Biscuitville: The Secret Recipe for Building a Sustainable Competitive Advantage

By Phil Johnston

First we need to do some translation from American to English. A 'biscuit' as we know it is called a 'cookie' in the States. In the US, what they call a 'biscuit' is like a fluffy savoury roll that... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1935212052
• ISBN13: 9781935212058
• Release Date: August 2009
• Publisher: Easton Studio Press, LLC
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

Leadership Skills For Success

Leaders in every profession should consider Biscuitville required reading! Phil Johnston has done a masterful job reinforcing principles that are the foundation of highly respected organizations across America with leadership skills and techniques that, if followed, create a tremendous legacy for a leader. Every business school in America should require students to read Biscuitville since it provides proven techniques for achieving success while creating an organization that will not only be successful but also admired! Henry H. Shelton General, USA(R) 14th Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

How to please customers and make money doing it

I have been a Biscuitville customer for nearly 25 years. I have appreciated they quality of food and quality of service. In an era of declining service, Biscuitville stands out. This book offers an great insight into why this small chain (50+ stores) is able to take basic ingredients (building, people, food) and create something that exceeds expectations. Quality materials, excellent training, better than average wages and a focus on product let them succeed. Even though their stores are only open for breakfast and lunch, each property is quite successful. This book is an easy--1 night--to read project. Unlike many "how we did it" business books, it does not hit you over the head with the "greatness" of the founders or the concept. Rather this is a simple, entertaining book of good people doing above average work. Most of what makes the company successful might be described as common sense. However, many other fast food providers don't get it. Many of the lessons can be translated to any business--not just food service. The concept of hiring well and paying well should remind any business manager that results come from motivated people doing the right things well. The book is enjoyable and the lessons will stay with you. The pleasure of reading it will fulfill you just like a hot country ham biscuit.

I highly recommend Biscuitville

Biscuitville's amazing success story, reveals to entrepreneurs and business owners a most valuable lesson: when you stumble on something that really works, you should stick with it. Maurice Jennings, the founder of Biscuitville, pursued various other restaurant ventures before he realized exactly where he needed to focus his attention. And once he did, a tremendous success began to unfold. Mr. Jenning's "secrets to success" were delivering a great biscuit with the freshest ingredients, fast and friendly service, and treating customers and employees like family. The other cooperative components were never going into debt to do it and ingeneous branding. I immediately recommended this book to my brother who is President of 5 optometry practices in North Carolina because a great deal about ethical business leadership can be learned from this book. Phil Johnston's account of the Biscuitville story is enlightening and entertaining, and gives a lot of value for such a quick read.

"Biscuitville" a "Must Read"!

Phil Johnston's great little book, Biscuitville - The Secret For Building A Sustainable Competitive Advantage, should be a "must read" for all business students. It should also be a "must read" for anyone with a desire to start their own small business. As a volunteer for the SBA Counseling and Technical Assistance program, known as "SCORE", this book will become a valuable asset. I have worked in broadcasting and advertising for over fifty years in New York City, Chicago and most recently in North Carolina. I've had a ringside seat as an observer of the development, growth and failure of U.S. business. There are more similarities than one may think between a Fortune 500 listed corporation like the William Wrigley Jr. Company and a private company like Biscuitville. Both have had wonderful success min attracting and keeping a loyal customer base. Companies both large and small must attract and maintain a strong customer base against their competition to sustain long-term success. Johnston's section on "branding" is classic. Branding and image are critical to success. This is true whether you are a smaller Biscuitville or a major not-for-profit like the United Way. Building an image is hard work, and it takes time. Once a company establishes this important asset, however, it can never "assume" and rest on its laurels. Maintaining a brand takes hard work! You'll be glad you read this book for the nuggets of wisdom it teaches for all businesses, from start-ups to corporate giants, but, before you start, "Gitcha a biscuit."

We need more Biscuitvilles!

Phil Johnston chronicles the founding and growth of Biscuitville, a family owned and operated chain of 53 stores in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. The reader does not get the recipe for the golden biscuits that are baked fresh daily but does get the recipe for a growing, profitable and vibrant business. The ingredients for Biscuitville's success seem like "no brainers", but as Mr. Johnston points out they are elements that are widely lacking in most of today's businesses. This is a real life how-to book on how to build a successful business from the ground up.