Luby's Cafeterias: A History of Rise, Fall, and Revival

Telling the epic tale of the rise, fall, and ultimate redemption of an iconic American restaurant, one of only five in the Fortune 500, House of Plenty recounts the gripping narrative of Harry Luby's journey. Scarred by tragedies in his youth, including the deaths of his mother and sisters and the collapse of his father's business, an ambitious young man harbored dreams of financial success to reclaim the secure life he had lost. However, Harry Luby was determined not to achieve wealth through unethical means.

In 1911, Harry Luby embarked on a mission to build a fortune by doing good, defying the prevailing trend of greedy capitalism. Over the years, Luby's cafeteria empire flourished, eventually ranking second only to McDonald's in revenue by the 1980s. The company's commitment to exceptional treatment of both customers and employees led to its status as the nation's largest cafeteria chain, fostering more millionaires per capita among its workforce than any other corporation of similar size.

House of Plenty skillfully chronicles Luby's inception, growth, and enduring success as America's beloved family restaurant in the post-World War II era. The narrative also delves into the company's financial struggles during the profit-driven 1990s, marked by a departure from its original business model by non-family leadership. The book further explores Luby's recent journey back to financial stability after facing bankruptcy and internal discord.

Authors Carol Dawson and Carol Johnston offer a behind-the-scenes look at the forces that shaped Luby's remarkable trajectory, from empowering store managers with a generous profit-sharing program to granting stock options to all employees. The book delves into the company's highs and lows, from a family rift caused by a hidden theft to the infamous 1991 mass shooting at a Luby's location in Killeen that tarnished the brand's reputation. Additionally, the narrative unravels the consequences of rapid expansion that led to bankruptcy, culminating in the tragic suicide of president and CEO John Edward Curtis Jr.

Contrary to F. Scott Fitzgerald's belief that there are no second chances in American lives, House of Plenty tells the enduring saga of Luby's Cafeterias—a resilient institution that has weathered storms of adversity and emerged stronger. With its mix of intrigue, mystery, and strategic maneuvering, this book offers a compelling exploration of a business that once felt like home to many—an essential read for business scholars and a captivating story for all readers.

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