Making Friends with Strangers with Farmer Boys’ Joseph Ortiz - Grounded Podcast - Episode #37
How do you grow a restaurant brand without losing sight of what makes it special? For Joseph Ortiz, President and COO of Farmer Boys, the answer lies in balancing innovation with the brand’s farm-fresh values and unwavering focus on quality.
In this episode, Joseph shares how Farmer Boys leverages data-driven decision-making, thoughtful expansion strategies, and a strong company culture to deliver consistent, high-quality experiences for guests. He also dives into the brand’s investments in technology, operational efficiency, and community-focused growth, all while staying true to its founding principles.
Takeaways:
- Use Data to Drive Strategy: Rely on timely, relevant, and unbiased data to guide smarter business decisions.
- Balance Growth with Core Values: Expand thoughtfully while maintaining quality, consistency, and authenticity.
- Invest in Technology Strategically: Adopt tools like delivery platforms, app ordering, and loyalty programs without chasing unproven trends.
- Empower Teams to Succeed: Build a collaborative culture that encourages learning, ownership, and innovation.
- Prioritize Freshness and Quality: Maintain strong supplier relationships and short distribution chains to uphold the brand’s promise of high-quality meals.
Quote of the Show:
- “A great operator is passionate about what they do. They want to win, they want to learn, they want to grow, and they don't rest with just doing what is expected.” - Joseph Ortiz
Connect with Joseph:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-ortiz-2328861/
- Company website: https://www.farmerboys.com/
Ways to Tune In:
- Transistor: https://www.groundedonthepod.com/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2I7EoKaVff3SnW3CoIXjJ6
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded/id1680909033
- Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/451edb13-5534-43ee-b46c-be36a7581460
- iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-grounded-281280581/
- Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/grounded-5259267
- Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/1064441
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@The-Grounded-Podcast
Creators and Guests
Host
Lauren Mitchell
Lauren Mitchell is the Director of National Accounts and Custom Distribution at Produce Alliance, LLC. She is a dedicated fresh produce spend & spec maximizer for multi-unit national restaurant chains & groups. She gets to know your brand and infuses your expectation for quality, consistency and transparency to create more reliability in your produce category.
