Special Events Information Desk
Location: Grand Canyon Ballroom FoyerStop by to sign-up to participate in any of the three activities being offered on the morning of Monday, April 15 (Hiking, Jeep Tours or Pickleball). Sign-ups are only available at this time once you've picked up your RLC badge.
RLC Kick-off Reception and The Pacesetter Award Ceremony
Location: Ballroom LawnA great excuse to get to the conference early- this year’s early arrival reception will honor the 2024 Pacesetter Award winner Brett Schulman and the CAVA Team! Join us for a celebratory evening of food, drinks, industry camaraderie and fun!
The Pacesetter Award recognizes small to mid-sized restaurant brands that have achieved next level growth and demonstrated industry excellence within their category. The winning criteria includes financial performance, system growth, caliber of culture, personnel management, innovation, leadership and industry support/giveback.
Chief People Officer
CAVA
Chief Operations Officer
First Watch
Chief Information Officer
CAVA
Chief Experience Officer
CAVA
Golf Tournament (Pre-Registration Required)
Location: Wildfire Golf Course*Pre-Registration is required. You can sign-up when you register online for RLC.*
Enjoy a morning of golf on the picturesque fairways of the Wildfire Golf Club. This is the perfect opportunity to continue building business relationships while practicing your swing. After the tournament, enjoy lunch with your fellow golfers.
Special Events (choose 1 of 3)
These events will be open for registration only on-site at RLC on Sunday, April 14 between 2pm-7pm after you pick up your badge. You are also required to check in for each special event at the special event desk the morning of your selected activity to secure your spot. If you do not check-in at 15 minutes before bus departure time, you forfeit your place to an attendee on the wait list.
7:30am - 11:30am
Two different hikes will be offered by our professional guides: one for the more fitness-oriented hiker seeking a unique outdoor workout and one for the more leisurely hiker looking for an up close and personal tour of the desert's beauty.
Special Events: Lunch & Learn Sessions (Choose 1 of 2)
Did you arrive too late on Monday to participate in our Special Events? Want to get a jump on RLC’s rich educational content? Need to get a bite anyway? Join us at a new addition to RLC, the Lunch and Learn.
Bon appetit!
Lunch: 11:30am - 12:00pm
Learn: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
** lunch is available for those who attend content sessions**
A Think Tank, Round Table style discussion with executive leaders from top FSR brands. Hear key insights and solutions around hot industry topics like 3rd Party delivery, New Technologies, Supply Chain Updates, New Markets and Developments, Labor Challenges (possible effects of AB 1228) and how each of these areas are impacting this sector.
Editor-in-Chief | Moderator
Restaurant Business
Editor-in-Chief | Moderator
Nation's Restaurant News
Chief Development Officer & President, International
Dine Brands Global
Chief Technology and Supply Chain Officer
Union Square Hospitality Group
Chief Executive Officer
Fogo de Chão
CEO
Ascent Hospitality Management
Chief Operating Officer
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
Join Restaurant Business Executive Editor, Lisa Jennings, and Nancy Kruse, President of The Kruse Company for an engaging think tank style session as they dive into a lunch time discussion all about the menu! In an era where a menu is more than a list of signature dishes but a strategic (brand) tool to maximize profitability, it is important for every operator to understand how to navigate the evolving culinary landscape and the pivotal role technology will play in this space as we move forward. Hear key insights from top operator leaders on how they are leveraging menu trends and tech advancements to catapult their business. Leave this session with new ideas and actionable takeaways to drive greater profitability from your greatest restaurant tool!
Executive Editor | Moderator
Restaurant Business
President | Moderator
The Kruse Company
Chief Brand Officer
City Barbeque, LLC
Chief Executive Officer
Duck Donuts
CEO
Hot Palette America
Chief Experience Officer
CAVA
Founding Partner
Dog Haus Worldwide
Opening General Session
Location: Grand Saguaro BallroomThis social impact mini session will highlight the extraordinary partnership the restaurant industry has had with No Kid Hungry over the years and their mission to end childhood hunger. Together our industry has raised nearly $120 million to feed kids in need! Hear from Sara Jamshidi and Barry McGowan as they share exciting news and details about some pivotal and transformational initiatives on the horizon.
Chief Executive Officer
Fogo de Chão
Sr. Director, Corporate Partnerships
Share Our Strength | No Kid Hungry
Technomic will discuss its outlook for the market, how the current operating environment represents return to a new normal and how menu pricing and other trends could impact the growth outlook for the year.
Managing Principal
Technomic, Inc
Senior Principal and VP of Innovation
Technomic, Inc
Innovation Forums (choose 1 of 7)
Led by the brightest professionals in foodservice, RLC's innovation forums are packed with hot topics and powerful messages designed to spark new ideas. Connect with the industry's game changers and gain valuable takeaways from the latest and greatest in foodservice innovation. There's something for everyone!
Sessions are not available for pre-registration - seating will be first come , first accommodated.
Ready to uncover “hot off the press” digital buying secrets from over 1,000 quick-service consumers that can make or break your success in the QSR world? Join us for an electrifying session where we peel back the curtain on digital consumer shifts shaping the future of QSR survival.
Led by Tillster’s CMO, Hope Neiman, we’re diving headfirst into the heart of consumer behavior, revealing the digital buying preferences from pre-Covid to now that hold the key to your QSR's survival.
From mobile ordering and loyalty to the demand for seamless digital experiences, we'll shine a spotlight on the trends and insights driving today's consumers to click "order now." But we won't stop there. We're here to arm you with the knowledge and strategies you need to thrive in this digital jungle.
Whether you're a seasoned QSR pro or a fresh-faced newcomer, buckle up for an informative session through the world of digital consumer preferences. Because in today's fast-paced digital landscape, it's adapt or become yesterday's news. Don't miss out on your chance to transform your QSR and secure your spot in the digital future.
See you there!
Chief Marketing Officer
Tillster
**Disclaimer – This session will be hosted by a real live human.**
There’s a lot of hullabaloo about how ChatGPT, Natural Language Processing and Generative AI is changing the way we conduct our daily work lives. But how many of you have actually experienced that in your day-to-day? Have you really used the tool to add efficiency to your workday, or just played around with it as a tool to write Snoop Dogg lyrics?
If you’ve been meaning to check out ChatGPT or to start using it at work – this is your invitation to the future. This session will break down what ChatGPT is (and isn’t), explain how to use the tool most effectively (with specific restaurant leadership use cases), and send you home motivated to start integrating the tool into your daily work-life.
Vice President of Marketing
Buyers Edge Platform
Technology has influenced loyalty programs to continuously focus on selling to customers with a reliance on offers, and discounts. However, as technology has been increasing, humanity has been decreasing. That shif has placed a new imperative on using relationship marketing capabilities in your technology to enhance customer experiences and build stronger connections.
Understanding the differences between loyalty program design and relationship marketing program design will enable you to tailor your strategies to really engage customers, drive loyalty, and maximize long-term success.
Director, Enterprise Strategist
Marigold
Restaurants are sitting on a wealth of data, and they're now turning to AI to unlock its full potential. Recent studies reveal that the industry is gearing up for increased investment in AI this year. But what specific areas and use cases are in focus? What’s the return on investment and reliability? Our expert panelists will tackle these questions, offering practical applications and insights into how AI will make hospitality businesses smarter, more productive, and more guest-centric.
Head of Product
VirtuousAI
Chief Data Officer, West & Midwest Enterprise Operating Unit
Microsoft
What trends became a reality, and which didn't pan out? In this interactive forum a panel of food service leaders and the audience will look at past and future trends and influences to vote on which trends impacted the restaurant and hospitality industry. The audience will participate in a live feedback and survey responding to the topics to help decide how restaurant leaders can affect or improve changing trend of all. In the end the audience will decide what are the most impactful trends defining the food service industry from the categories: Workforce, Supply Chain/Procurement, and Culinary/Operations.
While the media hypes shiny objects (AI, automation, robotics etc.), the smartest of brands know that one thing is key to increasing efficiency, sales, and loyalty—the data.
Hear why two of the industry’s most savvy technology trailblazers—Doug Cook, CTO at Jack in the Box & Nandu Gandhi, CTO at GoTo Foods—have rooted their digital transformation strategy in a unified commerce platform that prioritizes data. Key takeaways will include:
- True definition of a unified platform
- How to transition your organization and teams to platform thinking
- Economic benefits of unified omni-channel management
Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
Jack in the Box
Chief Technology and Data Officer
GoTo Foods
Senior Editor | Moderator
Restaurant Business
Chief Executive Officer
Qu
RLC Marketplace
Location: Grand Canyon BallroomJoin us for an evening of networking! With almost 200 top suppliers on display, you're sure to find all the industry-shapers within the RLC Marketplace. It's all about the connections you make and the hands you'll shake here, where suppliers and operators gather to uncover the latest solutions, sample new products and even close deals.
CMO, CIO, CEO and COO Private Breakfast
Location: Ballroom LawnThe greatest value proposition at RLC is when like-minded operators come together to network and share insights. If you’re a CMO, CEO, CIO or a COO with your restaurant brand and would like to join us for a private breakfast with your peers, please come and RSVP with Mark Hatch at mark.hatch@informa.com.
General Session
Location: Grand Saguaro BallroomThis lively “musical chair” style session will drive tangible insights around key industry hot topics. A series of short format panel discussions will be fueled by questions to top restaurant leaders who will help address key industry challenges and provide thoughtful ideas for the best solutions.
4 fast-paced solution driven panel discussions focusing on different topics:
- Ground-Breaking Growth
- Meeting the Moment - Leading with Possibility
- Impactful Innovation
- Technology for the Future
EVP, Conferences
Informa Connect
Vice President, Content
Informa Connect
Head of Sales Away From Home Chain Restaurants
Kraft Heinz Away From Home
Executive Vice President and President, Restaurants
NCR Voyix
A quick format discussion with top operators focusing on three pillars: Data Management, “Unified Commerce” for True Omnichannel, and Productivity.
Chief Information Officer
Shake Shack
Chief Executive Officer and President
CEC Entertainment
Chief Information Officer
Chicken Salad Chick
Senior Editor | Moderator
Restaurant Business
Hear from best-in-class leaders and how they turn challenges into opportunities to shape their organizations to focus on possibility and futureproofing.
Chief People Officer
CAVA
Chief Marketing Officer
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Chief Experience Officer
Red Lobster
Executive Editor | Moderator
Nation's Restaurant News
Operators will highlight Menu Development, Culinary Trends, LTOs, Sustainability, Supply Chain, and more during this quick format panel discussion!
Senior Vice President, Culinary & Innovation
Subway
CEO
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Chief Marketing Officer
BurgerFi
Senior Editor | Moderator
Restaurant Business, FoodService Director
This quick format panel discussion topic will highlight topics around Innovative Growth Strategies, Unconventional Expansion, Emerging Markets, Finance, Franchising, Brand Development and more. A look at chains new and old who are combatting various challenges to add new locations and cater to today's consumers.
Editor-in-Chief | Moderator
Restaurant Business
CEO
Bojangles
CEO & President
Dutch Bros Coffee
President, North America & International
Taco Bell
Innovation Forums (choose 1 of 9)
Led by the brightest professionals in foodservice, RLC's innovation forums are packed with hot topics and powerful messages designed to spark new ideas. Connect with the industry's game changers and gain valuable takeaways from the latest and greatest in foodservice innovation. There's something for everyone!
Sessions are not available for pre-registration - seating will be first come , first accommodated.
Join an interactive think tank with best-in-class executives for a deep dive on building brand culture and how today’s leaders turn challenges into opportunities. The group will discuss how to shape teams focused on possibility, continuing the topical conversation from the General Session. Led by Sarah Lockyer, President, Elliot Leadership Institute, PepsiCo Foodservice, and Informa Connect Editorial, you’ll walk away with essential strategies to future-proof your organization by intentionally leading with possibility.
President | Moderator
Elliot Leadership Institute
Chief Experience Officer
Red Lobster
Chief People Officer
CAVA
Chief Marketing Officer
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
During this interactive session, top operators, the McLane Company team, and the Informa Connect Editorial team will continue topical conversations from General Session with a deeper dive discussion around Innovative Growth Strategies, Unconventional Expansion, Emerging Markets, Finance, Franchising, Brand Development and more.
CEO
Bojangles
President, North America & International
Taco Bell
Hear firsthand from top QSR brands as they discuss their strategies for unlocking growth. This panel discussion explores how the right technology and partners lead to successfully unlocking scale, continually innovating, tackling change management, and delivers valuable ROI.
For today’s restaurants, efficiency is critical. Managers need systems that eliminate distractions and empower them to focus on long-term, strategic initiatives that drive sustainable profitability and growth. In this session, we’ll explore how restaurant leaders can implement tools that allow managers to focus on store-level performance and profit by using the stacks of data they already produce to fuel sales forecasting, AI-driven invoice management, and intelligent task management to foster better, faster decision-making.
Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer
Restaurant365
Chief Financial Officer
Someburros
Cut through the AI hype and noise with WINGSTOP, NVIDIA & WWT DIGITAL. Join us to learn how restaurants brands can turn AI into ROI and thrive in the Digital Age.
"AI at the Table" invites restaurant leaders to a practical panel discussion on how restaurant brands can drive growth and operational efficiency with AI. We’ll discuss how to prioritize AI use cases while accounting for your technology and data maturity.
Key takeaways for the audience will include:
- Using AI to drive growth and operational efficiency as a QSR leader
- Accelerating AI adoption and time-to-value
- Validating AI use cases, prioritizing the right investments, and cultivating a data-centric mindset across your enterprise
- Establishing the right technology and data foundation to scale AI impact
Head of Digital Strategy & Product Management
WWT Digital
In this session, you'll hear from Nick Patrick (CEO at Radar, the leading geofencing platform) and Sergio Pérez (Senior Director of Omnichannel at Bojangles). They'll discuss trends in digital transformation and vendor selection, and how Bojangles is taking advantage of these trends to accelerate growth, increase efficiency, and deliver innovative customer experiences across mobile and web.
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Radar
Senior Director of Omnichannel
Bojangles
In our 2023 Restaurant Operations Report, respondents shared that stores are insufficiently staffed—either understaffed or overstaffed—for 38% of shifts in any given week. With the added challenges of complicated labor laws and minimum wage hikes, it’s no wonder that more than half indicated they plan to invest in labor scheduling technology in the coming year.
Join us to hear how top restaurant chains navigate these challenges and put themselves in a position to grow and succeed in today’s complex labor environment. Our prestigious panel of operations leaders will share the best practices their organizations are using right now to manage minor laws, fair workweek laws, and overtime and penalty pay, all while optimizing schedules in order to compensate for rising labor costs and continued staffing shortages.
Executive Vice President
Burgerville
Enterprise Director
Crunchtime
Chief People & Strategy Officer
Pizza Ranch
Chief Executive Officer
SPB Hospitality
Get ready to savor the wisdom of trailblazing CEOs in an exclusive panel discussion focused on leadership excellence. Join us as these visionaries dish out their top leadership tips, candid stories of triumphs and setbacks, and invaluable insights into what it takes to lead a thriving restaurant company in today's dynamic market.
Our panelists represent a diverse array of brands and business models. Through lively discussion and personal anecdotes, they'll serve up a smorgasbord of strategies for effective leadership, from inspiring and motivating teams to making tough decisions and driving innovation. Come thirsty for knowledge and leave nourished with actionable insights to elevate your leadership game and take your restaurant to new heights of success.
Chief Executive Officer
L&L Hawaiian BBQ
Chief Executive Officer
Blaze Pizza
Chief Executive Officer
Big Chicken
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Crumbl
Chief Strategy Officer
Botrista Beverages
The rapid emergence of innovative restaurant technology has operators eyes wide open about its lasting impact on customer and employee experience. As pressure mounts to augment same-store sales, entrepreneurs are transforming the playing field for digital growth by moving beyond just delivery. DoorDash will moderate an insightful discussion between Taco Bell, Wingstop, and McKinsey & Company executives where we'll unpack successful restaurant technology strategies currently in market and nascent growth opportunities.
Chief US Franchise Operations Officer
Wingstop
Vice President of Enterprise Restaurant Partnerships
DoorDash
Chief Digital and Technology Officer
Taco Bell
Innovation Forums (choose 1 of 10)
Led by the brightest professionals in foodservice, RLC's innovation forums are packed with hot topics and powerful messages designed to spark new ideas. Connect with the industry's game changers and gain valuable takeaways from the latest and greatest in foodservice innovation. There's something for everyone!
Sessions are not available for pre-registration - seating will be first come , first accommodated.
During this interactive session, top operators, the KraftHeinz Away From Home Foodservice team, and the Informa Connect Editorial team will continue topical conversations from General Session with a deeper dive discussion around Menu Development, Culinary Trends, LTOs, Sustainability, and more.
Senior Vice President, Culinary & Innovation
Subway
CEO
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Chief Marketing Officer
BurgerFi
During this interactive session, top operators, the NCR VOYIX team, and the Informa Connect Editorial team will continue topical conversations from General Session with a deeper dive discussion around Data Management, “Unified Commerce” for True Omnichannel, and Productivity.
Vice President of Marketing & Inside Sales | Moderator
NCR Voyix
Chief Information Officer
Chicken Salad Chick
Chief Information Officer
Shake Shack
Chief Executive Officer and President
CEC Entertainment
Today’s customers want what they want, when they want it. They interact with companies across websites, apps, social media channels, physical stores, and more. At the same time, each brand is vying for their attention and business. In today’s omnichannel environment, on-demand delivery has become a crucial tool for restaurant operators to acquire new customers and build loyalty among their regulars. Learn the on-demand delivery approaches you can take to nail last mile delivery to increase your bottom line and win over customers.
Senior Director of Partnerships
Olo
Director, IT Digital Solutions & Services
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.
Head of Online Food Delivery, Uber Direct
Uber
Innovative brands are harnessing the power of data integration to boost effectiveness and build genuine connections with the next generation of consumers. In this session, we'll explore how emerging brands can keep up with their larger-budget counterparts. Our panel will discuss the challenges of turning first- and third-party data into relevant traffic-driving solutions while keeping the guest at the center. By the end of this session, you will possess the knowledge to use data to make informed decisions, leveraging actionable insights on strategies that effectively resonate with the modern consumer.
Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing
Smalls Sliders
Sales Team Lead, Restaurant
Vericast
Senior Vice President, Marketing Technology
Vericast
60% of U.S. consumers order delivery or takeout once a week. If you're looking to maximize your success in online ordering in 2024, this webinar is for you. We've compiled industry research and success stories to provide your brand with five actionable online ordering trends you can begin implementing today. This webinar will help you make key decisions about your tech stack, online ordering operations, integrations, and marketing strategies. Attend to learn more and master online ordering with us! Takeaways: - Understand the latest online ordering trends. - Leverage actionable insights to improve decision-making around online ordering. - Strategize your online ordering solution to optimize performance and growth.
Chief Revenue Officer
Paytronix
Explore the latest industry insights and tools in next generation customer engagement and online food ordering and delivery that can help create more visibility for restaurants’ business and boost sales. Learn how to transform your restaurant’s delivery and customer feedback to take back control of your own customer data, lower fees, and create a more seamless and superior customer experience.
Hear from fellow restaurant operators who know first hand the challenges and triumphs that come when trying to retain customers, generate loyalty and optimize their online ordering and delivery. Leave with tangible tactics to empower your digital journey.
Chief Technology Officer
BRIX Holdings
Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Craveworthy Brands
Executive Director
Digital Restaurant Association
President
Groucho's Deli
Join Stacey Pool, CMO at Noodles & Company, in conversation with Mastercard about her approach to reimagining how the fast casual concept goes to market. By evolving both their MarTech stack and team culture to embrace smarter decision-making, Stacey’s team transformed their loyalty program into the bright light of their business – so much so that they’ve been able to dramatically reduce the scale of discounts offered while simultaneously increasing transactions and engagement.
Stacey will be joined by Phil McGahey, VP Loyalty Sales at Mastercard Data & Services, for an exploration of three areas Noodles used data to evaluate success: pricing, menu changes and loyalty. You’ll walk away with concrete advice around how to think outside of the box, build a holistic technology stack, build a data-driven culture, and create a truly engaged audience.
Chief Marketing Officer
Noodles & Company
Vice President of Loyalty Sales
Mastercard Data & Services
Discover how Fourth, the leading restaurant software company, is revolutionizing prime cost management through artificial intelligence. In a panel discussion led by Fourth's CEO, Clinton Anderson, industry leaders from top restaurant brands such as TGI Fridays, Buffalo Wild Wings, Arby's, and the like will share their experiences and insights on leveraging AI to tame prime costs. Learn about the latest advancements in AI and how our panelists are using this technology to stay ahead of the competition. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the future of technology.
Chief Executive Officer
Fourth
Senior Director Operations Finance
Brinker International
RLC Marketplace
Location: Grand Canyon BallroomWith almost 200 suppliers on display, you're sure to find all the industry-shapers within the RLC Marketplace. It's all about the connections you make and the hands you'll shake here, where suppliers and operators gather to uncover the latest solutions, sample new products and even close deals.
General Session
Location: Grand Saguaro BallroomIf the post pandemic world has taught us anything, brands must be more innovative and tech savvy than before to stay relevant. The Eatertainment category was greatly affected during the shutdown, but they are coming back on top with a wave of exciting concepts while tapping into new markets.
This lightening round hot seat style session will feature top restaurant leaders who are taking Eatertainment to the next level with trend forward experiences, technology advances and unique hospitality. Each mini one-on-one interview will provide insightful stories about their path to success, business focused ideas, and possible future plans. Hear about the competing needs of the modern consumers quest for a balance of entertainment and value driven dining options.
Founder and CEO
Pinstripes
Chief Technology Officer
Alamo Drafthouse
CEO
Puttshack
CEO
Camp Pickle | Jaguar Bolera
EVP, Conferences | Moderator
Informa Connect
Editor-in-Chief | Moderator
Nation's Restaurant News
Get up close and personal with the founder of the first multi-channel lifestyle company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, she is an entrepreneur, bestselling author of 99 to date lifestyle books and Emmy award winning television show host.
Food and Lifestyle Icon
President, Global Foodservice
PepsiCo, Inc.
Dinner on Your Own
Embrace the opportunity to explore the variety of offerings and indulge in a delightful dining experience tailored to your preferences. Your culinary adventure awaits – seize the moment and savor the flavors of our resort's many dinner options.
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phxdr-jw-marriott-phoenix-desert-ridge-resort-and-spa/dining/
**reservations are not required but are highly recommended**
General Session
Location: Grand Saguaro BallroomHear topline insights from our moderators who will provide key takeaways from the continued Food 4 Thought Power Talk ‘deeper dive’ discussions that took place during Innovation Forums.
President, Media and Events
Informa Connect Foodservice
Executive Editor
Nation's Restaurant News
Senior Editor
Restaurant Business
Editor-in-Chief
Restaurant Business
Senior Editor
Restaurant Business, FoodService Director
New Roles, New Goals - Leaders who have recently been named ‘new’ CEOs of Iconic Brands
This lightning style session will feature two top restaurant leaders who will interview each other to address some engaging questions about their businesses and discuss important industry hot topics. Hear enlightening stories about their path to the head of the table, and their balance to stay relevant to their brands while inserting a bit of their own secret sauce!
CEO
The Habit Burger
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
The Data, Facts, and Details you need to know about the Fast-Food Wage increase in California and what it could mean for the future of your business. Hear from top industry leaders on the front line who will share their insights. This is a discussion you won’t want to miss.
President and COO
Dave's Hot Chicken
CEO & President
Diversified Restaurant Group
Senior Restaurant Analyst
Bloomberg Intelligence
Franchisee
WEH Management
Executive Editor | Moderator
Restaurant Business
Harnessing the power of athletes as potential partners can pay off when positioned right! In this marketing focused session, hear key insights (and some fun stories) from top restaurant operators that have played the field and hit it out of the park with unique collaborations to leverage the influence of talent to enhance customer experience and engagement.
Chief Marketing Officer
Bojangles
Chief Executive Officer
Big Chicken
EVP, Conferences | Moderator
Informa Connect