When it comes to growth, restaurants need help now more than ever. Maybe that's why operators are keen to share their favorite books and offer reasons why small chains should read them, too.

Vaughan Lazar, president, Pizza Fusion

Recommends Stirring It Up: How to Make Money and Save the World by Gary Hirshberg

Hirshberg, the CEO of Stonyfield Farm, wrote a book I personally felt connected to. Being in a socially responsible business and living in whole green world, we believe in same core values. It's an inspiring, feel-good book that shows a values-based business can survive in today's economy.

In-N-Out Burger is proof that a counterintuitive approach to business can turn a chain into a cultural institution.

Recommends In-N-Out Burger: A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules by Stacy Perman

In-N-Out Burger is a chain everyone wants to be like. It is very straightforward. If someone is trying to build a concept to 100 units, the key, Harry Snyder, the founder, says, is keep it simple. There's good background on how a family business stayed true to their focus. Harry was thrilled to death to open his seventh restaurant. His comment was, “They're all paid for.”

Nick Vojnovic, president, Beef 'O' Brady's

Recommends Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton

This book turns the performance review process on its head. For example, before I read this book I based performance reviews on my perspective. I'd say, “Why aren't you more social? Why don't you do more public speaking?” I learned instead to focus on a person's strengths and then put them where they can play to those strengths.

Phil Friedman, president and CEO, McAlister's Deli

Recommends Corporate Lifecycles: How and Why Corporations Grow and Die and What to Do About It by Ichak Adizes

Corporate Lifecycles offers insight into a classic organizational problem: how to recognize and deal with the sequences of a company's growth, no matter where you are in the growth cycle. The book is a great diagnostic exercise for the type of transitions you should be making, whether in a small or large company.

Recommends The Entrepreneur: Twenty-Five Golden Rules for the Global Business Manager by William Heinecke

It's a pretty quick read, and it's very good. It's about how the world has changed dramatically. I am rethinking about our business on a more global basis, both because we are an international business and the melting-pot society here in Los Angeles. It is helping me get a better perspective of cultural differences and how they impact on operating a restaurant company.

Ken Cole, CEO, Quaker Steak & Lube

Recommends Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't by Jim Collins

I'm a big book guy, and this is the best book I've ever read in my career. I reread it once a year. We use it to remind ourselves to always ask, “What can we really be good at?” We are great at wings and cold beer. Those should be the items that drive our economic engine.

Steve Overholt, president, Cheeseburger in Paradise

Recommends It's Not About the Coffee: Lessons on Putting People First from a Life at Starbucks by Howard Behar and Janet Goldstein

This is an easy and fast read. I tend to gravitate to books about building culture. It includes 10 leadership principles anyone can embrace. This book could be useful at work, with family and friends. It's one you can pass down throughout your organization.

Mark Running, president, Roy's

Recommends Topgrading: How Leading Companies Win by Hiring, Coaching, and Keeping the Best People by Bradford D. Smart, Ph.D.

I've had success with this book because it shows how to surround yourself with the best people. This book walks you through the steps of retaining talent. If you can upgrade your organization with A-level people, everyone's job gets better.

Carl T. Howard, president and CEO, Fazoli's

Recommends The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels by Michael Watkins

I've read a few business books recently, but the one I suggest most often is The First 90 Days. Although not particularly motivational, it gives the reader a great road when embarking on a new career or promotion. I recently gave the book to a director who was promoted to vice president and our new vice president of supply chain.