The 25th Annual UCLA Extension Restaurant Industry Conference is a one-day conference which provides a unique, non-competitive forum for restaurant owners and executives. Programming includes the insights of industry experts, with opportunities to learn, network, and be inspired.
This conference is ideal for restaurant owners and operators, service industry professionals, lawyers and real estate developers.
What you can expect:
This conference is ideal for:
The Restaurant Industry Conference is a “must attend” event, featuring world-class speakers and deep insight on the most significant industry trends and issues. Spanning a single day, it's perfect for busy executives to catch up with peers while learning the latest thinking on critical industry concerns.
Date
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Time
8:30am-5:30pm PT
Evening reception to follow
Location
The Biltmore Los Angeles
506 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA, 90071
Registration Fee: $550
Group Registration
Registering 5 or more participants? Please contact us for more information on group discounts at: restaurantconference@uclaextension.edu.
Hotel Room Reservations
If you plan on staying at The Biltmore Los Angeles, you may book your room at a special rate by visiting this site. The discount rate is valid for stays between April 28 to May 3. You may also call the hotel reservation desk directly at +1 (213) 624-1011 and mention the group code: UCLAREST2025 to reserve your room or adjust your reservation fee if you have already booked your room.
Please note: No on-site registrations will be permitted. You must register and pay prior to attending the conference. The registration closes on April 28, 2025. No refunds after April 24, 2025.
Registration Opens and Continental Breakfast
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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The Economic Outlook in A Very Uncertain World for the Restaurant Industry
Economic policy has changed radically since January 19th with a plethora of tariffs, the DOGEification of the government, and deportations of a portion of the workforce. This session will cover the implications and risks associated with new economic policy with an emphasis on the potential for a near term recession and for a near term spurt of economic growth.
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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The Age of Great Change
In this session, CEO of Dine Brands Global – parent company of Applebee's, IHOP, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop – will give us a look at the headlines and trendlines impacting businesses today, what it means to lead in this age of change, and why now, more than ever, brands need to innovate and reach their consumers in new ways.
Speaker: John Peyton, CEO, Dine Brands Global
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Networking Break
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Fireside Chat with Private Equity and Investment Bankers on Navigating a Sale in an Uncertain Economy
In this insightful session, our panel of private equity and investment banking professionals will guide you through aspects of the current restaurant M&A environment as well as preparing your restaurant business for a profitable sale or merger. You'll discover key economic insights and strategies, including the importance of early exit strategy planning. Learn how to maximize valuation by understanding the factors that influence its value, such as brand recognition and growth potential. By attending, you'll gain valuable knowledge to navigate the complexities of the current economy, ensuring you're well prepared to maximize your returns and achieve a successful exit.
Moderator: Mike Pihowich, 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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Brands Bringing LSM Back Into the Marketing Mix
In today’s noisy and competitive consumer landscape, brands need to break out every tactic in the book to acquire consumer attention. LSM is the oldest, most tried and true way to authentically connect with consumers in your restaurant’s trade area. Learn how marketers and brands leverage LSM to drive trial and growth in today’s marketing landscape.
Moderator: Alex Nocifera, CEO, LOMA
Panelists: Joshua Becerra, CMO, Xperience; Alexis Eldridge, Former CEO, Pressed Juicery; Taylor Voelker, VP Marketing, Round Table Pizza
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Break & Luncheon
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Foodmanitarian™ Award
Recipient: Father Gregory Boyle, Founder, Homeboy Industries
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Break
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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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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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Break
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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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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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Closing Remarks and Evening Reception
Father Greg Boyle
Fr. Greg Boyle a Jesuit priest, is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. Homeboy Industries employs and trains former gang members in a range of social enterprises, as well as provides critical services to thousands of individuals who walk through its doors every year. He is the author of the 2010 New York Times-bestseller Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. He was the recipient of 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Joth Ricci, former CEO of Dutch Bros Coffee, Adelsheim Vinyard, and Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Joth Ricci is an innovative leader with a proven track record of driving growth and creating value across the Consumer Products and Food & Beverage sectors over his career. He most recently served as CEO of Dutch Bros (BROS) where he led the company through a 5 year Strategic Plan and Public Offering in 2021. He has also served as CEO of Adelsheim Vineyard, Stumptown Coffee, and Jones Soda Co. In addition to his 33 years of industry experience, Joth is the author of “The System”, a past Chairman of the Oregon Business Council, served on the State of Oregon’s Racial Justice Council, and co-founded TASTE for Equity. He currently holds the position of Executive Chair at Burgerville, is an executive in residency for the Oregon State University College of Business and serves on multiple boards including Upward Projects, The Oregon Fruit Company, Bamboo Sushi and advocates for Early Childhood Education through his role at the Children's Institute.
John Peyton, CEO, Dine Brands Global
John Peyton is Chief Executive Officer of Dine Brands. Dine passionately nurture and grow the world’s favorite restaurant brands – Applebee's, IHOP, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop. Prior to joining Dine Brands, John served as President and CEO of the Realogy Franchise Group. In addition, John held various operations and marketing roles during an 18 years career with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. He is a recognized global branding and operations leader who brings deep experience leading large, complex organizations while enabling innovation and agility. John holds an MBA in accounting and marketing from New York University's Stern School of Business and a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is active in the community with several organizations supporting the health and welfare of children, including as a member of the board of directors for Child Advocates of Southern Connecticut.
Moss Adams
SILVER
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Dine Brands
CohnReznick
Piper Sandler & Co.
Marsh McLennan Agency
Nation's Restaurant News
Become a Sponsor
To become a sponsor visit our sponsorship page or contact us at restaurantconference@uclaextension.edu
UCLA Extension extends gratitude to the Restaurant Industry Conference Advisory Board.
Anna Graves, Conference Chair; Partner & Co-Leader of the Restaurant, Food & Beverage Industry Group, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Daryl Ansel, Director of Hospitality, Presidio of San Francisco
David Birzon, CEO, Snooze, an AM Eatery
Damon Chandik, Co-Head of Consumer Investment Banking, Piper Sandler & Co
David E. Goldstein, Chief Operating Officer, Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
Andrew Hunter, Culinary Research and Development Chef
Justine Hunter, Partner, Restaurants National Practice Leader, Moss Adams
Michael Patrick, Client Executive & Private Equity Practice, Marsh McLennan
Lauralynn Rogers, Executive Director, Internal Audit, Dine Brands Global
Curious about the dynamic discussions and expert insights at our event? Check out the recording of our past webinar, Supply Chain Management: Support for Fiscal Sustainability, and get a taste of the thought-provoking topics and engaging panels we feature at our exclusive 1-day live event.
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