In 2007, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen was on the brink of collapse. The fast-food franchise had lost its direction, trust, and spirit. Yet, in the midst of that storm, an extraordinary leader emerged—Cheryl Bachelder. She didn’t arrive with a command staff, but with a listening ear and a serving heart.

Instead of imposing a top-down vision, Cheryl chose to serve those on the front lines: the franchisees and employees. She believed that true success stems from trust, respect, and collaboration. Under her leadership, Popeyes not only improved its operational systems but also rebuilt its spirit.

Cheryl set clear expectations, yet she also provided genuine support. She encouraged her team to take risks, innovate, and find strength within themselves. She didn’t lead with ego, but with empathy. And the result? Remarkable.

In less than a decade, Popeyes made a remarkable comeback. Profit margins increased, customer satisfaction soared, and the company’s stock price skyrocketed. But more than that, Cheryl has proven that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about service. Cheryl Bachelder and team

In her book *Dare to Serve*, Cheryl reveals that superior financial results are achieved through a focus on service and collaboration.

When Cheryl took office as CEO in 2007, Popeyes’ stock price was around $11 per share. By the time the company was sold to Restaurant Brands International in 2017, the stock price had soared to around $61 per share.

This represents an increase of more than 450% in stock value during her tenure.

This story is not just about numbers, but about how servant leadership can change the direction of a company and lift the spirits of its team.