Loaded Pierogi founder Adam Dolley dishes on how the brand delivers “creative flavour combinations” for guests
At Loaded Pierogi, the Polish staple dish gets a modern and fun twist that’s sure to impress foodies across Canada and the U.S. The brand was founded in 2014 by a pair of classically trained chefs, Adam Dolley and Bryan Burke, who combined have more than 50 years of foodservice experience.
Dolley says that Loaded Pierogi takes the “classic staple comfort food dishes and makes them ‘Loaded’ with creative flavor combinations and ingredients.” With five locations across Canada, “Our franchise company has grown to almost being coast to coast. We are as far west as Alberta and will be opening a new location in PEI this fall,” he says.
Guests can choose from plates that start with a layer of traditional style pierogi, French fries, or mac ‘n’ cheese. Then, their dishes get “loaded” with a variety of toppings to choose from including wild mushrooms, buffalo chicken, Québec goat cheese, and much more.
Here, the self-described funny, loyal, and outgoing Dolley shares his love-hate relationship with golf, the accomplishment he most looks forward to with Loaded Pierogi, his endearing relationship with his grandmother, and his handy advice for prospective franchisees.
A. The most interesting thing I’ve done recently is… Not much…Thanks, COVID-19.
B. In its best form, work is… My passion and creative outlet.
C. A good franchisee… Should be honest and have open lines of communication.
D. A good franchisor… Should be supportive, a good listener, and innovative.
E. My top advice for prospective franchisees is… Do your research and choose something that interests you. Stick to the systems that the franchisor has set out for you—it’s the reason why you purchased a franchise and didn’t do something independently.
F. The most important thing in life is… To be happy, laugh, and maintain a positive attitude, while eliminating negative energy.
G. One of the most enjoyable things to do is… Play golf—it’s a love-hate relationship.
H. The hardest thing for me to do is… Time management.
I. My favourite drink is… An Old Fashioned.
J. If I could change one thing… The Toronto Maple Leafs would win a Stanley Cup.
K. The person who has had the most positive influence on me as a businessperson is… My business partner, Bryan Burke.
L. My franchise system began because… We felt we had something that nobody else was doing.
M. The most positive influence on my life as a person is… My grandmother. She taught me to question everything and be polite, but don’t let anyone walk over you.
N. The key to success is… To work hard, learn from your mistakes, and always try to be better.
O. I’d like my friends to describe me as… Loyal, trustworthy, and funny.
P. The accomplishment I look forward to the most is… Having 50 franchise locations.
Q. One necessary item on my life’s “to do” list is… Watch the golf Masters Tournament in person.