Meraki: Matt Warren
Meraki Series: Meraki is a word that is often used to describe what it means to do something with passion, with absolute devotion, and with undivided attention. When you love doing something, anything, so much that you put something of yourself into it. So, we’ve dedicated this series to those who live out that meaning, and we ask them how.
Today we want to introduce you to Matt Warren, one of the owners and operators of our Cincinnati market. Read below to learn more about his journey in the hospitality industry and the inside scoop on what makes Taziki’s Cincinnati unique.
How long have you been in the hospitality industry?
Over 10 years now. I received my MBA as well as my Masters in Hospitality at The University of Nevada in Las Vegas. While working on my Graduate Degree I worked for the World Series of Poker prior to moving back to Cincinnati, Ohio. When I moved back, I began working for the family restaurant business before researching and being instrumental in adding Taziki’s to our umbrella of restaurants.
When did you franchise your first Taziki’s location?
Our team opened our first Taziki’s location in March 2017. Our first location is the Deerfield location.
Where are all of your locations located? What is something unique about your stores?
Our 3 stores are in Cincinnati, Ohio. Deerfield opened in March of 2017, West Chester in March of 2018, and Kenwood in July of 2019. We have plans to open several more in the Cincinnati area.
What is something unique about your stores?
Our stores all have a welcoming feel as well as large patio areas, which have been very useful over the past 6 months in addition to the pick-up window we designed for our Kenwood store. We have been recognized locally for the design of both the exterior and the interior of our units. All of our units have a stone and wood façade which has really helped highlight the Taziki’s green logo on the signage and create a cohesive look for our locations.
What inspired you about the Taziki’s brand that made you decide to franchise a location?
We were initially fans of Taziki’s and really enjoyed the food. We were very impressed with the overall quality and consideration of the food and operational systems. Ultimately we found Taziki’s to be a brand that we would be proud to operate and bring to our hometown.
What is your favorite item on Taziki's menu?
I would have to say the Mediterranean Salad with Shrimp. The Taziki Taco with Shrimp is a close runner up.
If you had a piece of advice to offer someone who is interested in franchising, what would you tell them?
While franchising and operating our Taziki’s locations has been an evolving process, what has remained consistent is the need to build good teams in the restaurants. We’ve found the absolute best way to do this is by being the example and leading that way. There is nothing that I will ask my team to do that I haven’t done before or wouldn’t do. Implementing this means that you have to be prepared to spend a lot of time in restaurants. The staff we’ve developed has been one of the most rewarding aspects. Seeing them succeed and grow as individuals, and progress in their roles is my favorite part of what I do.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that people might not know!
I’ve traveled to 60+ countries and all 50 states. My family and I love to travel! My wife Allyson and I have begun exploring and visiting National Parks with our 3 boys and are making it a goal to visit as many with them as we can before they graduate High School. In any downtime we have, you can find us attending local sporting events, football games, soccer games, or tennis.
Thanks Matt for sharing your heart behind Taziki’s food. If you live or are traveling near Cincinnati you can find a Taziki’s closest to you here and support the Warren family and their group of owners.