R
ROOTS
Codify mission, vision, and origin story into a decision filter… then turn values into trained, observable behaviors leaders actually coach.
Transform Your Multi-Unit Restaurant Operation with the Restaurant PhD Framework™
Stop being the bottleneck in your own business. I help restaurant owners build self-sustaining operations using my proven 12-point Restaurant PhD Framework™—so your restaurants run profitably with or without you in the building.
Whether you're managing 2 locations or 200, the challenge is the same: creating consistent results when you can't be everywhere at once. The Restaurant PhD Framework™ is the systematic approach that transforms chaotic operations into predictable, profitable businesses.
The Hidden Costs of Running Restaurants That Depend on You
You're living with operational chaos that's costing you money and stealing your freedom:
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Inconsistent Results by Location
Different outcomes at each restaurant because standards live in managers' heads, not documented systems. New leaders guess their way through critical procedures.
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Revenue Leakage Across Locations
Without systematic execution, you're losing money through inconsistent upselling, waste, scheduling inefficiencies, and missed revenue opportunities.
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Constant Firefighting Mode
You spend your time solving the same problems repeatedly instead of focusing on strategic growth and business development.
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Leadership Development Failures
Managers who can't lead effectively, creating high turnover, poor accountability, and teams that perform only when supervised.
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Expansion Limitations
You want to grow but can't because your current operations require too much of your personal involvement to maintain standards.
The Real Cost: Restaurant owners working 60+ hours per week in businesses that should run without them, missing family time and growth opportunities while profits suffer from inconsistent execution.
The Restaurant PhD Framework™: Your Complete System for Operational Independence
The only systematic methodology that addresses every critical aspect of multi-unit restaurant success.
Transform your chaotic operations into a predictable, profitable business using my proven 12-point Restaurant PhD Framework™. Each component works together to create restaurants that maintain your standards and achieve your goals—whether you're in the building or not.
The Restaurant PhD Framework™
A 12-point, measurable operating system built for multi-unit realities.
E
EXPECTATIONS
Define exactly “what great looks like” for behavior, appearance, and guest experience… and teach managers how to train to the standard.
S
SYSTEMS
Build checklists and SOPs people will follow—clear, visual, and embedded in the shift… open/close, cleaning, prep, and task flow included.
T
TALENT
Hire for fit, onboard with intent, certify by role… and keep a living bench plan supported by coaching and fair discipline.
A
ACCOUNTABILITY
Make performance visible with simple scorecards… set rhythms for recognition and correction, plus audits and self-assessments that stick.
U
UNIFORM EXECUTION
Roll out changes the same way every time… protect specs and menu integrity, and verify cross-store and cross-shift consistency.
R
REVENUE DRIVERS
Train purposeful sales behaviors—suggestive selling that serves the guest… lift check average, land promos/LTOs, and use in-store marketing that moves.
A
ATMOSPHERE
Control the five senses of hospitality… enforce FOH/BOH readiness, nail first impressions, and maintain ambiance long after opening week.
N
NAVIGATION
Teach the person in charge to truly run the floor… PHD shift positioning, clear assignments and team flow, with tight debriefs and hand-offs.
T
TOOLS & TECH
Evaluate tech stack. Recommend best-fit solutions. Suggest restaurant location tools… production charts, checklists, troubleshooting guides, equipment logs, and digital job aids.
P
PROTECTION
Close safety and compliance gaps—food safety, labels, logs, MSDS, PPE… incident reporting, licenses/permits, and labor-law basics for operators.
H
HIGH-LEVEL OPS
Establish an above-store visit framework… set planning/review cadences, run effective leadership meetings, and prepare for scalable growth.
D
DIPLOMA
Final audit and gap review… scorecard presentation or team interviews… certification delivered, with optional testimonial or case study wrap-up.
Comprehensive Restaurant Consulting Services
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
My favorite work: Developing executive leaders and area managers who can multiply your impact across the organization.
- One-on-one executive coaching and area manager development
- Group training programs for GMs and above-store managers
- Culture development training using memorable, practical concepts
- Annual programs for newly promoted managers across your organization
- Keynote speaking and workshops available as standalone services
AI Integration for Restaurant Operations
Get ahead of the competition: Practical AI training for everyday restaurant business applications.
- Marketing content creation using AI while maintaining brand voice
- SOP development and documentation with AI assistance
- Real-time equipment troubleshooting using AI guidance
- Brainstorming and idea generation for operational improvements
- Administrative efficiency training for time-consuming management tasks
Financial Accountability & Performance Systems
Create company-wide accountability: Systems that help leaders at every level hit their numbers consistently.
- P&L coaching for executives and above-store leaders
- Financial standards development and performance tracking
- Process efficiency analysis and goal achievement strategies
- Leadership training on defining standards and coaching performance gaps
What Leaders Say
“April took me under her wing… taught me to break down a P&L and control food and labor costs. I moved from shift manager to GM.”
“April developed me from entry-level supervisor to district manager. My success is directly tied to her ability to lead and coach.”
“She brings deep industry knowledge and a consultative approach. April shows up, follows through, and genuinely cares.”
About April King
Founder of Restaurant PhD and creator of the Restaurant PhD Framework™. After leading multi-unit operations and serving hundreds of restaurants in distribution and restaurant-tech, April saw the gap: documented systems that actually work.
- Real operator experience — built in the field, not in theory.
- Framework-based approach — comprehensive and measurable.
- Works with fast casual, QSR, full-service, franchise, and independent groups.
