I dressed like a homeless man and walked into my own restaurant to see how my employees treated people who couldn’t afford a decent meal. I expected some unfriendly attitudes and perhaps a few rude remarks. Instead, I uncovered something so alarming that I eventually had to contact the police

Beside the register stood a glass jar labeled DOLLY’S RULE.

Customers could contribute spare change to help cover meals for anyone who couldn’t afford them.

No one had to explain their circumstances.

Nobody was turned away hungry.

That was my mother’s legacy.

And for years, I protected it.

Until I made the mistake that nearly destroyed everything.

Two years ago, a developer offered me an attractive location in a new suburban shopping center.

My wife suggested taking time to consider it.

I was too excited to listen.

I signed the agreement and opened Dolly’s Two.

Unfortunately, running two restaurants proved far more difficult than I expected.

The new location constantly demanded my attention.

Staffing problems, unreliable suppliers, maintenance issues, and endless financial decisions consumed nearly every hour.

I was working sixteen-hour days and barely visiting my original restaurant.

Eventually, I decided to hire a general manager.