The Savannah Bananas, known for their unconventional approach to baseball and wildly enthusiastic fan base, aren’t built on athletic prowess alone. A key ingredient to their success, according to Director of People and Culture Tucker Brooks, is a surprisingly simple philosophy rooted in exceptional customer service – a lesson he first learned as a 15-year-old working at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Brooks, now responsible for scaling the “Fans First” culture across the rapidly expanding Fans First Entertainment organization, credits his early experience at Chick-fil-A Blakeney as foundational to his career. The Savannah Bananas, which began as a collegiate summer baseball team, have exploded in popularity, projecting 3.4 million tickets sold in 2026, a significant jump from the 80,000 sold when Brooks joined the organization in 2021. This growth, he says, is directly tied to prioritizing people – both fans and employees.
“Looking back, my first job at Chick-fil-A was really a training ground for my life – both as a professional and a person,” Brooks said. “It was an opportunity to learn what genuine service looked like, and those are tools you take with you for the rest of your life.” The emphasis wasn’t simply on efficiency, but on creating a positive experience for every customer, a principle that now guides the Bananas’ approach to entertainment.
The connection between a fast-food chain and a traveling baseball spectacle might not be immediately obvious, but Brooks points to a shared commitment to a “people-first” culture. He recalls a vivid memory from before the grand opening of the Chick-fil-A Blakeney location. “Two nights before the grand opening, we were all invited into a banquet hall,” he explained. “What vividly stuck out to me was this charge from our leaders—this reframing that this is more than just a job. This is an opportunity to grow, develop, and leave an impact.”
Barry McAllister, the Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Blakeney, remembers Brooks as a standout employee. “Tucker was thirsty for knowledge. He wanted to develop himself, grow within the company and he did what was required,” McAllister said. “He was just a great team member and a great team leader. People looked up to him and followed his lead.” McAllister’s restaurant is independently owned and operated, part of a franchise model where local operators have significant autonomy in employee development and training. Learn more about Chick-fil-A franchising.
From “My Pleasure” to “Fans First”
That early exposure to servant leadership – the concept of leading by serving others – became a cornerstone of Brooks’ professional philosophy. It’s a philosophy that perfectly aligns with the Savannah Bananas’ core mission: “Fans First and Entertain Always.” The organization has intentionally cultivated a brand built on defying expectations and prioritizing the fan experience.
The Bananas’ approach is anything but traditional. They’ve develop into known for incorporating elaborate on-field antics, all-you-can-eat tickets, and unique fan engagement experiences, like the “Banana Nanas,” a cheerleading squad comprised of senior citizens. “Whatever’s normal, do the exact opposite,” is a guiding principle, according to Brooks.
In his role at Fans First Entertainment, Brooks is responsible for ensuring that this culture scales as the organization continues to grow. Since he joined in 2021, the company has expanded from 15 full-time employees to 180, a testament to the Bananas’ popularity and innovative business model. He focuses on embedding the “Fans First” ethos into every aspect of the organization, from player interactions to seasonal staff training.
Brooks emphasizes that the lessons learned at Chick-fil-A weren’t just about scripting polite phrases. “I remember that at Chick-fil-A, they didn’t just say, ‘This is the language we use.’ They explained the power of positive language,” he said. “Sometimes there’s just this intangible feeling people have when they leave, where they feel like they were cared about.”
Scaling Culture in a Rapidly Growing Organization
The challenge of maintaining a strong culture during rapid expansion is significant. Brooks’ experience provides a unique perspective on how to navigate that challenge. He believes that intentionality and consistent reinforcement of core values are crucial.
The Savannah Bananas aren’t just a baseball team; they’re an entertainment phenomenon. Their games are less about traditional baseball and more about creating a memorable experience for fans. This requires a different skillset from traditional athletes and staff, and Brooks is responsible for identifying and developing individuals who embody the “Fans First” spirit. Explore the Savannah Bananas website for game schedules and more information.
“Looking back, my first job at Chick-fil-A was really a training ground for my life – both as a professional and a person.”
Tucker Brooks, Director of People and Culture Development, Savannah Bananas