2026 NextGen Restaurant Summit Speakers

Andrew Glantz is the Founder & CEO of GiftAMeal, a restaurant marketing platform that turns guest engagement into measurable social impact by donating a meal to a local food bank every time a guest shares a photo. He has scaled […]

John Haggai is Chief Executive Officer and President of Burtons Grill, LLC, a growing Boston-based restaurant group with two concepts: Burtons Grill & Bar and Red Heat American Tavern. He joined the company in 2020 as COO and was named […]

Kamal Hakim is a senior business leader working at the intersection of global markets, commercial strategy, and buyer relationships. He began his career with IHOP, and eventually became a franchisee of la Madeleine, a well known French inspired café and […]

Srishti Handa is the Vice President of Marketing – Brand and Growth at Dave’s Hot Chicken. For nearly five years, she’s helped shape the voice, identity, and growth of one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the country, driving national […]

Best known as Chef Ed Harris, hailing from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, he credits his love for great cuisine to his Guyanese upbringing. With his parents’ kitchen serving as a central gathering place for the family, Ed’s passion […]

Mohaimina (“Mina”) Haque is a trailblazing CEO, attorney, and educator, breaking barriers as the first woman CEO of Tony Roma’s in its five-decade history. As she spearheads the global restaurant chain, Mina is also actively engaged in the legal sphere, […]

As EVP, Kristen oversees the development and execution of all marketing, culinary and beverage strategies and initiatives, ensuring all efforts align with SPB’s long-term objectives while providing essential support to franchise partners. She is distinguished by her achievements in driving […]

John Iannucci is the Chief Executive Officer of Agave & Stone Hospitality, a bold and growing restaurant group based in Houston, Texas, that delivers exceptional hospitality and vibrant, authentic dining experiences celebrating the spirit of Mexican cuisine and Culture. With […]

Ahsan Jiva serves as EVP of Strategy and Transformation for Mellow Mushroom, the stone- baked pizza titan with 160+ locations nationwide. His expertise spans new prototype development, operational efficiency, data strategy, and innovative digital products for both franchisees and customers. […]