Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025: Full Schedule

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1:00pm PDT

Changing The Mindset – How the Modern Guest is Influencing Change

Tuesday March 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:25pm PDT

Spotlight Stage, Expo Floor

Speakers

Scot Turner

Founder & Managing Director, Auden Hospitality

Scot Turner has lived and breathed hospitality his entire career. From luxury hotels to independent restaurants, his drive to challenge convention has powered projects in 14 countries, working with iconic brands and chefs such as Dorchester Collection, Alain Ducasse, and China Grill... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:25pm PDT
Spotlight Stage, Expo Floor

Spotlight Stage Talk, Spotlight Stage Future Proof Experience

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Expo Pass, Expo Plus Pass
Audience GM, Bartender/Mixologist, Bar Manager, Bartender, Chef, Owner/Operator, Start-Up
Experience Level Growth Mode
Track Spotlight Stage

2:00pm PDT

Thriving Through Change: Industry Insights for Bar, Restaurant, and F&B Owners

Tuesday March 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Room #224/225

Join top industry leaders as they explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of food and beverage operations. This panel will offer actionable insights on tackling labor shortages, managing costs, adapting to shifting consumer demands, and leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences. Walk away with strategies to navigate today’s hurdles and position your business for long-term success.
Attendees will gain:

Proven methods for retaining top talent and building a resilient workforce.
Strategies to manage rising costs without compromising quality or guest experience.
Insights into shifting consumer preferences and how to adapt effectively.
Best practices for collaborating with suppliers to drive mutual success.
How to integrate technology to optimize operations and improve guest engagement.

Moderators

Ming-Tai Huh

Head of Food and Beverage, Square

Ming-Tai Huh is a James Beard–nominated restaurant owner and technology executive – he currently serves as the Head of Food and Beverage for Square, and he is also a Partner at Cambridge Street Hospitality Group with six restaurant concepts (and more) located in Greater Boston... Read More →

Speakers

Alisa Reynolds

Executive Chef/Owner, My Two Cents LA

A Los Angeles native who began her professional career as a visual merchandiserdesigner for Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills,moving into T.V. and film production, working from wardrobe to postproduction on several television shows and films. Not yet satisfied Alisa decided to devote... Read More →

Andrew Chun

Managing Partner, Sidecar Hospitality

Andrew is a managing partner for San Francisco based Sidecar Hospitality. Sidecar owns and manages several concepts, including Pacific Cocktail Haven, Press Club, and Schroeder's. Pacific Cocktail Haven was named as a James Beard Finalist for Outstanding Bar in 2024. Sidecar's latest... Read More →

Rob Grimes

CEO, IFBTA

Robert (“Rob”) Grimes is the Founder & CEO of the IFBTA (the Food and Beverage Technology Association), a non-profit professional association promoting and advancing technology and innovation for the global food and beverage industries.Prior to establishing the IFBTA, Rob founded... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #224/225

Conference Session

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, GM
Experience Level Growth Mode
Track Operations

2:45pm PDT

Chef Masterclass: Menu Engineering: Back of House Insights for Crafting Profitable Dishes

Tuesday March 25, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm PDT

Room #233

Details Coming Soon!

Speakers

Adrianne Calvo

Chef/ Author/ Restaurateur/ TV Host, Maximum Flavor

Chef Adrianne Calvo is an award-winning Miami based restaurateur, cookbook author,Emmy-nominated YouTube show host and podcaster known for her signature “Maximum Flavor” style. Her highly-acclaimed restaurants, Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Bar andCracked by Chef Adrianne... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room #233

Master Class

Registration Pass Add Separate, Deluxe Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, Start-Up, Chef
Experience Level Growth Mode, Start Up, All Levels
Track BootCamp, Masterclass
Item Code MASTER5

4:00pm PDT

Panel: Preparing for Franchising: Is Your Concept Ready to Scale?

Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

Room #224/225

Learn the essential steps to position your business for franchising success. This session covers financial planning, startup requirements, and proven strategies for scaling while attracting your first franchisees.
Participants will:

Understand how to define and communicate your market positioning to stand out.
Assess the financial viability of your concept and set realistic goals.
Learn the actual costs and considerations for launching a franchise company.
Explore strategies for scaling your franchise while maintaining operational excellence.
Discover effective methods to recruit and onboard your first franchisees.

Moderators

Jonathan Weathington

CEO, Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar

Jonathan serves as the CEO of Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar, a fresh seafood and cold beer concept out of Wilmington, NC, which has expanded to include locations in six states. He’s been featured on the cover of FSR Magazine, appeared on Good Morning America, quoted and featured in numerous... Read More →

Speakers

Carl Comeaux

CEO, Crust Pizza Co.

Carl Comeaux is the CEO of Crust Pizza Co., a fast-growing limited-service pizza chain that has redefined the local pizzeria experience. Known for its inviting interior designinspired by classic Chicago elements, Crust Pizza locations feature old Chicago brick,light wood accents... Read More →

Lauren Coulter

Owner, Integrator and Chief Biscuit Eater, Biscuit Belly

Lauren Coulter began her career as a pharmacist before discovering her passion for the restaurant industry. After graduating pharmacy school, Lauren and her husband, Chad Coulter, launched Louisville’s first “paint and sip” businesses, blending creativity with community engagement.In... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room #224/225

Conference Session

Registration Pass Deluxe Pass, Conference Pass
Audience Owner/Operator
Experience Level Growth Mode
Track Operations