Meraki: Tommy Keet

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. It’s the feeling 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.

For this month’s franchise spotlight, we want you to meet Tommy Keet! Tommy is one of the partners that owns our Arkansas and Oklahoma markets. Tommy has been in the Taziki’s family for around 12 years now and has lots of insights and advice to give. If you are interested in franchising, read below to learn more about his story! 

The Arkansas Team Presenting a Trip to Greece

How long have you been in the hospitality industry?

I was born into a family that was in hospitality. I had my first restaurant job when I was 18. Got a college degree and a job practicing law, but in 2008 I quit my law job to concentrate full time on working in our family business at Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe - Arkansas. 

When did you franchise your first Taziki’s location? 

In 2008, we became the first licensees because at that time Taziki’s was not a franchise organization yet. 

Where are your locations based and what is something unique about your stores? 

We have eight locations in Arkansas and three in Oklahoma. One aspect of our stores that makes them unique are our drive-thru windows. Not many Taziki’s locations have Drive-Thru windows, but five of our locations do, which helped out our stores during the COVID crisis. 

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

In 2008 "fast-casual" was just beginning and there was nothing like Taziki's at the time. Taziki’s Founder, Keith Richards had passion and a menu of fresh ingredients that could be customized and served quickly. That is what inspired us to open Taziki’s in our markets. 

What is your favorite item on Taziki's menu? 

For the price, our salmon is the absolute best deal in the country. You definitely can't forget to add a side of Tomato-Chutney Aioli with it. It is the best and most unknown sauce that we have.

Above: Jim Keet receiving the Wendy’s Award

Below: JTJ Restaurants, LLC receiving the First Founders Award for Taziki’s

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

Don't expect success to come quickly. If you treat the customers right and make great food every day, people will come. 

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

I practiced law for 5 years before opening Tazikis. I was an in-house human resources attorney for a massive telecommunications company that basically fired large groups of people monthly and I hated it. I’ve found that feeding people is a better fit for me and my happiness.

If you live in Arkansas and Oklahoma, make sure you stop by and support the Keet family! Find a location near you here or place your order ahead of time online.