MONDAY / OCTOBER 10, 2016 / 4:00 PM
Menu Trends of Today and Tomorrow
Brands are always searching for the next “big” flavor trend when it comes to food and beverages, and this session will predict several. Attendees will get a jump start against competitors. Don’t be that guy who never added avocados to sandwiches or salted-caramel flavored desserts. Instead, get ahead of what your customers will want.
PANELISTS
David Goldstein | COO | Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill
As COO of Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill, David Goldstein has been an integral part of the company’s strategic planning and future growth since 2007. He has an extensive background in the fast casual sector as a restaurant industry veteran with more than 30 years of progressive management, operations and R&D experience. During his career, David has been involved at the executive level in the expansion of three restaurant concepts, including TGI Friday’s, Kenny Rogers Roasters and Baja Fresh. His considerable experience in organizing and directing successful efforts to establish new enterprises, enhance business volumes and build profitable operations is a valuable asset to the Sharky’s organization.
Lindsay Hollister Heffner | Owner/Founder/Director of Sales & Marketing | The Pie Hole
Lindsay Hollister Heffner is Owner & Director of Sales & Marketing for The Pie Hole Los Angeles. After graduating with a B.F.A in Theatre Performance from Miami University of Ohio, Lindsay moved to LA to pursue an acting career. Since then, Lindsay has appeared in over 18 films and 30 TV roles. In 2011, she founded The Pie Hole Los Angeles with her family. Their goal was to bring back the “All American” pie and coffee shop by only focusing on their deep love for the art of good pie. Armed with family recipes, and the passion to bake fresh, from scratch sweet and savory pies, the family watched the business grow from one location to four in Southern California. The Pie Hole has upcoming locations planned in Glendale, Tokyo, and Venice.
session sponsor
Kazia Jankowski | Principal and Founder | Kazia Jankowski Consulting
Kazia is Principal and Founder of Kazia Jankowski Consulting (KJC). She leads the consultancy’s projects, working across consumer insights, culinary trends, and brand strategy. Kazia is passionate about collaborating with her clients to develop forward-thinking brands that put the consumer at the center. Kazia has deep experience in the food and restaurant industry. She has built the brands large industry leaders, like Dunkin Donuts and Sonic, as well as smaller, cutting-edge companies, like Illegal Pete’s. Kazia has also written about food and recipes for Cook’s Illustrated, Sunset, and 5280 magazines. She attended culinary school at El Txoko del Gourmet in San Sebastian, Spain.
MODERATOR
Jenny Doan | Director of Marketing | Nestlé Professional Beverages
Jenny is a marketing professional with over 20 years of beverage experience in both foodservice and CPG industries. She has managed large beverage portfolios across North America with multiple brands, diverse offerings, and within both commercial and non-commercial channels. Prior to joining Nestle Professional Beverages, Jenny held senior level marketing positions in the apparel industry and with a market research firm.