Welcome Address & Joint Opening Keynote: A Legacy of Evolution: Chick-fil-A's Approach to Providing Consistent Quality and Service in an Ever-Dynamic Environment
Following in the footsteps of his father, Dan T. Cathy, and his late grandfather, S. Truett Cathy, Andrew became just the third CEO in Chick-fil-A’s storied history when he assumed the role in November 2021. With extensive experience working in Chick-fil-A restaurants and serving in multiple Support Center roles, he’s committed to ensuring the future of Chick-fil-A as a healthy, purpose-driven, global organization devoted to making a lasting, positive impact on the people and communities it serves.
The Condado Tacos CEO and former Morton's executive introduces an exciting, new segment within full service: NextGen Casual. Bringing lessons from traditional casual dining as well as new-wave fast casual, NextGen is redefining what it means to be a multiunit brand.
Leadership and Growth
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
The Case for Hyper-Focused Menus
By Megan Lynberg Vice President of Sales | Datassential, Cai Palmiter Vice President of Marketing | JINYA, Monte Silva Restaurateur, Restaurant Coach, Ryan Zink President & CEO | Good Times Restaurants Inc.’s
Some restaurants are known for their expansive menus, but a growing legion are opting for more streamlined options, which not only helps solidify brand identity, it also facilitates a more cost-effective back of house.
The founder of LongHorn Steakhouse and industry icon knows what it takes to create a movement. How is the past repeating itself? Culture, hospitality, and great food still win the day.
Leadership and Growth
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Networking Break
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Franchising Full Service
By Chad Corrigan VP of Franchise Sales & Development | Black Bear Diner, Tom Finn VP Franchise Development | Greene Turtle, Greg Graber CEO | Huckleberry’s (Heritage Brands), Ricky Richardson CEO | Eggs Up Grill, Jeff Sturgis Chief Development Officer | Another Broken Egg Cafe
Sponsored by: Trabon
It can be challenging to uphold quality and consistency amid growth. By building a sturdy framework and partnering with passionate operators, brands can expand without forfeiting their values.
The CEO of FB Society, one of the country's top concept creators, dishes on culture, evolution, and what it takes to build a differentiated restaurant company.
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Are Plant-Based Offerings Here to Stay?
By Marie Molde Senior Manager of Product Marketing & Registered Dietitian | Datassential
Sponsored by: T-Mobile
Over the last five years, the industry has been abuzz in plant-based alternatives, but does the movement have legs beyond a flash-in-the-pan trend?
The Next F&B Wave
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
Sponsored by: Lark
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Building Company Culture and Upward Mobility
By Sam Caucci CEO | 1Huddle, Jeremy Edmonds Vice President of People and Culture | Snooze A.M. Eatery, Tom Foley Cofounder | T2D Concepts, Steve Palmer Founder & Managing Partner | The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, Brian Wright CEO | Bar Louie
Sponsored by: Wray Executive Search
The best way to win over potential employees is to cultivate a strong company culture, create opportunities for future growth, and prioritize staffers' well-being.
Over the past decade, fast casual has been on the cutting edge of menu innovation in terms of both cuisine and execution. Now, NextGen Casual is following suit.
The Next F&B Wave
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Networking Break
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Restaurant Groups: The Best of Both Worlds
By Geo Concepcion CEO | The Greene Turtle (ITA Group Holdings), Dan Mesches President & CEO | Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants, Jérôme Sérot Co-Founder/Strategic Business Development | Southerleigh Hospitality Group, Randy Sharpe CEO | Xperience Restaurant Group (XRG)
Sponsored by: Restaurant365
By combining the creativity and flexibility of independent restaurants with the system and streamlined operations of a chain, restaurant groups continue to make their mark in the restaurant landscape.
Leadership and Growth
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Low/No ABV Drinks, Cocktails, and Other Trends
By Brandy Blackwell VP of Marketing | Another Broken Egg Cafe, Brooks Kirchheimer Cofounder & Co-Owner | Hearth and Hill, Tony Pereyra Owner | The Spirits In Motion; Bar & Beverage Consultancy, Abe Ruiz VP, Strategic Growth & Sales | The Greene Turtle
Sponsored by: Otter
Consumers continue to show an appetite for elevated, specialty libations when dining out. Here are the top beverage trends within the NextGen space.
The Next F&B Wave
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Networking Break
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Hitting Refresh: How Subway Got its Swagger Back
After following the same blueprint for 50 years, Subway hit Refresh—embarking on the most significant turnaround in company history. Through strategic, data-driven investments in restaurants, menu enhancements and a laser-focus on improving the guest and franchisee experience, Subway is turning its business around and reclaiming its reputation in the quick-service restaurant space. Learn more about the brand’s transformational journey to win back the hearts and minds of sandwich lovers around the world.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Women in Leadership Networking Event
By Tammy Calhoun Vice President of Learning and New Restaurant Openings | Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Join female industry peers for an hour of networking, engagement, and mentorship (and food and drink, of course). We’ve designated ambassadors from around the restaurant world to facilitate and create a space where conversation is encouraged and free-flowing. Find a mentor, reach out to a new contact, reconnect, and help foster a movement that needs more female leadership at all levels of the career ladder.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Offsite Event: Sweetwater Brewing Company
Attendees receive exclusive access to Sweetwater Brewing Company, located just 10 minutes away from our event venue. Network with your industry peers and help us celebrate our inaugural event.
When it comes to development, Christian Charnaux has one of the most interesting jobs in foodservice. Inspire’s rise to the nation’s second-largest restaurant conglomerate might just be the fastest in history. Now, he’s overseeing a portfolio that spans more than 31,700 restaurants and $30 billion in system sales. From Dunkin’ to Arby’s to Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John’s, and Baskin-Robbin’s, Charnaux has big plans to evolve and innovate across the entire fleet. What’s next for Inspire? Learn more as Charnaux takes us behind the scenes of the company’s rising restaurant empire.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Networking Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
What Your Guests Want: Understanding the Modern Consumer
A lot has changed since Tupelo Honey first opened more than 20 years ago. COO Caroline Skinner breaks down the biggest shifts in consumer wants and behavior and how the NextGen Casual brand is adapting to keep loyal customers and attract new ones.
Guest-facing technology can be a divisive topic, but unlike the ubiquitous QR code menus and handheld POS systems, robots are finding unique applications in one of the country's most talked-about upstart chains.
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Networking Break
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
From Breakfast to Mexican: The Hottest Cuisines
By Tom Berry Chief Culinary Officer | COJE Management Group, Travis Clark Founder and President | Clark Crew BBQ, Kelli Ferrell Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles, Graham Humphreys Chief Executive Officer | The Culinary Edge, Philippe Placé Co-Founder / Operation Officer | Southerleigh Hospitality Group
Sponsored by: Red Gold
Within the NextGen space, certain categories, like breakfast and Mexican cuisine, are especially popular. Here's a look at the hottest foods in full service.
Restaurant Experience of the Future
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Social Media and the New Rules of Engagement
By Christine Ferris Director of Marketing | True Food Kitchen, Jo Ann Herold Founder & Chief Marketing Officer | Herold Growth Consulting, Christine Lorusso Senior Director of Digital Marketing | Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Joseph Szala VP of Digital Experience | 3 Owl
Sponsored by: GOJO/PURELL
Social media and digital platforms are pushing guest engagement into a new era, one where brands can—and should—connect with their customers beyond the restaurant's four walls.
Technology and Innovation
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
Sponsored by: Stellar Elements
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
NextGen Design: Building a Better Space
By Lauren Bailey CEO & Cofounder | Upward Projects, Chris Britt COO | Agave & Rye, Barry McGowan CEO | Fogo de Chão, John Plew Cofounder & CEO | Thirsty Lion (Concept Entertainment Group), Scott Taylor Restaurant Franchise Executive
Sponsored by: Gridpoint
One of the most vital pillars of NextGen Casual is unique, localized design that invites guests to linger but also offers fast throughput when needed. Here's how restaurants can take their store layouts and decor to the next level.
Restaurant Experience of the Future
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Off-Premises for Full Service
By Anita Adams Chief Executive Officer | Black Bear Diner, Stephen Loftis Chief Brand Officer | Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, James O’Reiley CEO | Ascent Hospitality Management, Carl Orsbourn Chief Operating Officer | Juicer, Johnny Zela Operating Officer | Condado Tacos
Sponsored by: Ecolab
The pandemic pushed full service to embrace off-premises, but even now as guests return to dining rooms, brands are exploring the opportunities in drive-thru, online ordering, and more.
Considered by many to be the next iteration of "dinner and a movie," eatertainment is a rapidly growing segment that brings interactive games and expansive venues to the dining experience—but never at the expense of high-quality F&B offerings.
Restaurant Experience of the Future
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
The Right Way to Embrace Tech
By Al Hank Chief Operating Officer | BBQ Holdings, Howard Hardy President of ITA Technology | Greene Turtle, Bonnie Iavaroni Chief Operating Officer | Turning Point Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch, Scott Lawton Cofounder & CEO | bartaco, Paul Macaluso President & CEO | Another Broken Egg Cafe
Sponsored by: ServiceChannel
Technology isn't a one-size-fits-all for restaurants, especially in full service, where a human touch is paramount. To seamlessly integrate new tech solutions, operators must first consider their specific brand experience.
Technology and Innovation
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Networking Break
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Closing Keynote: 40 Years of Fresh: How First Watch is Raising the Bar
Forty years after pioneering the Daytime Dining concept, Florida-based First Watch is turning up the heat on its growth plans. The restaurant is leaning into its unique strengths – from a one-shift staffing model and fierce commitment to guest service, to an ever-evolving menu featuring seasonal innovation, to a sourcing strategy prioritizing fresh ingredients and thoughtful investment in digital enhancements – and First Watch is betting that differentiation is the key to scaling its brand. Learn more about how First Watch is creating an exceptional Daytime Dining experience in more neighborhoods across the country.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Brunch for Dinner After Party at Another Broken Egg
Limited Space Available, pre registration required
A look behind the scenes at one of the industry's hottest NextGen Casual brands. You’ll have the opportunity to taste the Southern-inspired menu and sample the signature cocktails that have made Another Broken Egg a standout in the breakfast and brunch category. Plus, you’ll get a chance to tour the kitchen, review the new technology that has been recently implemented, and interact with the brand’s Executive Team at your leisure.