In this episode of Fast Casual, we sit down with Fasika Melaku, SVP of HR and Chief Learning Officer at Denny’s, to explore the transformative power of access, mobility, and purpose in the restaurant industry. Fasika shares her inspiring journey from starting as a hostess to becoming a senior executive, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for growth at all levels.
Throughout the conversation, Fasika dives deep into the concept of access—how it goes beyond mere career mobility and touches on providing employees with the tools and support they need to succeed both personally and professionally. She also discusses the critical role of organizational purpose, the significance of language in building a cohesive culture, and the rituals that can help solidify a brand’s values across all levels of an organization.
Whether you’re a restaurant professional, an HR leader, or someone passionate about building successful workplace cultures, Fasika’s insights offer a fresh perspective on what it means to cultivate an environment where everyone has the chance to shine. Tune in to learn how Denny’s has managed to not only uplift its service ratings but also create a culture of inclusivity and belonging that drives both employee satisfaction and business success.