Daily Jam is best described as a beloved neighborhood destination for breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites, as well as an integral part of its community. In fact, one of the six equally important core values embedded into the franchise culture is serving and contributing to the community, said Daily Jam president Berekk Blackwell. And that has never seemed more relevant than during the pandemic. By Cindy Charette
Daily Jam Demonstrates its Core Values
Daily Jam is best described as a beloved neighborhood destination for breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites, as well as an integral part of its community. In fact, one of the six equally important core values embedded into the franchise culture is serving and contributing to the community, said Daily Jam president Berekk Blackwell. And that has never seemed more relevant than during the pandemic.
The restaurant franchise has always prided itself in providing a fast-casual, full-service atmosphere where family, friends, and co-workers could gather to enjoy traditional brunch fare. But COVID-19 threatened to change things.
Blackwell understood that regardless of social status or economic circumstances, everyone was affected in some way during the pandemic. In this climate of uncertainty, Blackwell and the Daily Jam team wanted to continue providing some sense of normalcy by offering the same quality food and service guests had come to expect, while also increasing measures to ensure health and safety. Even before there were any official COVID-19 mandates, Daily Jam implemented its own requirements for wearing masks, taking temperatures, and keeping tables six feet apart.
By mid-April, when the novel Coronavirus had hit hard, all restaurants were either shutting down or limiting service to takeout or curbside pickup only. Fortunately for Daily Jam, each of its locations was already designed with a patio bar window, allowing for a quick and easy transition to providing contact-free service. Daily Jam also offered online ordering through its website and third-party delivery options.
As many restaurants shortened their hours of operation, Daily Jam extended its hours beyond the usual closing time of 3 p.m., remaining open until 9 p.m. Not only did this decision give Daily Jam employees an opportunity to work and earn more income, it also gave guests, especially those still working, a place where they could stop later in the evening to pick up food for themselves and their families. “Having our lights on at night sent a message,” Blackwell said.
During even the most trying times, the entire team worked together to come up with ways franchises could support their communities. As a result, Daily Jam offered free kids’ meals when schools closed and expanded company initiatives for first responders and medical personnel to include free coffee and increased discounts beyond the usual 20% to 35% off their entire ticket. The restaurant discounted online orders by 25% and offered buy-one-get-one-free deals for gift cards.
The decisions aimed at helping neighbors in any way possible during the pandemic has paid off in many ways. Blackwell and all Daily Jam team members have experienced tremendous satisfaction in rallying together to get through the tough times. Blackwell said they have also seen reciprocity from guests, and Daily Jam has come back stronger than ever. Sales figures from this time last year are about the same as for this year, despite restrictions on restaurant capacity.
Blackwell emphasizes the importance of Daily Jam’s core values to all team members, whether they’re at work or not. There are no scripts to follow and interactions with guests are not choreographed. Instead, Blackwell encourages team members to be themselves and build relationships in their own unique ways while always demonstrating these core values:
People First: We take care of our employees and customers, always showing that we care.
Own It: Whether it was a great job or a mistake, it’s important to own it. At Daily Jam, we are equally ready to take accountability when needed or show pride and support for team members when they succeed.
Be Remarkable: We aim to be the best and be known as the local brand that is always willing to go above and beyond.
Community: We are here to serve and contribute to the community.
Have Fun: Daily Jam is a fun brand with contagious positivity, and we give our team members, customers and our food the freedom to be unique.
Always be Learning: Focusing on continued growth, good habits, and maintaining our curiosity, Daily Jam is poised to keep getting better and better.
For more information on Daily Jam franchise opportunities, visit dailyjamfranchising.com.
– Cindy Charette