Some of the best learning happens when you read stories about real people and real companies. Read them for ideas, for lessons, and inspiration. This week’s stories and strategies from real life are about Lettuce Entertain You, Chris Sondles, Karl Ratzsch’s Restaurant, Comcast, and Sam’s Club.

From Kellogg Insight: How a Restaurant Chain Keeps Its Independent Spirit

“Tuck into a dozen Blue Point oysters at Shaw’s Crab House, revel in the steak frites at Mon Ami Gabi, and dive into a ultrathin Sardinian pizza at Frankie’s 5th Floor Pizzeria, and you might not guess the three restaurants are owned by the same company. But if you peek behind the curtain, you will find that Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (Lettuce) has structured its operations, and its growth strategy, on the unique appeal of its various restaurants.”

From Mark Phelan: Have a new 1950s Chevy built to order in Indiana

“So you like the looks of the classic cars flowing up and down Woodward Avenue, but you’re hooked on the modern reliability and convenience? Let me introduce you to Chris Sondles. He’ll build you a brand-new 1955, 1956 or 1957 Chevy at his Indiana shop, or sell you the parts to make your own”

From Crocker Stephenson: Ratzsch helped preserve city’s German flavor at restaurant

“The Old World German culture that continues to flavor Milwaukee’s work ethic, politics and choice of beverage may have found no clearer expression than the seemingly immutable menu at Karl Ratzsch’s Restaurant.”

From Bob Fernandez: Comcast’s aim: Making you happy

“The conference calls begin at 9 a.m. sharp each Monday on the 22d floor of the Comcast Center.”

From Sarah Nassauer: Sam’s Club Aims to Be Less Like Wal-Mart

“After struggling for years to turn around sluggish sales, Sam’s Club is now pursuing a more fundamental fix: breaking away from the low-income consumers who shop at its parent, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.”