Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025

The age old question which came first the chicken or the egg.. or in this case... the owner or the chef..
Immerse yourself in a classroom like no other, chef Brian Duffy, the "Kitchen Muse'' is here to discuss the current issues that are plaguing our industry & we're not talking about food cost or labor cost, it's the chef's domain..

• Understand the balance between an owner's business requirements and a chef's creative domain.
• Highlight the need for chefs to excel not only in culinary arts but also in finance, organization, costing, inventory, and labor management.
• Engage in a raw and direct conversation about setting expectations for chefs and kitchen managers.
• Learn strategies to bridge the gap between creativity and business acumen in the kitchen.

Sponsored by: 

Learn how to turn negative guest experiences into positive outcomes with expert service recovery strategies. This session will teach you how to handle complaints in a way that builds loyalty and enhances your reputation.

• Master techniques for addressing guest complaints.
• Turn unhappy customers into loyal patrons.
• Implement service recovery protocols that work.
• Train staff to handle difficult situations professionally.
• Use feedback to improve operations and guest satisfaction.

Guest service is the backbone of any successful food and beverage operation. Learn how exceptional service impacts sales, profitability, and customer loyalty. This session will cover key strategies for fostering a service-driven culture that enhances guest satisfaction and drives long-term success.
Participants will learn:

• The direct link between guest service and increased sales/profitability
• How high-quality service builds trust, loyalty, and repeat business
• Strategies for creating personalized guest experiences that drive upselling
• The role of a positive service environment in improving operational efficiency
• Best practices for training and empowering teams to deliver exceptional service

Unlock the power of data to drive your marketing strategy and make smarter decisions for your bar or restaurant. In this session, you’ll learn how to leverage analytics to target the right customers, optimize your promotions, and maximize your marketing ROI.

• Identify metrics that matter for your business.
• Learn how to track customer behavior and preferences.
• Use data to create personalized, effective marketing campaigns.
• Optimize your promotions for better reach and engagement.
• Make informed decisions that boost sales and customer loyalty.

Advanced financial management is essential for maximizing profitability in the hospitality industry. This session will teach you how to analyze profit and loss (P&L) statements to identify key areas for cost control and revenue growth. Learn advanced techniques for managing financial performance and driving long-term profitability.
Participants will: 

• Understand the critical components of a P&L statement.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and revenue growth strategies.
• Use financial data to make informed operational decisions.
• Implement controls to reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
• Monitor financial performance to continuously improve profitability.

Designed specifically for established independent restaurants and multi-unit operators with 2-25 units, this session tackles the unique challenges for established businesses or those currently in an active scale-up phase.
This 2-hour "triage" session is tailored for those facing specific business challenges or actively scaling up operations.
After brief introductions and opening remarks, three industry consultants will provide targeted insights on these key areas: People & Staffing, Operations & Financials, and Digital & Social Media Marketing, focusing on solutions that drive growth and streamline operations.
Choose from these breakout discussions to gain one-on-one coaching that addresses your current challenge or questions. Get ready to leave with tailored, actionable insights to help you scale effectively and enhance your business’s long-term success. Attendees can move from table to table once they have received the feedback they need.

What to Do When You Arrive:
Join a Table: Choose from one of the three breakout discussions:

• People & Staffing – Hiring, retention, and team performance
• Operations & Financials – Cost control, profit drivers, and operational efficiency
• Digital & Social Media Marketing – Building engagement and driving sales online

Engage at Your Own Pace: Ask your question if you have one — or just listen in to the small group discussion.
Move Freely: Once you’ve received the feedback you need, you’re welcome to switch to another table or continue the conversation.
Take Action: Leave with tailored, actionable strategies to scale your business effectively.