Your Pie owner Efrem Yates on community and pizza

Your Pie was the original fast-casual, pick your own topping pizza chains. Efrem shares the story of how the founder started the company.

Efrem Yates has always been interested in owning a franchise. He was inspired by some mentors early on and knew that was where he was heading. Now he has his first franchise in Cary and in progress on his second at the time of the episode.

Your Pie, like many restaurants, had to quickly adapt to curbside pickup and delivery during COVID-19 to remain open. Efrem talks candidly about his struggles and successes in launching this new part of his business. With restaurants only allowed to open at 50% capacity in North Carolina right now, we talk about how it’s time for many to adapt or go out of business.

One of the most rewarding parts of the work for Efrem is investing in the lives of his employees. Many of them are in high school, and just starting out their working careers and at a time where it is critical to learn work ethic and other key life lessons.

Efrem points out that “Nice is free” when it comes to training his staff. It is their only unlimited resource and should be given generously to their customers.

We also spent time talking about the recent protests and their effects on local business owners. We discuss what justice looks like as a result of the racial tensions and the work he puts into place to create a safe place for his employees during this crisis.

COVID-19 has given him and all of us an opportunity to grow in our compassion.

Your Pie focuses on helping people in the community and giving back. Efrem describes what success looks like for him is not just chasing a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but chasing the feeling that gives him purpose.