Breakout Session / Monday / October 10, 2022 / 9:30 AM
Building an Appetite for Loyalty
It’s a difficult time for the restaurant industry. Almost two years of changing restrictions, wide-ranging shortages and increasing business costs have stressed both restaurants and their guests alike. And while 61% of people agree that rising prices are making restaurant dining too expensive, we’re finding that offering deals and incentives – in the right omnichannel media mix – can spark an appetite for your brand and drive more guests to your loyalty platforms.
In this panel session, we’ll discuss how to serve up a strategy that appeals to diners' varying needs.
PANELISTS
MODERATOR
Rob Crews | New Business & Account Management, Restaurant Brands | Vericast
Rob Crews is the Director of Insights and Strategy for the Restaurant Industry at Vericast. In this role he analyzes industry data and identifies opportunities, helping clients drive profitable sales using Vericast’s proprietary tech stack. Prior to joining Vericast, Rob spent most of his career in restaurant marketing, working for brands such as Wendy’s, Arby’s, Church’s Chicken, LongHorn Steakhouse/The Capital Grille, Ryan’s/Old Country Buffet, and Applebee’s. Rob holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Iowa.
Jeff Hemschoot | Vice President Marketing | Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems
Jeff Hemschoot is Vice President Marketing at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc., a sub sandwich franchise with more than 2,000 locations nationwide. Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956, Jersey Mike’s serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on fresh baked bread – the same recipe it started with 66 years ago. Jeff joined Jersey Mike’s in 2008 when the company had fewer than 400 locations. Today, it is ranked #4 on Entrepreneur’s 2022 Franchise 500.
Doug Willmarth | President | MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
Doug Willmarth, a strategic brand leader in the restaurant industry, joined MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes as president in 2021. Willmarth previously served as chief brand officer for Genghis Grill-parent Mongolian Concepts for four years. A former Navy pilot, he spent time in the packaged-food world of Kraft Foods and PepsiCo before moving into the restaurant industry. His background includes stints at Chili’s, Yum Brand’s Pizza Hut division and Wingstop.
Cherryh Cansler | VP of Events | Networld Media Group
Before joining Networld Media Group as Vice President of Events, Cherryh Cansler spent several years as VP of Editorial managing the company’s nine B2B publications. Throughout her 20-year career as a journalist, she’s written about a variety of topics, ranging from the restaurant industry and technology to health and fitness news. Her byline has appeared in a plethora of newspapers, magazines and websites, including Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine. She also serves as the managing editor for FastCasual.com.
