Michael Buckles

Restaurant, Retail & Hospitality Consultant | 37 Years | Retention | Operations | The Retention Playbook

Book a session

Michael Buckles helps Franchise Groups and Multi-Unit Operators build workplaces people choose to stay, reduce turnover, increase profits, and run tighter operations.

With 37 years of leadership experience with Starbucks, Five Guys, and Piccadilly, Michael has helped teams grow, improve performance, and build stronger cultures. He believes great operations start with great people and that simple, repeatable systems create accountability, consistency, and results.

His practical, no-fluff approach gives franchise owners and operators strategies they can implement immediately to improve retention, strengthen leadership, increase profitability, and build teams that perform.

Fix Retention and Run Tighter Operations | AI-Enabled | 37 Years | Starbucks, Five Guys and Piccadilly

Business Strategy & Consulting

Services

Franchise Retention Diagnostic Call

In 30 minutes, we’ll look at what’s really driving turnover in your franchise or multi-unit operation. Not the surface reasons, but the root causes that are hurting retention, consistency, and profit. I’ve supported 22+ franchises and led districts and divisions at Starbucks, Five Guys, Piccadilly and I've been a franchise. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of what’s going on, what may need to change, and whether it makes sense to work together.

30 minFree
Franchise Ops-build a workplace people choose to stay

Franchise Ops: Build a Workplace People Choose to Stay If you're tired of hiring the same position over and over, this session is for you. We'll talk about what actually keeps good people around. You'll learn simple operational and leadership strategies that help create a workplace where employees feel valued, take ownership, and want to stay. I'll share what's worked in real franchise businesses, the mistakes I see owners make, and practical ideas you can put to work right away.

1 hourFree
1:1 Video Call

Book a private video call to get personalized advice and guidance.

1 hourFree

Endorsements

Todd Davidson

COO of Bayous Best Burgers, LLC

“I've known Michael for nearly 14 years and have worked alongside him for more than 8. His extensive experience as a District Manager, Franchise Business Manager, and restaurant owner gives him an exceptional understanding of restaurant operations. He knows how to improve KPIs, increase profitability, and grow sales. I highly recommend Michael to anyone seeking an experienced and trusted restaurant advisor.”

Colleague

Troy James

Founder and CEO VELORA

“I've known Mike Buckles 29 years, he was my district manager at Piccadilly and my first model of people-first leadership. Even now, as founder of my own leadership-development firm, I call Mike for the truth on people and operations. He believes investing in each person's success, building an atmosphere where everyone can achieve, is never zero-sum, and with The Retention Playbook he's turned that conviction into a repeatable system that ends costly turnover. I endorse him without reservation. ”

Mentor