Happy Hour with Fast Casual CEOs

John Dillon is a nationally recognized, award-winning President and CEO, board advisor, and growth catalyst with a track record of delivering enterprise transformation and measurable business performance across restaurants, hospitality, retail, consumer products, education, and sports and entertainment. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of la Madeleine Bakery and Cafe, a fast casual brand with nearly 100 cafes across the U.S., where he is leading a disciplined and aggressive modernization focused on guest experience, unit-level economics, operating improvements, and deliberate expansion across domestic and international markets. John earned his reputation leading complex, multi-unit businesses where results depend on clarity, execution, and alignment across field teams, support centers, owners, and boards. Over a 16-year tenure at Denny’s Corporation, John advanced from Chief Marketing Officer to Chief Brand Officer and ultimately President, playing a key leadership role in revitalizing the 1,600-unit system.

Elisia Flores serves as CEO of L&L Franchise, Inc. which has over 220 restaurants across the country and in Japan. She is responsible for setting the strategic vision of the company and driving new growth initiatives. Flores has been instrumental in developing key partnerships to expand the L&L brand, strengthening the brand across markets and implementing national revenue generating programs for the franchises. Prior to L&L, Flores worked at General Electric Company (GE) for over 8 years. At GE, she was responsible for significant audit and process improvements at GE Aviation, GE Corporate and overseas at GE Capital Interbanca. Flores serves on the board of directors for Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE: HE) and is chair of the audit committee for American Savings Bank (subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries). Also, she serves on the boards of Hawaii Pacific Health (one of Hawaii’s largest healthcare systems), Diamond Head Theatre and the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Brandon Solano, CEO of RAVE Restaurant Group, has revitalized Pizza Inn through a high-impact "Mission 2030" strategy. In 2025, Solano orchestrated the brand’s fastest expansion in 18 years, highlighted by a triple-store launch in just three weeks. By introducing the viral "All You Can $8" buffet promotion and house-made ranch dressing, he achieved 23 consecutive quarters of profitability. A veteran of Domino’s and Wendy’s, Solano’s focus on modernizing unit economics and franchisee profitability has successfully repositioned "America’s Hometown Pizza Place" for sustained global growth.