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Missouri "could certainly benefit" from having a governor with skills like that of Mike Hamra, the Springfield, Missouri, businessman said in an interview Friday.
He's been weighing a bid for governor as a Democrat, setting up a possible showdown with state Rep. Crystal Quade, the top Democrat in the Missouri House who's already announced a gubernatorial run, as three Republicans also run for the office. Incumbent Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, is term limited.
Hamra, who's been a businessman for more than two decades, including as chief executive of his family's Hamra Enterprises, which operates nearly 200 restaurants across 11 states, said he's focused on growing his business and supporting his employees.
“When I look at how I can contribute to supporting others in other areas of my life, doing that as a public servant is something that’s always been attractive to me,” Hamra said.
Hamra declined to share any specifics regarding policy changes he would like to see implemented in the state or stances he would take in an election.
"Missouri is a great place," he said. "And I think with the right leadership, it can be even better."
"I'm an optimistic person," he continued. "I tend to think in terms of possibilities and opportunities, more than problems. And if I make a decision to enter the governor's race, I'll have lots more to say about the possibilities."
Hamra said he plans to make a final decision on whether to run "in the upcoming weeks," adding that he's confident that he "will have the resources needed" to run effectively.
Hamra’s interest in the governor’s office was first reported by Missouri Scout, the private news service run by Business Journal columnist Dave Drebes. Drebes previously reported that Hamra had been calling Democratic donors, and mentioned possible strengths of Hamra, including that he would presumably bring some self-funding to the race, doesn’t have a voting record to attack, could run as an outsider, and has a profile that could attract independent and moderate voters.
Not leaving the restaurant space
But while a gubernatorial campaign may be on the horizon for Hamra, it won’t distract from his work at Hamra Enterprises, where he would continue to serve as chief executive if runs for governor, he said.
Hamra Enterprises was founded in 1975 by Sam Hamra, Mike’s father.
Mike Hamra said that he worked for the family business while he was in high school but left to attend college, as he wanted to be a lawyer. Hamra in 1994 received his juris doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law, then moved to Washington, D.C., where he began his law career.
He came back to Hamra Enterprises as an investor in 1999 and later left his law career to enter the family business full-time in 2001. He assumed the roles of president and COO in 2005 before taking over as chief executive in 2011.
When Hamra came back to the family business, Hamra Enterprises operated 26 restaurants, he said. The company at the time had just partnered with Panera, known locally as Saint Louis Bread Co., and Hamra saw returning to the family company as a unique opportunity to grow a burgeoning brand and work with his family.
Continued expansion
The company has grown considerably since then, now employing over 7,400 workers across its restaurant portfolio, which includes 90 Panera Bread cafés, 98 Wendy’s restaurants and seven Noodles & Company restaurants. Its growth isn't just from opening new stores; in June Hamra announced the acquisition of two dozen Panera Bread cafés throughout Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee.
In looking to franchise, Hamra said that he looks to partner with companies that “fit (Hamra Enterprise’s) philosophy,” regarding aspects like quality of products and company culture. He said that the company’s positive experience with Panera Bread helped influence the decision to continue growing through one of its sister brands, Caribou Coffee. Hamra Enterprises in May announced plans to bring 24 Caribou Coffee locations to Missouri, including some in St. Louis.
“There are lots of areas to grow that brand, because they haven’t previously had a national franchise program in place,” Hamra said.
While it’s too soon to announce specifics, he said the company plans to open a few Caribou locations in 2024 and that the company plans to first open stores in urban areas like St. Louis and Springfield.