{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Paul Fleming | Iconic Restaurateur | How to Build a Restaurant Legacy By Leading with Integrity, and Taking Care of Employees","description":"From a humble start in South Louisiana to building restaurant empires across America, Paul Fleming\u2019s journey is a story of grit, hospitality, and vision. As the founder and force behind beloved brands like Ruth\u2019s Chris (West Coast expansion), PF Chang\u2019s, Fleming\u2019s Prime Steakhouse, Paul Martin\u2019s, Lake Park Diner, and Paulita\u2019s Tacos\u2014Paul has helped define American dining for over three decades. In this episode, Paul reflects on how growing up with strong family values and working in every position in the restaurant world prepared him for a life of entrepreneurship. He shares how his oil business pivoted into hospitality, why working alongside people he respects keeps him energized, and how staying close to the customer is still his greatest advantage.  From building cultures of generosity to investing in the next generation of food innovators, Paul\u2019s insights are equal parts practical and inspiring. You\u2019ll hear how he chooses the right time to exit a business, why he\u2019s never looked back, and how values-based leadership has shaped his lasting impact. \u201cPeople are everything\u2014and they\u2019re expensive when you get them wrong.\u201d \u2013 Paul Fleming \u201cWe pay our vendors like slot machines\u2014and we get the best product because of it.\u201d \u2013 Paul Fleming \u201cI\u2019ve never looked back on a business I sold. The timing was right, and there\u2019s always another great concept to build.\u201d \u2013 Paul Fleming This Week on The Wow Factor: How a \u201cpoor Cajun boy\u201d from South Louisiana built multiple billion-dollar restaurant brands The early days of PF Chang\u2019s\u2014and the lettuce wrap that changed everything Why Paul believes the restaurant industry and soccer have more in common than you think How great hiring, vendor respect, and intentional generosity build lasting businesses The legacy of Ruth\u2019s Chris and the lessons Paul learned from Ruth herself How his wife Jody is leading the charge on new concepts like Paulita\u2019s Tacos and PJK Chinese Paul\u2019s insights on staying positive, working hard, and building brands with purpose Why private equity isn\u2019t just about money\u2014it\u2019s about people, timing, and culture What makes Lake Park Diner in Naples a local go-to and a tribute to a visionary partner Paul Fleming\u2019s Word of Wisdom: You\u2019ve got to work your butt off in a business you\u2019re good at and enjoy\u2014for 25 years. Focus, commit, and trust that effort over time creates impact. The real legacy is built when you invest in people, treat vendors with respect, and lead with consistency. There\u2019s no shortcut\u2014just sustained effort, community, and doing what\u2019s right. Connect with Paul Fleming: You can experience Paul\u2019s legacy at restaurants across the country including: Fleming\u2019s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar PF Chang\u2019s Paul Martin\u2019s American Grill Lake Park Diner PJK Neighborhood Chinese Paulita\u2019s Tacos Connect with The Wow Factor:  WOW Factor Website  Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   X (formerly Twitter)   ","author_name":"The Wow Factor","author_url":"https:\/\/www.thewowfactorpodcast.com","html":"