Just because a
business isnt real doesnt mean it can't inspire. Without the burden of actually having to make money with their fictional franchise concepts, Hollywood has brought to the public a number of memorable brands offering all kinds of insight. Lets take a look at 10 specific small businesses that some of TVs most entrepreneurial-minded writers have schemed up, including the lessons they can teach us about running a great company (or at least an entertaining one) offscreen.
They may not have Popeyes chicken sandwich, but Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito) and his team know chicken. With many locations and multiple revenue streams, LPH offers an addictive product thats just to die for. Gus tell us on his website, Its the best ingredients. The spiciest spices. All prepared with loving care! And always delivered with a friendly smile. Thats the Los Hermanos Pollos promise. While most restaurants speak in these terms, LPH does seem to thrive in its execution. Gus Fring understands that the little things matter: good food delivered quickly in a clean and friendly environment. Easier said than done, but Los Pollos Hermanos does it well. Plus, they do that other thing.
Business Lesson: Stick to the fundamentals, be consistent, and protect your secret recipes.
Central Perk (Friends)
Central Perk wasnt just any coffee joint. This was where the cool kids hung out. With those big mugs and cushy couches, it was the living room for an entire neighborhood. The only thing better than a good beverage is a great atmosphere in which to enjoy it, and the baristas knew how to brew great hot drinks for customers without being intrusive. Despite being in love with Rachel, Gunther didnt even speak until halfway through season two. Way to protect the customer experience!
Business Lesson: Build your business into a destination, and love your customers from a distance.
Long before Central Perk was pulling coffee shots, this teen-oriented 50s diner was jerking sodas, flipping burgers and showcasing local talent. The diner was such a cool venue to play that the real-life band Weezer with a little technological magic performed there in their
video for the song "Buddy Hollly". A central setting in Garry Marshalls idealized 1950s midwestern landscape, Arnolds was the perfect Friday-night teen hangout.
Happy Days already jumped the shark when Fonzie, well, jumped the shark, but when producers burnt down the restaurant and rebuilt it with a different dcor, neither the diner nor the show were ever the same. The rebuild was financed by Fonzie. Seems generous until you consider all the years of maintaining an office for which he never paid rent.
Business Lesson: Remodel without over-rebranding, and beware of flammable uniforms.
The Missouri Belle Casino(Ozark)
Summer days are great on the lake, but what to do at night? Thankfully, Marty (Jason Bateman) and Wendy Byrde (Laura Linney) have provided tourists and locals with some floating fun. The Missouri Belle Casino offers an array of slot machines and tables where guests can court Lady Luck. On any given day, there seem to be a lot of people losing large sums of cash, but rather than quitting, these loyal customers always seem to return with a fresh stack of Benjamins. The staff consistently looks crisp and clean, as The Missouri Belle takes their laundering very seriously. Credit the Byrdes for restoring the classic steamboat with the help of Kansas Citys most organized crew and an investor to whom they feel, er, eternally indebted.
Business Lesson: All business is a gamble. Work hard to put the odds your favor and some extra cash behind the drywall.
The Michael Scott Paper Company (The Office)
Managing the regional office of a large paper company is one thing. But going out on your own to take them down? Thats the entrepreneurial spirit. Dunder Mifflin underestimated Scrantons regional manager when they drove him away. Never did they guess Michael Scott would poach so many customers with cheaper pricing and a pancake luncheon. What his two-person team lacked in size, intelligence and overall business acumen, they made up with heart and free time. It was inevitable that Dunder Mifflin would buy them out and restore the Scranton offices dysfunctional family.
Business Lesson: Hang onto your best managers, even if they tell the worst jokes.
