Breakout Session | October 19, 2015 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Beverage Smarts: What’s on Trend
Restaurant operators large and small are capturing consumer hearts with creative beverage alternatives that span the spectrum from craft soda and iced tea to beer, wine and milkshakes. Artisan and craft beverages, including cocktails, remain on the list of top trends in 2015 and show no signs of fading out anytime soon. Hear from consultants and operators on where the trend is going and how to do it right.
PANELISTS
Scott Davis | Creative Director & Managing Partner | Culinary Concepts Group
Scott joined the Culinary Concepts Group as the creative director and managing partner earlier this year after a 28-year career with Panera Bread as their EVP and chief concept officer. During his tenure, Scott led the Culinary and Concept Design teams that created the “Panera Bread” concept, as well as menu development that drove differentiation through innovations including the first antibiotic free, “clean” chicken breast used at scale in 2003. As a champion for “clean eating” Scott created the vision for Panera’s “food policy” and subsequently the move to remove artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and additives from their menu.
Elizabeth Friend | Senior Analyst | Euromonitor International
Elizabeth covers the global consumer foodservice industry for Euromonitor International, a role she has filled since 2011. As an industry analyst, Elizabeth publishes articles, reports and other analysis detailing trends and developments in all categories of global foodservice. She also assists in the yearly generation of Euromonitor’s market research data, drawing data and analysis from in-country researchers in 54 global markets. The scope of this research spans market sizes, brand and company shares, regulatory changes, trends and new product developments in the restaurant industry. Previously, Elizabeth worked in a variety of research and analytics roles in the finance industry.
Mike Remes | Corporate Chef | Burger 21
Mike manages all aspects of Burger 21’s menu development while overseeing training and operations for restaurant openings across the country. He has been a member of the Burger 21 team since fall of 2010, where he started as the house trainer and line cook. Mike began his career in the restaurant industry in 2000 with Outback Steakhouse and then as a grill cook at RJ Gator’s Restaurant where he was promoted to a kitchen trainer position and helped to open several restaurants. Prior to joining the Burger 21 team, Mike served as GM of a local burger restaurant and worked for J.Alexander’s and Bern’s Steak House before turning his attention back to his passion. Burgers.
Jenny Doan | Director of Marketing | Nestlé Professional Beverages (Moderator)
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.
Sponsored by Nestle
