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.
Quick-service’s entrepreneurial-fueled category prepares for its next act, which promises no shortage of innovation and a nod to the differentiators that ignited one of the industry’s most diverse and successful arenas.
In an industry where making it past one year is worth celebrating, these decades-old brands are finding ways to turn core equities into modern differentiators.
First a chicken sandwich changed everything. Now, fresh off its 50th anniversary, the classic brand takes aim at domestic and international growth at a scale that could shake up the category.
Rob Lynch has Papa Johns flying high by sticking to what seperates the brand, and it all started with premium innovation.
Growth and Franchising
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Networking Break
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Growing the Right Way in COVID's Wake
By Amanda Clark Chief International and Development Officer | Papa Johns, Robin Gagnon CEO | We Sell Restaurants, Dan Simpson CEO | Taziki's, Andrew K. Smith Managing Director/Co-Founder | Savory Fund
Sponsored by: TalentServed
It’s always tempting to scoop up real estate and franchise deals on a rebound. But supply chain dynamics and other challenges in today’s landscape have complicated the path. Here’s how to scale up smartly and with a nod to the long-term.
Growth and Franchising
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Restaurant Marketing for a Changing Generation
By Kim Freer Chief Marketing Officer | Wetzel's Pretzels, Tim Hackbardt Chief Marketing Officer | Del Taco, Nico Nieto CMO | Naf Naf Grill, Denise Pedini Chief Marketing Officer | Newk’s Eatery
Sponsored by: AdMedia
With all the digital tools at hand, not to mention social media, how has the game changed for restaurant marketers? Can you reach customers effectively, boldly, and creatively?
Step inside the development, history, and future of one of the category's true rising stars.
Fast Casual Growth, Startup to Sustainability
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
The Drive-Thru of the Future is Checkers & Rally’s
By Frances Allen CEO | Checkers Drive-In Restaurants
All those double drive-thrus without dining rooms popping up across the industry? Checkers and Rally’s pioneered the model for years. Now, learn how CEO Frances Allen and the iconic brands are staying one step ahead on the innovation front, from a bold, new prototype to voice AI to way more.
From mobile technology to off-premises growth, today’s wave of fast casuals have never been more equipped to meet the customer where they are. Are we headed for a 3.0 movement where experience and convenience meet at a bolder intersection than ever?
Fast Casual Growth, Startup to Sustainability
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Dynamic Pricing: Is it a myth or magic bullet?
By Sherri Kimes Emeritus Professor | Hotel School at Cornell
Dynamic pricing: Should your restaurant really get behind one of the most-talked about trends in pricing? And if so, where do you begin?
Growth and Franchising
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Fireside Chat with Church’s Texas Chicken
By Joe Guith Chief Executive Officer | Church’s Texas Chicken
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Networking Break
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
80 Years of Family, BBQ, and Smokin' Growth
By Betsy Orton Executive Director | The Dickey's Foundation
Sponsored by: MERGE
The nation's largest barbecue chain has kept family central to its story, and that isn't changing.
Fast Casual Growth, Startup to Sustainability
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
What Makes a Best Franchise Deal?
By Jourdan Daleo SVP of Franchising & Field Operations | Popeyes, Craig Dunaway Chief Operating Officer | Penn Station, Matthew Haller President & CEO | International Franchise Association, Andrew Thengvall Chief Development Officer & Chief Legal Officer | Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Sponsored by: Wisetail
Building on our annual Best Franchise Deals report, which dates back 12 years, we talk to experts about what operators should look for in prospective opportunities. What’s the real test of ROI, and how can you identify the winners in a crowded market?
Growth and Franchising
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Keys to Growth and Leadership
By Don M. Fox Chairman | Firehouse of America, LLC
Sponsored by: Active Int’l.
The 48-year restaurant vet on what it takes to be an effective leader in today's ever-evolving restaurant world.
Labor, Leadership, and a Changing Consumer
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Growth from the Ground Up
By Scott Deviney President & CEO | Chicken Salad Chick
Description: The fast casual started out as a door-to-door passion product. That fervent fandom and commitment to quality has held through a growth story that's almost hard to believe.
Labor, Leadership, and a Changing Consumer
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Networking Break
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Keynote: 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 Anita Adams Chief Executive Officer | Black Bear Diner, Brandy Blackwell VP of Marketing | Another Broken Egg Cafe, Jourdan Daleo SVP of Franchising & Field Operations | Popeyes, Ginger Flesher-Sonnier Founder & CEO | The Ginger Companies, Bonnie Iavaroni Chief Operating Officer | Turning Point Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch, Christine Lorusso Senior Director of Digital Marketing | Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Patricia Perry SVP of Franchise & License | Bagel Brands, Sue Petersen Executive Vice President, Inclusion, Diversity and People | Noodles & Company, Mary Jane Riva CEO | Pizza Factory, Nichole (Cole) Robillard Chief Marketing Officer | Smokey Bones, Caroline Skinner Chief Operating Officer | Tupelo Honey, Shauna Smith CEO | Savory Fund, Felicia White Director of Franchise Training | Scooter’s Coffee, Jackie Woodward Chief Brand and Marketing Officer | Bojangles
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.
Is it time to say goodbye to the brick-and-mortar tech stack? Are handhelds, QR codes, and pay-at-table technologies here to stay? Let’s just say the POS has a lot of evolution in store.
Technology, Drive Thru, and an Omnichannel World
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Evolving a Legendary Brand for Its Next Act
By Jose Armario Chief Executive Officer | Bojangles
Sponsored by: DoorDash
Bojangles is in growth mode, and it's taking decades of equity and learnings into the future as it scales.
Growth and Franchising
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Becoming a Best Brand to Work For
By Kelly McCutcheon Group Director of Training & Development | Whataburger Restaurants LLC., Aaron Noveshen Founder and CEO | Starbird, Sue Petersen Executive Vice President, Inclusion, Diversity and People | Noodles & Company, Elias Reyna Chief People and Diversity Officer | Papa Johns, Donnie Upshaw Chief People Officer | Wingstop, Jill Waite Chief People Officer | Portillo's
Sponsored by: Schoox
A roundtable discussion (no panel host) where the operators and crowd lead the discussion. What does it take to attract and retain employees in the most challenging labor market on record? There's no simple answer.
The CEO of QSR's Transformational Brand of the Year for 2022 recaps a game-changing run for one of the sector's iconic chains.
Growth and Franchising
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Young Leaders: The Next Wave
By Casey Hilder Director of Marketing | Starbird, Sergio Perez Sr. Director of Omnichannel | Bojangles, Matt Smith CMO | Milkshake Concepts , Katelyn Zborowski Director of Product Marketing & Menu Innovation | Taco Bell
Sponsored by: EgonZhender
The most innovative period on record has spawned a generation of restaurant leaders who do more than think outside the box; they're laying a blueprint for a more connected sector than ever.
Drive-thru, once seen as a fast-food hallmark, has spread industry-wide in light of the pandemic. It’s a shift that’s taking chains into new markets and in front of new audiences.
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
The Road to 1,000 Units and Beyond
By Charles Watson Chief Executive Officer | Tropical Smoothie Café
Tropical Smoothie's rise to 1,000 locations has been among the industry's quickest. But it's a journey that's just getting started.
12:45 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
Sponsored by: Stellar Elements
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Wendy's Gets Connected
By Jimmy Bennett Vice President, Marketing - Media, Social, and Partnerships | Wendy's
Sponsored by: PIXO VR
Wendy’s social prowess is legendary, from its snarky Twitter to some of the most creative activations in the business. Get a behind-the-scenes look from the leader responsible for directing all external consumer touchpoints including media, social, partnerships, content, digital, owned, and gaming.
Labor, Leadership, and a Changing Consumer
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Chick-fil-A: Designing the Restaurant Experience in an On-Demand World
Sponsored by: PIXO VR
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Winning at the Drive Thru
By Sarah Beckett Director of Marketing | Intouch Insight, Shawn Caric VP, Franchise Development | Smoothie King, Phil Crawford Chief Technology Officer | CKE Restaurants, Laura Livers Head of Strategy Growth | Intouch Insight, Katie O’Dell VP of Client Service | Bounteous, David Whitaker Chief Operating Officer | Bojangles
Sponsored by: ParTech, Inc.
Winning at the drive thru these days is about so much more than speed of service. From accuracy to technology, a look at what’s driving the category past the COVID surge, and what consumers really want from the classic channel.
Technology, Drive Thru, and an Omnichannel World
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Loyalty and Rewards: Reaching the Right Audience at the Right Time
By Nabeel Alamgir CEO and Co-Founder | Lunchbox, Laura Rueckel Chief Marketing Officer | Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Casey Terrell Chief Marketing Officer | SPB Hospitality, Julie Wade Senior Director of Marketing | Taziki's
Sponsored by: Bounteous
Gone are the days when having a rewards or loyalty platform on its own was headline-worthy. A packed field is creating higher stakes and more connectivity than ever. Here’s how to stand out.
One of the buzziest topics to emerge from the pandemic is starting to shake out. What’s going to define the brands still standing and those with true growth potential?
Technology, Drive Thru, and an Omnichannel World
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
An Omnichannel World Unlocks a Bright Future at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Franchising for Multi-Unit Groups
By Loren Bontrager Vice President of Franchise and Development | MAD Greens, Van Ingram VP Franchise Recruitment | Jack in the Box, Gregg Majewski CEO | Craveworthy Brands, Sam Stanovich SVP, Franchise Leadership | Big Chicken
Sponsored by: Xenial & Solink
From the perspective of the franchisor, a look at best practices when your company directs multiple brands.
Labor, Leadership, and a Changing Consumer
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Burger King Reclaims the Flame
By Tom Curtis President | Burger King, U.S. & Canada
Sponsored by: Dreyers
The category giant is forging ahead with a comprehensive turnaround strategy that covers everything from operations to digital enhancements, menu innovation, refreshed branding, and far more. U.S. and Canada president Tom Curtis pulls the curtain back on one of the most consequential stories in the industry in recent memory.
Growth and Franchising
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
How to Unlock the Power of TikTok
By Lena Katz Creator-Integrated Services | Ampersand
Sponsored by: Dreyers
TikTok, with its hyperfast video pacing and disdain for "traditional commercial video" is where trends can catch fire and new stars can be discovered in a matter of days or weeks. Be fun, be weird, be gimmicky if you want. Of all the categories in foodservice, quick service is best positioned to 10X marketing ROI on this platform.
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.