The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish
My guest today is Ron Shaich, founder of Panera and chairman of CAVA.
The headlines will tell you that Ron built Panera into a $7.8 billion company. But the real story is far more interesting.
He went all in on Panera. He sold off every other concept they owned, like Au Bon Pain, to focus on on Panera.
His philosophy is simple: Be long-term greedy, not short-term stupid.
We discuss why profit is always a byproduct (focus on it and you’ll lose everything), how to understand the customer, and the real costs of building something great. Today he’s repeating the same playbook he used at Panera with CAVA.
At 71, he tracks his glucose continuously and works out every morning at 8am. He runs quarterly reviews on his life with the same discipline he brought to building companies.
This isn’t about restaurants. It’s about making painful bets when everyone else is optimizing for next quarter, and understanding that real commitment owns you—you never own it.
—–
Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:
reMarkable: Get your paper tablet at https://www.reMarkable.com today
.tech domains: Nothing says tech like being on .tech https://get.tech/
Shopify: https://shopify.com/knowledgeproject
—–
Upgrade: Get a hand edited transcripts and ad free experiences along with my thoughts and reflections at the end of every conversation. Learn more @ fs.blog/membership
——
Newsletter: The Brain Food newsletter delivers actionable insights and thoughtful ideas every Sunday. It takes 5 minutes to read, and it’s completely free. Learn more and sign up at fs.blog/newsletter
——
Follow Shane Parrish
X @ShaneAParrish
Insta @farnamstreet
LinkedIn Shane Parrish
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#126 Nancy Sherman: Soldiers and Stoics
What can we learn from the intersection between the fundamental tenets of Stoicism and military heroism? Author and professor Nancy Sherman uses her extensive experience in both subjects to discuss why there’s much to gain…
#125 Paul Rabil: Confidence and Competition
Paul Rabil knows what it takes to reach the top in both sports and business. In this episode, he teaches us the mindsets to succeed, where confidence comes from, and even tells us about the…
#124 Douglas Rushkoff: The Perils of Modern Media
Douglas Rushkoff is obsessed with technology and how it impacts our lives. In this interview, he offers insight into how we shape and are shaped by technology, what’s happening with mainstream media, and some tips…
#123 William Irvine: How To Live a Stoic Life
Author and philosophy professor William Irvine goes in-depth on Stoicism, and why the fundamental tenets of this ancient philosophy can provide answers to some of the toughest problems in today’s society. On this episode Irvine…
#122 Robert Cialdini – The Principles of Persuasion
What are the best strategies to get people to say “Yes” to your requests in life? Acclaimed psychologist Robert Cialdini dives deep into the seven small things that make a huge impact in influencing others,…
#121 Walter Isaacson: Curiosity Fuels Creativity
What do Steve Jobs, Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin and Jennifer Doudna all have in common? Celebrated journalist and author Walter Isaacson calls upon his years of research to explain how curiosity has always fueled…
#120 Chris Bosh: Hunger and Greatness
Two-time NBA champion and 2021 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Chris Bosh goes in-depth on the skills it takes to become a winner on the basketball court and in life. On this episode Bosh discusses…
#119 Todd Simkin: Making Better Decisions
Todd Simkin calls on experiences from his lengthy career in financial services and educating traders to help Shane understand how to make better decisions. Simkin breaks down all the influences that go into how and…
#118 Doug Conant: Leadership With Integrity
Doug Conant breaks down how putting his employees first made him an internationally renowned business leader atop both the Nabisco Foods Company and the Campbell Soup Company. On this episode Doug discusses why you can’t…
#117 Kat Cole: The Power of Possible
Kat Cole discusses how “the power of possible” guided her from a part-time job as a hostess at a Hooters restaurant to one of the most respected business leaders in America. In this wide-ranging episode…