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BREAKOUT SESSION / MONDAY / OCTOBER 8, 2018 / 9:30 AM

Overcoming the Obstacles to Becoming a More Sustainable Brand

Consumers, especially millennials and members of Gen Z, have high expectations when it comes to sustainability and hygiene, and those don’t wane when they think about eating out.

While it can be expensive on the front end to be more energy efficient, offer recycled products or clean up supply chains, for example, operators can win the ROI long game.

The big secret? Using innovation to improve efficiency, which leads to both lower environmental impact and lower costs.

PANELISTS

Scott Davis | President & CCO | CoreLife Eatery

Scott Davis joined the CoreLife Eatery team in September 2016 to head up menu development and guide strategic brand growth. Scott’s experience during the growth of both Au Bon Pain and Panera Bread make him an invaluable asset to CoreLife Eatery. Scott served as Chief Concept Officer for Panera Bread from the inception of the brand until December 2014, during which time he oversaw menu development, category management, restaurant design, and sustainability efforts. Scott led many key initiatives that drove the long-term success of Panera Bread, as it became a leader in the fast casual segment of the restaurant industry.

Gonca Esendemir | Co-Founder & CMO | Flatbread Grill

Gonca Esendemir is the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of the fast casual Mediterranean concept, Flatbread Grill. Flatbread Grill was developed by Gonca and her two sisters in 2007 as a means to support their sick parents. Without any formal marketing training or experience, Gonca helped establish the brand’s identity and social media presence. She also, along with her two sisters, oversaw day to day restaurant operations, developed the menu, and assisted with building out the concept’s brick and mortar stores. She is currently overseeing the franchise development of Flatbread Grill. Gonca is also a published writer and social media influencer.

Mike Speck | CEO | Asian Box

Mike Speck has significant experience in Operations, Training, HR and Senior Level Leadership, in both corporate and franchise national high growth casual dining and fast casual service restaurant companies. Currently he is the CEO at Asian Box and prior was the Chief Operating Officer of The Halal Guys, the New York City most iconic brand. Prior industry experience includes being part of the leadership team at Qdoba Mexican Grill during growth from 100 to 600+ restaurants, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers repositioning and IPO and significant experience in growth ventures that started at Mayfair Partners, an important franchisee of Boston Market and Einstein Bros. Bagels.

MODERATOR

Tracey Fullington | National Account Manager | Essity North America

Tracey Fullington is National Account Manager for Essity North America. She is an accomplished sales management professional with over 20 years of experience, who is dedicated to serving restaurants in a sustainable way. Tracey promotes SCA / Tork products and hygiene initiatives to national account foodservice concepts with corporate headquarters based in the Southeastern United States. Since 2007 she has been responsible for maintaining and growing a portfolio of high profile national foodservice concepts with locations that cross regional boundaries.

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