“I can’t stand when people don’t tell the truth … just be straight with me.”
— Mandy Shaw, CEO, Blaze Pizza
Who would play you in the biopic about your life?
I’d like to say Sandra Bullock. She’s a strong, brunette female actress who has her wits about her and also has a sense of humor. I’m thinking about ‘The Proposal’—she’s a tough female boss who gets a bad rap but then really shows her human side. And it’s a good all-around rom-com.
What’s your favorite franchise brand that’s not your own?
Of course I admire Chick-fil-A … they certainly do it well because of how tightly controlled their franchise model is. Your order is always right, it’s always hot and some nice human is standing there saying ‘my pleasure.’ There’s a relentless commitment to high standards. As a consumer, whenever I can get my hands on a Dutch Bros., I do.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
If you ask my kids, they would tell you without hesitation it’s lying. I can’t stand when people don’t tell the truth … just be straight with me.
Which famous person would you never want to meet?
What comes to mind is the Kardashians. I respect the business they’ve built … but I think the aesthetic is damaging to young women. I have a 17-year-old daughter who is a very pretty girl and there’s just all this pressure to look a certain way. It sounds lecture-y, but I would love for them to pivot and look for ways to maybe give back to the community or just have a more positive influence.
What are you freakishly good at (or bad at)?
I’m 5-foot-10 and I’ve always been pretty good at any sport, but I can’t play basketball to save my life. What I’m good at, though, people tell me I’m good at making them feel better … sort of, here’s the sunny side up of the situation. Especially, think about it, we’re in the restaurant business—it’s not open-heart surgery.
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
Making my bed. I am firmly in the camp of I don’t get it. I just can’t bring myself to care.
What’s something you would seriously stockpile if you found out it wasn’t going to be sold anymore?
There’s a brand called Chuao, it’s a chocolatier and they make a honeycomb chocolate bar that’s the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth. I get really excited whenever I get my hands on one.
What’s one restaurant or food trend you wish would die?
I wish people wouldn’t sell crummy food. There’s a larger awareness now that food is more than just fuel … it fills a bigger health and wellness need and also just the social aspect of it, sharing a meal. There’s an opportunity to not just sell something because people will buy it.
If you could be a member of any TV show family, which would it be?
I don’t know if Ted Lasso counts as a family, but I would be more than happy to join the show. Or ‘Schitt’s Creek.’ I’d want to be one of the kids.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Probably mountain oysters. And the weirdest thing I wanted to eat but missed out on during a trip to Asia is live squid. My friend who did try it said you can feel the little suckers, the tentacles, sucking on to you. I’m intrigued by it. I’ll try anything once.
What superhero power would you most like to have?
Teleportation. If I never had to get on an airplane again, I’d be happy as a clam. There’s a lot of airplanes involved in seeing my family and visiting all our restaurants.