With over 30 years in the hospitality industry, Jason E. Brooks has dedicated his career to transforming restaurant operations and leadership. Having worked with six of the top 100 restaurant brands in the United States, he has trained and developed thousands of managers, building high-performing teams and driving exceptional results.
As the founder of HospiVation, LLC, Jason delivers actionable strategies that help restaurant owners and leaders achieve consistent success. He is the author of Every Leader Needs Followers and the creator of the 5 Keys M.O.D.E.L. framework, a proven system for mastering KPIs, effective delegation, and team engagement.
Jason is a sought-after speaker, known for his practical insights and engaging delivery. He has presented at industry conferences like QSR Magazine’s Executive Summit and hosts coaching programs that help leaders increase profitability, streamline operations, and transform into professional speakers.
Passionate about reshaping how hospitality professionals set and exceed their goals, Jason combines real-world expertise with proven strategies to inspire lasting impact.
This session digs into how restaurant leaders turn mission statements into daily practice, from choosing the right partners to designing surprise-and-delight moments that feel authentic, not performative. Panelists will break down how purpose informs decision-making, shapes culture, and builds emotional equity with guests and teams alike. You’ll walk away with tactical frameworks for activating your “why,” and measuring its real impact.
Whether opening unit No. 2 or 200, the real test of a brand is whether its identity holds as it grows. This session digs into how emerging and scaling concepts protect their core DNA while expanding into new markets, new formats, and new guest expectations. We’ll unpack the “portability” question (where does your concept truly fit?), and how to localize without losing yourself. From menu tweaks to design flexes to franchise vs. corporate growth paths, operators will share where they invest time, money, and energy to scale with intention.
The old adage, “happy employees make happy guests,” is taking on fresh meaning as technology and store designs evolve to meet a changing generation. Advancements are being made in the service of helping team members deliver exceptional service. How are the best restaurants doing so? We’ll break down how top operators are unlocking a new level of hospitality, starting with their employees.
