December marks the beginning of a fresh start for Lone Star Steakhouse. At a time when the restaurant industry faces tough economic times, Lone Star Steakhouse is transforming its brand with a facelift to the buildings, new menus with great new food and beverages, and most importantly, a shift in culture. The focus of the new culture is one of positive accountability and establishing an environment that is built on trust and respect.

With the belief that cultivating high morale and a sense of personal accountability in team members will drive better business results over the long term, the organization has instituted development and training programs to generate positivity and connectivity throughout the company.

The shift in culture began by aligning key results that will drive success within the chain. Those four key results are team members, guests, sales, and profits, and each has very specific targets by which everyone is aligned behind and accountable for.

In March, the organization launched six cultural beliefs that provide the teams a framework for how to achieve the key results in a balanced way.  

During that same timeframe, Lone Star implemented the “Miracle Cake” campaign with an initial donation goal of $100,000. Through this program, guests purchase a slice of triple chocolate miracle cake and a portion of the proceeds benefit the local Children’s Miracle Network hospital.

In coordination with guests at its 105 locations, Lone Star reached its goal in November and has rededicated its commitment to Children’s Miracle Network by setting a goal to raise an additional $100,000 in December.

The organization reached the December goal in two weeks and continues to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network.