Date of Conferral

12-30-2025

Date of Award

December 2025

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Management

Advisor

Dr. Betsy Macht

Abstract

Supply chain disruptions can impact the operational capability of small restaurant businesses, thereby affecting their financial health. Some small restaurant supply chain managers lack effective strategies to manage supply chain disruptions. Grounded in Oliver and Webber’s supply chain management theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry was to explore strategies small restaurant supply chain managers use to manage supply chain disruptions. The participants were 10 small restaurant supply chain managers located in Baltimore who effectively mitigated the effects of at least one significant supply chain disruption. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and publicly available documents and reports. Through thematic analysis, three themes were identified: (a) employ resource and operational management, (b) apply procurement flexibility, and (c) maintain relationships and communication channels. A key recommendation for small restaurant supply chain managers is to employ proactive, relationship-driven, and flexible supply chain strategies to reduce disruptions in businesses. The implications for positive social change include the potential for small business owners and local policymakers to implement these strategies to improve supply chain resilience and reduce operational disruptions.

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