John Christen is a lifelong restaurateur and the founder and CEO of Himes Breakfast House. He began his career in his parents’ Shells Seafood restaurants, learning every role from dishwasher to operator — an experience that laid the foundation for his approach to hospitality and leadership. After taking over Shells during its toughest chapter, he helped rebuild the brand into a six-unit group before launching Himes in 2020 with his wife Jessica. Designed around both hospitality and work-life balance, Himes reflects John’s belief that restaurants can succeed without sacrificing well-being. Today, he leads the brand and other concepts under the Unparalleled Hospitality portfolio with a focus on sustainability, culture and community.
The right tech shouldn’t replace hospitality, but amplify it. This panel breaks down how operators are using AI, automation, scheduling tools, and guest data to deliver faster, warmer, more personalized service. From pay-at-the-table and kitchen optimization tools to speed-and-accuracy measurement and smart staffing, we’ll explore the systems that actually move the needle. We’ll also tackle the loyalty dilemma—native POS vs third-party—and how emerging brands can vet partners without costly missteps.
