Meraki: Bobby Touchton and Debbie Curtis

Meraki Series: Meraki is a word that is often used to describe what happens when you leave a piece of yourself (your soul, creativity, or love) in your work. When you love doing something, anything, so much that you put something of yourself into it.

Every month we are taking the time to introduce our customers to the heart behind their neighborhood Taziki’s, the local owners! To kick this year off, meet Bobby Touchton and Debbie Curtis. They are the franchise owners of our Panama City, Panama City Beach, and Oviedo Florida locations. Read more about they got started with Taziki’s and some of their favorite menu items! 

1. What do you love about the hospitality industry? 

Bobby: You’re able to provide and contribute to an environment where others come together to meet as family and friends.

Debbie: Our guests. Getting to know them and their families. 

2. When did you franchise your first Taziki’s location?  

We opened our first location together in 2016 located in Panama City! 

 3. What is something unique about your stores? 

Bobby: We are beach people so all stores have a "beachy" Adirondack chair out front, palm trees and a coastal picture theme throughout the restaurants.  

Debbie: Ladies judge the whole restaurant based on the bathroom and ours are fabulous! 

4. What inspired you about the Taziki’s brand that made you decide to franchise a location? 

Bobby: It was Keith Richards, the founder. We had an immediate connection.  We had a great conversation, knew a lot of the same people, and had both worked in Birmingham, AL for the past twenty years. Keith made me feel like I could do it because he did.

 Debbie: Initially, the food and reputation of Taziki's. I was a regular who ate there 3 times a week and absolutely loved it. Then after meeting with Keith, I knew it was a God thing. 

 5. What is your favorite item on the Taziki’s menu?

Bobby: The Turkey & Egg with the mushroom butter, mushrooms and red peppers that come on the Monday special!

Debbie: Whipped Feta on soft pita. I give all first-time guests a free sample and everyone loves it! 

 6. If you had a piece of advice to offer someone who is interested in franchising, what would you tell them?

Bobby: Expect to be "hands-on" and "in-the-weeds" if you plan to be successful. 

Debbie: Spend a little extra in your Ladies bathrooms. It can make or break the whole experience, and have a woman design it. Girls know what girls need in the bathroom.

 7. Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that people might not know! 

Bobby: When I was younger, I won High Point 3 consecutive months for the state of Florida. High Point is an award given for the best overall performance across all divisions and age groups among several horse racing events.

Debbie: For four years, I taught etiquette and make-up training at a finishing school for girls.

We love having Debbie and Bobby in the Taziki’s family. Thank you for all you do! If you live in the area and want to go visit, find your nearest location here. If you’re interested in joining the family as a local owner, click here to learn more.