Waffle House’s Bert Thornton Divulges Ingredients to Success

While Bert Thornton swears you to secrecy when revealing a key ingredient in his namesake chili that’s been tantalizing taste buds at Waffle House restaurants for more than 30 years, the Vice Chairman Emeritus is much more vocal on issues affecting the industry such as leadership, branding and common-sense guest relations.

In his new book, “Find an Old Gorilla: Pathways Through the Jungle of Business and Life,” Thornton offers practical business advice and champions the mentor relationship. The gorilla example in the title refers to how young gorillas follow and mirror the behavior of older ones. Thornton, who estimates he has offered guidance to thousands over the past 40 years, views himself as being both the young and old gorilla.

“I think I have always been both at the same time even today, but the shift came as more people sought me out and I realized what I had to offer them: answers, motivation, hope,” he said. I’ve learned something from everyone even the…