AGENDA
SUNDAY // OCTOBER 18, 2020
10:00 am | Registration opens for Food Tour participants
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fast Casual Food Tours
Join fast casual restaurant executives and other Summit attendees as we tour and eat out at some of Charlotte’s top local fast casual restaurants.

11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fast Casual Food Tours
Join fast casual restaurant executives and other Summit attendees as we tour and eat out at some of Austin’s top local fast casual restaurants.
Tours include:
• Austin Daily Press • Baby Greens • Bird Bird Biscuit • Chi’Lantro • Corner Bakery Cafe |
• Freebirds World Burrito • Kitchen United • MezzeMe • Nékter Juice Bar • Newk’s Eatery |
• Paperboy • Pokeatery • Tarka Indian Kitchen • True Food Kitchen • Velvet Taco |
- Sponsored by Kitchen United

3:00 pm | Registration opens
5:00 pm | Opening Remarks
• Cherryh Cansler | VP of Editorial | Networld Media Group
5:10 pm | Opening Keynote
Why Companies That Innovate on People and Talent Will Win
Companies that innovate will be successful, but companies that innovate on people and talent will win. If you have the talent piece in place, your brand can thrive in an age where every company in every industry is disrupting or transforming their category. As a long-established successful fast-casual brand, Panera has been on a transformation journey of its own, underscored by investments in technology—to seamlessly integrate digital ordering platforms, Rapid Pick-Up and delivery services—as well as its commitment to clean and healthy ingredients. A pivotal part of that journey, for every company, is attracting both customers and top talent to carry the brand into the future.
PRESENTER:
• Karen Kelley | SVP, Chief Restaurant Operations Officer | Panera Bread
- Sponsored by 7shifts
6:00 – 8:00 pm | Networking
Welcome Reception
This is a great opportunity to meet some of our speakers, sponsors and your fellow attendees over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

All times noted below are Eastern Time Zone.
TUESDAY // OCTOBER 20, 2020
7:00 am | Registration & Breakfast
9:40 am ET | Morning Briefing
How the Top Performing Restaurants Are Igniting Profitability Growth After COVID
Participants will leave with 4 proven strategies that can be immediately deployed to boost employee productivity, increase staff engagement/retention and achieve operational excellence. Specific examples / illustrations will be shared.
Presenter:
• Bob Michelson | President, SVP Customer Success | UPshow
- Sponsored by UPshow
PRESENTER

Bob Michelson
President, SVP Customer Success
UPshow
10:00 am ET | Opening Remarks
• Cherryh Cansler | VP of Editorial | Networld Media Group
• Brennan Wilkie | Chief Revenue Officer | Nudge Rewards
10:10 am ET | Opening Keynote
When Mission Drives Innovation
Learn how investments in digital, people, safety and brand marketing set the table for renewing Chipotle’s relevancy, resonance, and resilience.
Keynote Speaker:
• Scott Boatwright | Chief Restaurant Officer | Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Sponsored by Nudge Rewards
11:00 am ET | Break – Virtual Exhibit Hall Open
7:40 am | Breakfast Briefing
PRESENTER

Charles Fuhrmann
Lead, Enterprise Services
Square
11:30 am ET | General Session
Executive Perspectives: Inspiration for Today’s Restaurant Leaders
In this session, you will hear three short, thought-provoking talks that will leave you challenged and inspired.
Presenters:
Surviving Uncertain Times by Being Change Ready
• Jeff Fenster | Founder & CEO | Everbowl
Social Media – The Impact It Can Have on Your Business Positive/Negative
• Samantha Rincione | Founder, CEO & COO | CRAVE Franchising
The Power Of Or: Choosing And Doing What Matters Most
• Joe Thornton | Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer | HMSHost
What Starbucks and Chick-fil-A Are Doing So Differently
• Philipp Sitter | CEO | VIPinsiders
• Christopher Chomenko | VP of Sales | VIPinsiders
- Sponsored by VIPinsiders

12:30 pm | Lunch & Learn

12:35 pm ET | Break – Virtual Exhibit Hall Open
1:15 pm ET | Breakout Session
Sustainability Made Easy
Customers expect their favorite restaurant brands to be as green as possible without diluting food quality or the customer experience.
This session will show attendees how to identify easy fixes to reduce waste as well as give creative tips on how to not only train employees but inspire them to want to do their parts in reducing the brand’s carbon footprint.
Panelists:
• Adam Chose | COO | Alder-Tek Manufacturing
• Landon Eckles | Co-Founder & CEO | Clean Juice
• Sandra Noonan | Chief Sustainability Officer | Just Salad
• Gregg Rozeboom | Founder & CEO | Fruitive
Moderator:
• Cherryh Cansler | VP of Editorial | Networld Media Group
- Sponsored by Alder-Tek Manufacturing
1:15 pm ET | Breakout Session
We’re Living in a Mobile Revolution
It may sound dramatic to call these times that we are living in a mobile revolution, but that doesn’t make it any less true.
As we see more technology and disruption in the restaurant market, brands must continue to adjust accordingly. Where restaurants used to only focus on their menus, physical environments and the experience created there, they now must become experts in technology and in creating experiences for guests who may never set foot in a physical restaurant.
This session will teach attendees how to do just that.
Panelists:
• Kelly Roddy | CEO | Saladworks
• Steve Schulze | Co-Founder & CEO | Nékter Juice Bar
• Bill Valentas | CFO | Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Moderator:
• Brian Whitney | VP, Restaurants | Appetize
- Sponsored by Appetize
2:00 pm ET | Energy Break – Virtual Exhibit Hall Open
- Sponsored by Red Bull
2:30 pm ET | General Session
Brain Exchange
The Brain Exchange breaks attendees into small groups to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing restaurant operators today. These informal group discussions allow attendees to learn from one another’s mistakes and successes.
Brain Exchange Topics:
• CATERING
• COVER YOUR ASSETS | Sponsored by: Saxe Doernberger & Vita, PC
• DELIVERY
• FOOD SAFETY: What Matters Most for a Safe Dining Experience for your Staff and Guests | Sponsored by: Sani Professional
• FRANCHISING
• INNOVATION/TECHNOLOGY | Sponsored by: Gimbal
• MARKETING | Sponsored by: Attentive
• MENU TRENDS
• MOBILE
• STAFFING

3:30 pm ET | Break – Virtual Exhibit Hall Open
4:00 pm ET | Breakout Session
Where Do You Stand in the ‘New Era’ of Third-Party Delivery?
Orders through delivery apps are expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 27.9%. That equates to about $16.6 billion by 2023. And as with any new hyper-growth technology, it means that the companies competing for a significant position are rapidly evolving.
This session will not only discuss who the key players are in delivery and the recent changes but will also teach attendees how to take advantage of advancements in efficiency and performance made available in 2020.
Panelists:
• Zaid Ayoub | Founder & CEO | SAJJ Mediterranean
• Alonso Castaneda | VP of Brand Development & Strategy | Four Foods Group & Savory
• Tony Darden | President & COO | MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
Moderator:
• Akash Kapoor | Founder & CEO | Curry Up Now
4:00 pm ET | Breakout Session
Women in the Lead: Keeping the Momentum Going
Although it’s true that more women than ever are holding leadership roles as chefs, CEOs and vice presidents, we are still a long way from a 50-50 gender split.
This panel brings together several female leaders of the fast casual industry who will discuss how they overcame the challenges they faced on their way to the top and how the industry can be more inclusive of all genders.
Panelists:
• Amy Hom | VP of Operations | sweetgreen
• Laurie Schalow | Chief Corporate Affairs & Food Safety Officer | Chipotle Mexican Grill
• Carin Stutz | CEO | Native Foods
Moderator:
• Michelle Harden | Partner | Messner Reeves
- Sponsored by Messner Reeves
5:00 pm ET | Networking
Virtual Mixer
Grab your favorite beverage and head on over to the virtual mixer. You’ll want to turn your camera on and get ready to mingle! We’ll have several rooms set up where you can meet your fellow attendees:
• Northeast US/Canada
• Southeast US
• Western US/Canada
• Southwest US
• Midwest
• International
• 100+ units
• <100 units
• Random Questions Game
• Two Truths and a Lie Game
Feel free to pop in and out or stay in one place. The last one out turns out the lights!

12:00 pm | Lunch & Learn
You Want to Cook Where?
PRESENTER:
• Scott Heim | Divisional President | Evo, Inc.
- Sponsored by Middleby Corporation
PRESENTER

Scott Heim
Divisional President
Evo, Inc.
1:45 pm | Refreshment Break
4:00 pm | General Session
6:30 – 9:30 pm | Dinner Party
NASCAR Hall of Fame
After a full day of informative and inspiring sessions, get ready for an evening of great food, conversation and fun at the NASCAR Hall of Fame!
Boogity, boogity, boogity! Enjoy an evening at the home of legends and explore the history of NASCAR. Uncover new stories and get in on the action at every turn with more than 50 interactive experiences. Get behind the wheel of an iRacing simulator on your favorite track or see if you have what it takes to make the team in our Pit Crew Challenge. Hear intimate, never-before-told stories of the past.
You’ll get to experience it all and have fun with fellow Summit attendees as we will have exclusive access to the NASCAR Hall of Fame!
This private dinner party is included with your Summit registration at no additional cost. Please wear your badge.
- Sponsored by 7shifts
WEDNESDAY // OCTOBER 21, 2020
7:30 am | Breakfast
9:40 am | Morning Briefing
What Starbucks and Chick-fil-A Are Doing So Differently
Learn how the biggest brands are cutting their marketing costs, increasing their revenue, and communicating directly with their raving fans through the power of their own mobile rewards strategy.
Presenter:
• Philipp Sitter | CEO | VIPinsiders
- Sponsored by VIPinsiders
PRESENTER

Philipp Sitter
CEO
VIPinsiders
10:00 am ET | General Session
The Perfect Pitch
Following a global contest, five concepts have been selected to be part of The Perfect Pitch. Listen and learn as entrepreneurs pitch their fast casual concepts. The pitchers will address not only the Summit’s attendees but also a panel of advisers who will give them advice about how to grow their concepts.
It’s our “nicer” version of “Shark Tank,” which means it’s all about helping small but innovative concepts get off the ground. The audience members will vote on their favorite pitch, and the winner will receive bragging rights (of course) and a $3,500 prize!
2020 Finalists:
• Biscuit Belly | Chad Coulter, Founder & CEO
• ClusterTruck | Chris Baggott, CEO and Co-Founder
• Hot Mamma’s Kitchen | Gina Rae Hendrix, Founder & Owner
• Memphis Seoul | Bart Hubuch, Founder & Owner
Advisers:
• Jim Balis | Managing Director, Strategic Operations Group | CapitalSpring
• Jason Moles | Director of Marketing | Henny Penny
• Ryan Rogers | Founder & President | Eternal Optimist Hospitality
- Sponsored by Henny Penny

8:00 am | General Session
The Perfect Pitch
Following a global contest, six concepts have been selected to be part of The Perfect Pitch. Listen and learn as entrepreneurs pitch their fast casual concepts. The pitchers will address not only the Summit’s attendees but also a panel of advisers who will give them advice about how to grow their concepts.
It’s our “nicer” version of “Shark Tank,” which means it’s all about helping small but innovative concepts get off the ground. The audience members will vote on their favorite pitch, and the winner will receive bragging rights (of course) and a $5,000 prize!
2019 Finalists:
• Due’ Cucina Italiana
• Karma Farm
• Puli-Ra
• Roll Play
• Royals Hot Chicken
• Sweet Carrot
Advisers:
• Massimo De Marco | Chief Culinary Officer | Kitchen United
• Josh Goldin | Founder & Managing Partner | Alliance Consumer Growth
• Kathleen Wood | Founder & CEO | Kathleen Wood Partners | Suzy’s Swirl
Moderator:
• Jason Moles | Senior Brand Manager | Henny Penny
- Sponsored by Henny Penny

11:15 am ET | Break – Virtual Exhibit Hall Open
11:30 am ET | Breakout Session
Uncovering Supply Chain Hacks
Scaling your brand is not possible without a solid supply chain in place, but the word, “solid” often means expensive and immobile. But does it have to be?
Our experts say no and will reveal the ways they increase operations efficiencies, reduce costs and improve revenue.
Panelists:
• Jason Lee | VP, Supply Chain | CAVA
• Michael Mohammed | CEO | Chronic Tacos
• Shayla Partusch | VP of Purchasing and Retail | Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants
Moderator:
• Cherryh Cansler | VP of Editorial | Networld Media Group
11:30 am ET | Breakout Session
Calculating the Value of Mobile Ordering and Payment
One of the biggest changes taking place in commercial foodservice today is having the ability to order your meal online rather than waiting for someone to take your order. Not only does mobile order and pay save the customer money, it can make the foodservice operation more efficient and profitable.
A panel of veterans who have introduced mobile technology will share their experiences, including what they might have done differently if they had the benefit of other operators’ experiences.
Panelists:
• Erin Levzow | VP of Marketing Technology | Del Taco Restaurants
• Todd Madlener | President & COO | Coolgreens
• Aaron Noveshen | Founder & President | Starbird & Culinary Edge Ventures
• Xuhui Zhang | VP, Design & Development | Junzi Kitchen
Moderator:
• Elliot Maras | Editor | Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times
12:15 pm ET | Break – Virtual Exhibit Hall Open
12:45 pm ET | General Session
Coming Back From COVID-19
It is fair to say that no single event has rocked the entire restaurant industry like the coronavirus outbreak, and brands – big and small – are still rebuilding from the fallout.
This session will be filled with stories not only from executives who kept their businesses afloat during the trying time but what they learned and how they are moving forward.
Panelists:
• John Lebel | President & CEO | Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta
• Kyle Noonan | Owner & CEO | Free Range Concepts
• Yong Zhao | Co-Founder & CEO | Junzi Kitchen
Moderator:
• Dana Grueber | Sr. National Account Manager | Essity North America
- Sponsored by Tork

1:30 pm ET | Energy Break
- Sponsored by Red Bull
2:00 pm ET | Breakout Session
Chef Chatter: Menu Trends Revealed
Chefs must be on the cutting edge of all menu trends, and who better to reveal next year’s most popular foods than the people designing menus for some of the hottest up and coming fast casuals.
Panelists:
• Brian Bailey | Founder & CEO | Ichor Restaurant Group
• William Eudy | Corporate Executive Chef | McAlister’s Deli
• Ike Shehadeh | Founder | Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
• Tim Wildin | Strategic Advisor | TiffinLabs
Moderator:
• Emily Hirsch | VP of Beverage Menu Development | Botrista Technology
- Sponsored by Botrista Technology
2:00 pm ET | Breakout Session
Don’t Do Business Like A Rookie
Whether you are a seasoned restaurant operator or new to the business, it’s always best to learn from other people’s mistakes instead of making your own.
This session will run through 10 common missteps that you’ll want to avoid.
Panelists:
• Charlie Guzzetta | President | BurgerFi
• Stacey Kane | Restaurant Marketing Consultant
• Nick Vojnovic | President | Little Greek Franchise Development
Moderator:
• Cherryh Cansler | VP of Editorial | Networld Media Group
2:45 pm ET | Break
3:00 pm ET | Breakout Session
How to Get in the Food Safety Zone
Keeping customers and employees safe has been one of the year’s most pressing issues whether it’s containing the spread of COVID-19 or avoiding foodborne illnesses that can often crop up in restaurants.
This session will take a look at how restaurants fighting the good fight are succeeding by implementing strict procedures, inspiring employee and leadership buy-in as well as using technology when possible.
Panelists:
• Steve Felson | Vice President of Operations | Bonchon
• Carl Howard | President & CEO | Fazoli’s
• Matthew Sheppard | Director of Franchising Development | The Hummus & Pita Co.
Moderator:
• John Walsh | Director of Industry Relations | PathSpot Technologies
- Sponsored by PathSpot Technologies
3:00 pm ET | Breakout Session
Getting Down to Business with Contactless
As the pandemic surges on, restaurants are finding innovative ways to stay in business, and that means reimagining the customer experience to provide easy contactless options; whether at the table, on the patio, in the drive-thru, curbside or delivery. But what if you don’t have a lot of time, money or space to accommodate this need? It’s OK, according to this panel’s experts, who will share how they incorporated the contactless experience without straining business operations.
Panelists:
• Bill DiPaola | COO | Ballard Brands
• Rich Goodman | Vice President of Operations Services | Firehouse Subs
• Wayne Pederson | Vice President, IT | Fazoli’s Restaurant Group
Moderator:
• Dirk Izzo | President & General Manager | NCR Hospitality
- Sponsored by NCR
3:45 pm ET | Energy Break
4:00 pm ET | General Session
CEO Roundtable / State of Industry
This panel packed with fast casual CEOs will talk about important issues restaurant operators face today and what it will take to succeed in 2021 and beyond.
Panelists:
• Tom Gordon | Co-Founder & CEO | Slim Chickens
• G.J. Hart | CEO | Torchy’s Tacos
• Michael Lastoria | Co-Founder & CEO | &pizza
• Mandy Shaw | CEO | Blaze Pizza
• Christine Specht | CEO | Cousins Subs
Moderator:
• Ryan Wuerch | Founder & CEO | Dosh
- Sponsored by Dosh

12:00 pm | Lunch & Learn

12:25 pm | Lunch & Learn
Supplier Flexibility & Innovation is the Name of the Game
Today, it’s all about digitizing the restaurant experience from the front of house, back of house and outside the four walls. Consumer uses of technology are evolving fast with online ordering, delivery, loyalty, kiosks, pay at table and more. Restaurants need to move fast too to keep up and keep ahead of their consumer’s expectations. This means suppliers need a flexible mindset to enable restaurants to move faster with innovations and go to market strategies.
In this panel, discover how critical it is for the digital restaurant space to look for opportunities to stay agile, iterate new functionalities and get feedback from consumers and restaurant operators in near real-time.
Panelists:
• Mike O’Hanlon | Head of Catering Partner Business | ezCater
• Shaun Shankel | CEO | ToGo Technologies
• Shane Wheatland | Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer | Omnivore
Moderator:
• Cherryh Cansler | VP of Editorial | Networld Media Group
- Sponsored by Omnivore & ToGoTechnologies

1:45 pm | Energy Break
2:00 pm | Breakout Session
2:00 pm | Breakout Session
2:45 pm | Refreshment Break
3:00 pm | Breakout Session
3:00 pm | Breakout Session
3:45 pm | Energy Break
5:00 pm | Summit concludes