Kent Dawdy is an Atlanta-based Regional Vice President (RVP) who oversees Inspire company-owned SONIC restaurants across Alabama and Georgia. His job often takes him on the road, visiting SONICs to ensure operations are running smoothly and restaurant teams are supported. But before Kent was immersed in slushes and SONIC Smashers, he spent 21 years focused on Arby’s roast beef and curly fries. 

“I grew up in Arby’s and I love it to this day,” says Kent. “When I first joined the brand and did my restaurant training in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I knew nothing – I was new to the market and new to the business. But I was very fortunate to come up in a brand that had good systems and processes in place.” During training, Kent made a strong impression and was asked to stay in Grand Rapids. He made a positive impact in the restaurant, and a year and a half later, he was transferred to a different location that needed exceptional operations support.

For Kent, it was an opportunity to rally a new team and optimize performance. “To this day, I credit that experience with springboarding my career. Turning that restaurant around ignited my passion for training and developing people.” Kent quickly gained a reputation for reinvigorating restaurants, known for guiding teams every step of the way as he established best practices. “What we were really building was culture. It’s about giving people pride in their work.”

In 2011, the skills Kent developed at Arby’s helped him take on new leadership roles at various foodservice companies, including Chief Operating Officer for a large-scale franchisee. “All the while, I kept an eye on Arby’s. It was incredible to see how the leadership team revitalized the brand. They haven’t missed an opportunity.”

Kent took note as Inspire grew into a global restaurant company with six complementary, category-leading brands, including Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC. In 2022 – more than a decade after departing Arby’s – Kent accepted a leadership position with SONIC at Inspire. 

“I always felt like I belonged at Arby’s, and by joining Inspire, I feel like I’m back,” shares Kent. “People I started relationships with more than 20 years ago are still here. People I hired and developed are still here. Meeting them again felt like coming home.” 

Now, Kent is helping drive transformational initiatives for both the SONIC brand and Inspire. “SONIC is 72 years young, and as part of Inspire, the brand is doing things that it’s never done before. We’re constantly building and innovating.” 

Kent continues to lead by example with every SONIC visit he makes. His biggest piece of advice for team members in the foodservice industry? “You’re not in the food business; you’re in the people business. Don’t get caught up in the idea of dropping fries for a living – what we do is all about building relationships. You will change lives if you do it right.” 

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