting a franchise and making a difference to join our mission."
What differentiates T2D's franchise model from others is the criteria of their potential franchise owner-operators. Rather than looking at net worth, bank account balance or credit score first, T2D looks for individuals who embrace their core values: the passion to deliver legendary hospitality and a commitment to excellence. The secondary factor is that the potential operator possesses a baseline level of restaurant operations experience. This allows qualified individuals who may be undercapitalized, both currently and historically, to join T2D as owner-operators or multi-unit developers. T2D's solution is crafted to clear financial hurdles by leveraging strategic relationships with funding partners, municipalities and companies aligned with the group's mission.
"As a black female, I understand and empathize with the challenges of breaking into and becoming successful in the hospitality industry," Derry said. "That's why this endeavor is so important— to be able to provide under-resourced individuals the opportunity and resources to build a better life for not only themselves, but also the communities they live in."
T2D Concepts currently operates two Roots Chicken Shak locations in Plano and Austin, with a third slated to open in DeSoto. For more information and to apply, visit rootschickenshakfranchising.com.