Supercharge Revenue by Tapping into Your Customer Base with Technology


Although technology gives restaurants the power to unlock their customer base's full potential and drive revenue growth, it can complicate things when not implemented correctly. This session, however, will delve into how the use of cutting-edge technology — AI, food delivery tech, contactless payments and personalized customer experiences through marketing and loyalty programs — has revolutionized the way restaurants interact with guests. Attendees will learn how implementing new restaurant technology strategies can create a better customer experience and new revenue streams.
Panelists
Julie Canseco
Chief Dietitian Officer
Main Squeeze Juice Co.
Julie Canseco currently serves as the Chief Dietitian Officer for Main Squeeze Juice Co., previously serving as the Chief Operations Officer and In-House Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist. Canseco brings nutrition and operations experience from her previous position of Nutritionist and Marketing/Operations Dietitian with Ochsner Eat Fit, a non-profit restaurant-partnership program offered by Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, LA before joining Main Squeeze Juice Co.® in August 2017. Canseco worked with Eat Fit from April 2016 to August 2017 and during her tenure increased participating restaurant partners from 45 to over 150 partners, and secured over 1 million dollars in grant funding to expand Eat Fit programs throughout the state of Louisiana, in partnership with Ochsner Health System and Blue Cross Blue Shield. This program is still in place today, directly impacting communities across Louisiana. Prior to Ochsner Eat Fit, Canseco worked at East Jefferson Family Practice, as as their Nutrition Program Manager.
Caprice Kindgren
Director of Marketing
Urbane Cafe
Caprice Kindgren is a seasoned marketing strategist known for her exceptional ability to navigate and innovate in challenging environments. With a remarkable career spanning over six years with Urbane Cafe, Caprice has continuously demonstrated her prowess in crafting impactful marketing strategies that drive business growth and customer engagement. Amid the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Caprice spearheaded a remarkable transformation for Urbane Cafe. As the driving force behind the marketing strategy, she not only led the company through the tumultuous times but also orchestrated its resurgence to greater heights. Her strategic acumen played a pivotal role in ensuring Urbane Cafe's resilience and success during an unpredictable period. Caprice's vision extended beyond the conventional, as she recognized the evolving landscape of digital marketing. By introducing a cutting-edge digital marketing strategy, she propelled Urbane Cafe into the digital forefront.
Chris Medhurst
President
District Taco
Chris Medhurst is currently the President of District Taco - a Yucatan-style quick-service Mexican restaurant. When he joined the company 13 years ago, it had one food truck. During his time at District Taco, he has served as General Manager, Director of Operations, VP of Finance & Operations, and Chief Financial Officer. Today the company has 16 brick-and-mortar locations throughout DC, MD, VA and PA, and has over 70 units under development along the East Coast of the United States. Chris graduated from James Madison University in 2010 with a double major in Finance and Management and a minor in Economics. He also holds a MS in Accounting and Financial Management from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a MS in Computer Science from George Mason University. In his free time he plays water polo on the NOVA masters team and enjoys downhill skiing, watching MMA, and spending time with his wife Meghan, daughter Rory, and their two cats Bert and Ernie.
Bill Mitchell
Consultant- Independent Board Member
HungerRush- (formerly of Dunkin Brands & Papa John's)
Bill is a restaurant operations executive with nearly 30 years of U.S. and global operations and franchising experience. Bill joined the HungerRush Board as an Independent Board Director in 2023 with a profound understanding of the need for transformative technology in the restaurant space. Bill was the President of Hut American and Chief Executive Officer for Cici’s Pizza. Bill also served in a variety of leadership roles at Dunkin’ Brands. He was the President of Dunkin’ Brands International at Dunkin Brands Group, Inc. and Dunkin Donuts LLC, where he was responsible for nearly 8,500 Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants located in more than 60 countries around the world. Bill is widely credited with growing the global footprint of Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins. Before joining Dunkin’ Brands, Bill spent a decade at Papa John’s International, where he served in multiple roles and ultimately, President of Global Operations. Prior to his time at Papa John’s, Bill held various operations positions at a variety of other food service companies including AFC Enterprises -Popeye’s, RTM Restaurant Group, and KFC. One could say he kicked off his passion for leading, especially in the international arena, while proudly serving successfully as an officer in the United States Army. To date, he generously supports veteran-based organizations and salutes our men and women in uniform!
Moderator
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