Conference agenda, topics and speakers are subject to change.
7:30-8:30 A.M.
Registration Opens and Continental Breakfast
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8:30-8:45 A.M.
Opening Remarks
Sheila King, Chief of Staff and Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives, UCLA Extension
Anna M. Graves, Partner and Co-Leader of the Restaurant, Food & Beverage Industry Group, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
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8:45-9:35 A.M.
The Economic Outlook in A Very Uncertain World for the Restaurant Industry
Speaker: Professor Jerry Nickelsburg, Senior Economist of the UCLA Anderson Forecast and Professor at the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Business
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9:35-10:25 A.M.
Morning Keynote
Speaker: John Peyton, CEO, Dine Brands Global
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10:25-10:45 A.M.
Networking Break
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10:45-11:30 A.M.
Private Equity Panel
Moderator: Phillip Massari, Partner, Moss Adams
Panelists: Robert Woolway, Managing Director, Investment Banking, CriticalPoint; Ryan Greene, Partner, KarpReilly, LLC; Gilles Kersten, Vice President, Gala Capital Partners
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11:30 A.M.-12:15 P.M.
Brands Bringing LSM Back Into the Marketing Mix
Moderator: Alec Nocifera, CEO, LOMA
Panelists: Joshua Becerra, CMO, Xperience; Alexis Eldridge, Former CEO, Pressed Juicery; Alan Nathan, CEO, Sweetfin; Taylor Voelker, VP Marketing, Round Table Pizza
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12:15-12:45 P.M.
Break & Luncheon
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12:45-1:45 P.M.
Foodmanitarian™ Award
Recipient: Father Gregory Boyle, Founder, Homeboy Industries
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1:45-2:00 P.M.
Break
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2:00-2:45 P.M.
Price Right
What was once a simple question to answer has become more important and complex in a rapidly changing economic & competitive environment. Restaurants are threading the needle between maintaining profitable price points and managing declining guest counts. Learn how brands are managing these challenges through data and technology that provide better measurement of consumer price/value perception.
Moderator: Michael Lukianoff, CEO, SignalFlare.ai
Panelists: Shannon Hennessy, CEO, Habit Burger; Bill Schaffler, CEO, HiBar Hospitality Group (Hopdaddy Burger Bar); Kirk Thompson, VP Marketing, MiguelsJr.com, a Southern California Fast Casual Mexican Food Chain
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2:45-3:30 P.M.
Driving Growth with Artificial Intelligence
Learn how high growth restaurant groups are leveraging AI, automation, and robotics to enhance guest experiences, improve order accuracy, and stay at the forefront of the industry. Hear inside stories of how these innovative technologies can shape a brand and support remarkable expansion.
Moderator: Tammy Billings, SignalFlare AI, VP, Business Development
Panelists: Leon Davoyan, CTO, Dave's Hot Chicken
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3:30-3:50 P.M.
Break
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3:50-4:40 P.M.
Innovation Award Presentation
Recipient: Joth Ricci, Former CEO of Dutch Bros. Coffee, Adelsheim Vineyard, and Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Interviewer: Lauren Bailey, Co-Founder & CEO of Postino and Upward Projects
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4:40-5:30 P.M.
Control What You Can Control: Founder and CEO Perspectives
In this engaging discussion, three visionary CEOs and Founders of leading restaurant brands will share the strategies that have enabled them to navigate the opportunities and challenges of today’s fast-evolving restaurant industry. Whether it is branding and marketing, new unit expansion, pricing strategies, fostering an employee-centric culture, or raising capital, these executives will provide valuable insights drawn from their growth journeys. Expect actionable takeaways and fresh perspectives that you can apply directly to your own operations as you look to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
Moderator: Jon Ang, Managing Director, Brentwood Associates
Panelists: Chris Simms, CEO Lazy Dog Cafe; Mike Simms, Simms Restaurants; Briana Valdez, Founder & CEO, HomeState
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5:30-7:00 P.M.
Closing Remarks and Evening Reception