Ways to work with us

Built around your situation.

Every engagement is scoped to where your business is today. Tell us what you're working through and we'll recommend the right fit.

01

Strategy Session

One focused working session on a single decision: a lease, a new unit, a partner, a raise. You leave with a clear next step.

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02

Project Engagement

A defined scope, timeline and deliverable, such as a concept launch or relaunch, franchise readiness, or preparing for a raise or sale.

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03

Ongoing Advisory

A standing monthly partnership at the level you need: Decide (set your direction), Commit (execute it) or Succeed (scale, raise or sell).

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04

Hourly Advisory

Advice when you need it, without a long commitment. Book time by the hour or a block of hours to use as issues come up.

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05

Executive Coaching

One-on-one coaching for owners, operators and general managers on leadership, accountability and running the business without being in every building.

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06

Fractional Leadership

Senior operations, marketing, finance or technology leadership from the 86X team, part-time, until you're ready to hire full-time.

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07

Workshops & Team Training

On-site or virtual sessions for leadership teams and managers on culture, hiring, P&L literacy and the six stakeholder relationships.

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08

Growth Partnership

For founder-led brands ready to scale: 86X takes an active role and a stake in the business, with support across franchising, operations, technology and capital.

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Built by an operator. Not a consultant.

The experience behind the advice.

Christopher spent ten years as a Five Guys franchisee in coastal Georgia and South Carolina — built 7 locations, sold to corporate in 2017. Then he bought Zunzi's at the end of 2014, expanded it, created Zunzibar, sold 17 franchises, raised $2.5MM, and sold his interest at the end of 2025.

He's lived every version of this business: building from nothing, franchising, raising capital, and knowing when to walk away. The restaurant business will take everything from you if you let it. That's not a warning from a textbook — it's his story.

86X Advisors runs on one idea: engagement is EBITDA. Give people what they actually want — not what you think they want, not what you want — and the numbers follow.

Most restaurant owners think they want to grow. Fewer know why, and fewer still know what they're actually willing to give up for it. That's the work.

Featured project / Standalone offering

The 86X Playbook

Building your own branded 1X foundation — Vision, Mission, Promise, Values, 6 Stakeholders, and a real People / Operations / Financial / Growth plan. Your own version of the playbook Christopher built and ran his restaurant group on.

What you get

  • Leadership interviews + drafting + design
  • Polished document you actually run the business on
  • Vision, Mission, Promise, Values
  • 6 Stakeholder framework mapped to your brand
  • People / Operations / Financial / Growth plan
Timeline / 4–6 weeks

Can be purchased on its own, or paired with ongoing advisory. Not a prerequisite — though it's the natural starting point if you have no foundation yet.

Ask about the Playbook
Here at every step

Not sure which fits? Start with a conversation.

We'll be honest about whether we can help and recommend the right way to work together.

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