BREAKOUT SESSION / MONDAY / OCTOBER 14, 2019 / 12:45 PM
Why Follow When You Can Lead? Uncovering Menu Trends of 2020
Predicting the next major menu craze has always been a challenge, and as we move into a more integrated and interdependent world, customers are exploring foods and flavors from around the world, which makes it even more difficult.
This session’s experts will reveal what menu trends are most popular and where and show attendees how to apply them to their menus.
PANELISTS
Dan Carberry | VP of Culinary Innovation & Guest Experience | Zoup! Eatery
Dan Carberry is the Vice President of Culinary Innovation & Guest Experience for Zoup! Eatery, a leading fast-casual soup restaurant concept that is defining the category with its award-winning soups and made-to-order sandwiches, salads and bowls. In his role, he oversees the brands menu innovation strategy and guest experience initiatives. Prior to Zoup!, he spent 15 years at Panera Bread in a variety of product development, design and concept leadership roles. Dan currently resides in Bloomfield Hills, MI with his wife and two sons.
Hagop Giragossian | Partner, Culinary & Operations | Dog Haus
As befits the leader of our culinary team, Hagop Giragossian avidly explores Southern California’s vibrant food scene and cooks up leg3endary meals at home. Hagop’s successful business endeavors include founding Kings Row Gastropub and Neo Meze with Quasim. Additionally, Hagop partners with Quasim and André in Pyramid Powder. Hagop and Quasim are former owners of Boar’s Java, a coffee truck with a loyal following in Los Angeles County. Hagop has a degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. In addition, to his culinary exploits, Hagop is an avid basketball fan who roots for his hometown team, the Lakers.
Ike Shehadeh | Founder | Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
Ike Shehadeh, biased philosopher, pop culture icon and sandwich wizard has been transcending the sandwich genre since 2007. As founder of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, Ike has grown a massive cult following with over 60 stores across 5 different states and counting. Celebrity fans, unique sandwiches found nowhere else and Ike’s infamous “dirty sauce” fuel this audacious brand – with sales increasing by 50% year-over-year. With over 500 creations, sandwich lovers will find an awesome sandwich for meat lovers, gluten-free diets, vegans, vegetarians and beyond. This sandwich guru is committed to inspiring the world. One sandwich at a time.
MODERATOR
Maeve Webster | Senior Director | Datassential
Maeve Webster, senior director at Datassential, is a leading consultant for foodservice manufacturers and operators having spearheaded hundreds of major industry studies during her nearly 20 years as a foodservice specialist. Maeve’s expertise is in the areas of trend analysis, market assessment, consumer behavior, product testing, and brand optimization. At Datassential, Maeve helped develop several of Datassential’s new products and programs. In addition to consulting, Maeve has owned and operated a café in Bennington, VT for four years. She is a regular speaker at top industry events and contributes to several industry and popular publications.
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