Stacked Pickle CEO Gary Brackett is laser-focused on growing his franchise and bringing the sports bar and grill to as many communities as possible. Even during the recent health crisis, the former Indianapolis Colts linebacker led the Stacked Pickle team in building three new sites in Colorado and in lining up more. By Rose Mango
Former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett applies the same winning strategies that resulted in a Super Bowl victory to building his successful Stacked Pickle sports bar and grill franchise. By Rose Mango
After retiring from the NFL, former Indianapolis Colts line- backer and Super Bowl champion Gary Brackett had a dream for his second career: “I wanted to be in the restaurant business.” By Rochelle Miller
by Jill Abrahamsen
Stacked Pickle CEO Gary Brackett attributes his success as a franchisor to his time playing football. As a Super Bowl-winning linebacker for the Indiana Colts, Brackett used the same skills on the field that he needs today to run his successful business: leadership, hard work, and discipline, just to name a few. “As a team captain, I was chief defensive operator. Now I am chief executive officer,” says Brackett. “There are a lot of similarities. I run my business like I ran the defense. It’s all about teamwork.”
Knowing that professional football players have short careers, he always had a “plan B” and thought about his retirement early. “The idea of owning a sports bar always appealed to me,” Brackett says. While exploring his options, he came across the Stacked Pickle, a small sports bar chain in his area.
Brackett loved the community feel and vibe of the restaurant, and he invested as a silent partner while going back to school to earn his MBA. Brackett’s coursework inspired him to look into scaling the business. Eventually he took over the entire operation and prepared the Stacked Pickle for franchising.
“We got our processes and procedures down to a science before offering franchise opportunities in 2016,” Brackett says. “We made it as polished and brand-focused as possible.”
With a fun, family-friendly, casual feel, The Stacked Pickle is all about local sports, and the décor includes photos of high school teams and memorabilia from local professional sports teams. “It’s a great place to watch your favorite team or come after a local high school game,” Brackett says. “Our goal is to build a sense of community.”
Menu items include signature “stacked” burgers and wings, fun appetizers like nachos and pizza-stuffed breadsticks, plus healthier options like salads and wraps. “We have something for everyone,” Brackett says.
In designing the franchise, Brackett kept costs down for investors. “Instead of expensive build-outs, we give franchisees the option to retrofit existing locations,” he says.
He’s thrilled with the growth of the brand and looks to partner with investors who share his enthusiasm and work ethic. “While this is a simple business to run, it’s not always easy. We work together to make things run as efficiently as possible and deliver an exceptional customer experience. It’s the ultimate team sport,” he says.
For more information, call 317-677-6904 or visit www.buildthepickle.com.
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by Jill Abrahamsen
Stacked Pickle CEO Gary Brackett attributes his success as a franchisor to his time playing football. As a Super Bowl-winning linebacker for the Indiana Colts, Brackett used the same skills on the field that he needs today to run his successful business: leadership, hard work, and discipline, just to name a few. “As a team captain, I was chief defensive operator. Now I am chief executive officer,” says Brackett. “There are a lot of similarities. I run my business like I ran the defense. It’s all about teamwork.”
Knowing that professional football players have short careers, he always had a “plan B” and thought about his retirement early. “The idea of owning a sports bar always appealed to me,” Brackett says. While exploring his options, he came across the Stacked Pickle, a small sports bar chain in his area.
Brackett loved the community feel and vibe of the restaurant, and he invested as a silent partner while going back to school to earn his MBA. Brackett’s coursework inspired him to look into scaling the business. Eventually he took over the entire operation and prepared the Stacked Pickle for franchising.
“We got our processes and procedures down to a science before offering franchise opportunities in 2016,” Brackett says. “We made it as polished and brand-focused as possible.”
With a fun, family-friendly, casual feel, The Stacked Pickle is all about local sports, and the décor includes
photos of high school teams and memorabilia from local professional sports teams. “It’s a great place to watch your favorite team or come after a local high school game,” Brackett says. “Our goal is to build a sense of community.”
Menu items include signature “stacked” burgers and wings, fun appetizers like nachos and pizza-stuffed breadsticks, plus healthier options like salads and wraps. “We have something for everyone,” Brackett says.
In designing the franchise, Brackett kept costs down for investors. “Instead of expensive build-outs, we give franchisees the option to retrofit existing locations,” he says.
He’s thrilled with the growth of the brand and looks to partner with investors who share his enthusiasm and work ethic. “While this is a simple business to run, it’s not always easy. We work together to make things run as efficiently as possible and deliver an exceptional customer experience. It’s the ultimate team sport,” he says.
For more information, call 317-677-6904 or visit www.buildthepickle.com.
Share this story