Culture Matters: Patachou Inc.’s ‘Secret Sauce’
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn Indianapolis-based restaurant empire is continuing to grow while working to maintain its entrepreneurial roots. This month’s edition of Culture Matters features Patachou Inc., which was founded in the late-1980s by attorney-turned-restaurateur Martha Hoover. Its portfolio now includes the original Cafe Patachou concept, plus Napolese artisanal pizzeria, Petite Chou Bistro and Champagne Bar, charity-focused Public Greens restaurant and a new fried chicken destination called Crispy Bird. FirstPerson Inc. Managing Director Paul Ashley says Hoover has "gone out of her way" to avoid losing ground as the company grows.
The company now employs 350.
Ashley says a "big hallmark" of the company is that it was built by someone (Hoover) not traditionally trained in the restaurant industry. He says Hoover came into the business from a customer’s perspective and has developed very high expectations for her employees over the years, which is reflected in the dining experience.
Ashley also discussed the Patachou Foundation, which he says is driven by the many employees who are also volunteers and donors. "I think it’s because they care about the community in which they live, and because of that relationship they create with their customers, they want to give back to the community in which they live and work."