FSR Magazine: Lazy Dog's Winning Culture
In FSR Magazine’s June 2026 cover story, Chris Simms, founder and CEO of Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, shares how the brand’s people-first culture, commitment to growing its teammates, and guest-focused philosophy have helped shape its success.
Simms traces that philosophy back to his father, Tom Simms, who co-founded Mimi’s Cafe in 1978. Known within the company as the Simms Family Secret Recipe, the principle is a simple one: the care teammates receive is the care guests receive. Lazy Dog has been certified a Great Place to Work for eight consecutive years, and 83% of teammates report a positive experience at work.
Simms also details Lazy Dog’s approach to internal advancement. The brand looks internally first for every open management, chef, and regional role, with a goal of more than half of all promotions coming from within. All of its regional leaders were promoted internally.
