2024 Speakers

Cai Palmiter is a recognized innovator in branding and product management, known for transforming marketing strategies into impactful brand narratives. With a deep passion for travel and culinary arts, she brings a global perspective to creating memorable guest experiences. Her work […]

Mixing and shaking up cocktails for well over a decade, Tony Pereyra has developed his expertise in every facet of the bar and beverage industry. Delivering innovations in mixology, structured bar programs, and creating positive training experiences. Today his passion […]

Dawn is the President of Friendly’s Restaurants, which operates over 110 (company-operated and franchised) friendly, full-service restaurants serving signature entrees, burgers, sandwiches, and hand-crafted specialty ice cream. Dawn began her career at Friendly’s Restaurants as an operations manager and has […]

After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Illinois – Champaign-Urbana, Cindy Pyun has consistently demonstrated a passion for excellence in leadership, training, and program development in a career spanning over two decades in the restaurant […]

My mindset has not wavered over the years whether founding and operating restaurant chains or supporting operators, manufacturers, and others in the foodservice industry. Different is better than better. You are only as good as what you do next and […]

Joel Reynders is the Vice President of Culinary and Executive Chef for Bar Louie. Joel joined Bar Louie in May 2023 coming off the heels of an expansive career in the corporate restaurant space honing his chops for globally renowned […]

Rachel Richal is the Vice President of Restaurant Experience and Training for Buffalo Wild Wings, part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 32,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, […]

Cole is a results-driven marketing leader and her extensive experience driving growth for multi-unit organizations has been incredibly beneficial for Smokey Bones. She has quickly grown with the company, having joined as our VP of Marketing in 2021 and then […]

Phillip Scotton serves as the COO of PRIMO Partners, the largest and only Black-owned/Black-led multi-unit franchise developer of Ben & Jerry’s, along with other enterprises. Scotton was first introduced to PRIMO Partners in its early stages and formally joined as […]

Mike Sebazco has been Famous Toastery’s President since October 2022. With over 30 years of experience in the franchising and restaurant industry, Sebazco has also been involved in the operations and growth of various brands, including Don Pablo’s, Boston Pizza […]