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Monday, March 24
 

9:00am PDT

WS2 Strategic Restaurant Revitalization: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities for Growth
Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
In today’s competitive and fast-changing restaurant landscape, businesses may need a pivot for various reasons—whether it’s due to shifts in the marketplace, increasing competition, outdated menus, or even the need for a cosmetic refresh. Successfully navigating these changes requires a clear and strategic approach. Whether the issue is culinary direction, customer engagement, or operational inefficiencies, this session will help restaurant owners and managers create a clear path to revitalization.

  • Identify Core Challenges: Participants will articulate the specific challenges their restaurant faces, whether it’s menu fatigue, market pressures, or operational inefficiencies, setting the foundation for revitalization
  • Asses how your restaurant’s brand, audience, and market position stack up against competitors, using this information to guide the revitalization process.
  • Learn how to incorporate the correct key partners, to assess or design recommendations for solutions
  • Evaluate your financial resources, define operational processes, and implement testing strategies to ensure the successful execution of your new concept.
  • Develop a clear, actionable plan to re-create the process with your team and revitalize your restaurants.
**SESSION AVAILABLE ONLY WITH DELUXE PASS**
Sponsored by:
Speakers
avatar for Cate Hollowitsch

Cate Hollowitsch

Chief Marketing Officer, Burracho"s Midwest Mex
Cate Hollowitsch is an energetic, results-driven Chief Marketing Officer with more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record in all areas of marketing. As an executive, she also has an extensive background in business acumen, value creation, and strategy for small to medium-sized... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room #221
  Workshop

1:00pm PDT

Empowering Culinary Talent from the Grassroots
Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
This session delves into the key challenges chefs encounter at the grassroots level and provides practical strategies for building a solid foundation for lasting success. Drawing from real-life experiences and case studies, attendees will gain valuable insights into mentorship, resourcefulness, and balancing culinary and business skills.
Participants will address:
  • Overcoming common grassroots challenges faced by chefs
  • The role of mentorship in career growth and development
  • Tips for being resourceful in a demanding industry
  • Strategies for maintaining work-life balance
  • The importance of mastering both culinary and business skills for long-term success
Sponsored by:
Speakers
avatar for Kayla Robison

Kayla Robison

Chef Owner/Operator, Commander N Beef LLC.

Monday March 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #221
  Conference Session

2:00pm PDT

Scalable Menu Strategies: Designing Menus for Growth and Consistency Across Multiple Locations
Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Learn how to craft a menu that not only delights customers but can also be scaled easily as your business expands. Consistency and creativity go hand-in-hand in this strategic session.

  • Design menus that work across multiple locations.
  • Ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and delivery.
  • Scale recipes and kitchen processes for growth.
  • Keep your brand identity intact while expanding.
  • Use data to inform menu adjustments and innovations.
Speakers
avatar for Travis Tober

Travis Tober

Owner, Nickel City/Murray's Tavern/Old Pal
Longtime bartender and accomplished mixologist, Travis Tober has 25+ years of experience at top restaurants and innovative cocktail bars across the country, working at nearly every position in the beverage industry. He has spent years creating and consulting on national beverage programs... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #221
  Conference Session

3:00pm PDT

Owners & Chefs: Who Owns the Kitchen?
Monday March 24, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
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: 
Speakers
avatar for Brian Duffy

Brian Duffy

Owner, Duffified Experience Group

Monday March 24, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Room #221
  Conference Session

4:00pm PDT

Flavor Trends Panel
Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Explore the latest flavor trends shaping the bar and restaurant industry with expert insights from a panel of industry leaders. Learn how to stay ahead of the curve and incorporate these trends into your menu.

  • Discover trending flavors that attract customers.
  • Learn how to incorporate new flavors into your menu.
  • Balance innovation with guest preferences.
  • Understand consumer demand for bold and unique tastes.
  • Work with suppliers to source trendy ingredients.
Sponsored by:
Moderators
avatar for Brian Duffy

Brian Duffy

Owner, Duffified Experience Group
Speakers
avatar for Nick Liberato

Nick Liberato

The Borscht Belt Delicatessen, Owner/Chef
avatar for Thomas Leo

Thomas Leo

Senior Manager Culinary Engagement and Strategy, Kraft Heinz Company
A highly accomplished and visionary Chef, Thomas Leo is recognized for leveraging a deep understanding of the marketplace and competitor landscape to drive significant increases in both revenue and operational efficiency. With a career marked by a unique blend of culinary expertise... Read More →
avatar for Tori Lubecki

Tori Lubecki

Vegan Chef
avatar for Aaron Fish

Aaron Fish

Executive Chef, Eat Good Group
Originally from Sonoma County, CA, Aaron Fish moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2008 and never looked back. As the Chef of Eat Good Group, he collaborates with Spiceology on content and recipe development, helps plan and operate Crave NW!, and has appeared on Food Network. A dedicated... Read More →

Monday March 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room #221
 
Tuesday, March 25
 

1:00pm PDT

Zero-Proof, Full Profit: Making NA Drinks Work for Your Business
Tuesday March 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
The demand for high-quality non-alcoholic options is skyrocketing, and hospitality venues that embrace this shift can unlock new revenue streams, attract diverse guests, and enhance the overall guest experience. But how can bars, restaurants, and hotels go beyond token offerings to create a truly compelling NA program?
This interactive seminar brings together industry experts to explore best practices for integrating non-alcoholic drinks into hospitality settings—covering menu strategy, pricing, staff training, consumer engagement, and operational execution.
Join moderator Derek Brown (Co-Founder, Mindful Drinking Fest; Author, Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No & Low-Alcohol Cocktails) as he leads a discussion with top hospitality leaders on:
  • How to build a non-alcoholic beverage program that sells
  • Maximizing margins while offering value to guests
  • Understanding what today’s guests expect from NA offerings
  • Equipping teams to promote and serve NA drinks effectively
  • Seamlessly integrating NA options into your venue’s workflow
Whether you run a cocktail bar, restaurant, hotel, or multi-unit operation, this seminar will provide actionable insights to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving beverage landscape.


Speakers
avatar for Derek Brown

Derek Brown

President, Drink Company
Derek Brown is a mindful drinking advocate, NASM-certified wellness coach, and beverage consultant. Formerly the owner of Columbia Room in Washington, D.C.—named Best American Cocktail Bar at the 2017 Spirited Awards—he was celebrated as one of the nation’s top bartenders. He... Read More →
avatar for Maria Bastasch

Maria Bastasch

CEO, Drink Company
Maria Bastasch is the CEO of Drink Company, a designer, and a hospitality innovator shaping the future of social connection. A leader in the mindful drinking movement, she has built award-winning beverage programs and immersive experiences that challenge industry norms, creating more... Read More →
avatar for Marcos Salazar

Marcos Salazar

Co-Founder + CEO, Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association
Marcos Salazar is the CEO of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA), a global trade association providing the insights, connections, and resources needed to accelerate the growth of the adult non-alcoholic beverage industry. Marcos is working to build the adult NA drinks... Read More →
Tuesday March 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #221

2:00pm PDT

Data-Driven Decisions: Using Analytics to Shape Your Beverage Marketing Strategy
Tuesday March 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
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.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Crompton

Matt Crompton

VP Beverage Alcohol On Premise (Americas), NielsenIQ
With 15+ years of experience working with Beverage Alcohol clients, Matt is an expert in all things On Premise. He has managed and provided consultancy for some of the largest Beverage Alcohol manufacturers across Europe and the Americas, helping his clients to build On premise strategies... Read More →
Tuesday March 25, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #221
  Conference Session

3:00pm PDT

Culture as Currency: Building a Business Model for Success
Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Speakers
avatar for Steve Palmer

Steve Palmer

Founder and Chief Vision Officer, The Indigo Road Hospitality Group
Best-selling author, TedX speaker, James Beard semifinalist, industry leader, mental health advocate, restaurateur, and more, Steve Palmer is founder, managing partner and most significantly, chief vision officer, of the nationally recognized Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG... Read More →
Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Room #221

4:00pm PDT

Never Lead Alone Again: 5 Keys to Build Back Your Team & Your Time
Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Discover the five essential traits every leader needs to rebuild their team and reclaim their time. This session focuses on overcoming the soft skill regression many managers experienced during the pandemic, helping you create a culture of not just goal setting, but goal achieving. By the end, you'll have actionable steps to transform your team into a high-performing, cohesive unit.
Participants will learn to: 
  • Build a productive team through the power of relationships.
  • Identify and develop the unique strengths of each team member.
  • Overcome fears and concerns that hinder leadership effectiveness.
  • Create a management pattern that fosters continuous team growth.
  • Implement actionable steps to turn business goals into achieved results from Day 1.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Brooks

Jason Brooks

Founder/CEO, HospiVation
Jason Brooks has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry in multiple leadership roles with 6 of the Top 100 hospitality brands today. Jason coaches business owners, operators, & executives in the art of not just goal setting, but goal getting. He also teaches managers... Read More →
Tuesday March 25, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room #221
 
Wednesday, March 26
 

1:00pm PDT

Hospitality Heroes: Engaging Your Front of House for Outstanding Guest Experiences
Wednesday March 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
This session highlights the vital role front-of-house staff play in crafting memorable guest experiences. Gain actionable strategies to energize and empower your team, ensuring they deliver exceptional service that transforms first-time visitors into loyal patrons.
Participants will know how to: 
  • Empower staff to make on-the-spot decisions that enhance guest experiences.
  • Build a culture of recognition that celebrates outstanding service and teamwork.
  • Enhance training focusing on soft skills like empathy and conflict resolution.
  • Personalize guest interactions by remembering preferences and special occasions.
  • Foster a feedback-driven environment to encourage continuous improvement.

Sponsored by:
Moderators
avatar for Nesha Arbano

Nesha Arbano

Event Producer, Duke and Van Deusen
Nesha Abarno is a dynamic leader in the hospitality and event industries with over 20 years of experience. Renowned for managing top-tier restaurants and producing high-stakes events, she has expertly helmed iconic venues like La Esquina and Beauty & Essex NYC, both celebrated for... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Jess Rowland

Jess Rowland

Service and Hospitality Expert, The Restaurant Launch
With over 45,000 hours of server training experience, Jess Rowland is a true leader in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Over the past 26 years as a Regional Trainer for Hillstone, Jess played a key role in reinventing their 47-year-old service manual, creating one of the best... Read More →
avatar for Christopher McFadden

Christopher McFadden

Founder & Hospitality Career Coach, The McFadden Group
Christopher brings over 25 years of experience in restaurant management and sommelier roles, primarily on Canada’s West Coast, giving him a deep and confident understanding of the hospitality industry's needs.  In 2022, he returned to his hometown of Burlington, Ontario, with his... Read More →

Wednesday March 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #221

2:00pm PDT

The Impact of People-First Leadership on the Restaurant Business Model
Wednesday March 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Explore how adopting a people-first approach can transform your restaurant's business model by fostering loyalty, increasing productivity, and enhancing customer experiences. This session dives into actionable strategies that link employee satisfaction with financial success, paving the way for long-term growth in the industry.
Participants will learn to:
  • Empower employees by creating a supportive environment that encourages ownership and excellence in their roles.
  • Build trust to form a foundation for team resilience and long-term business stability.
  • Understand the connection between employee well-being and customer experience, focusing on mutual benefits.
  • Gain insights on structuring training programs that increase competency, reduce turnover, and align with company values.
  • Learn to achieve profitability through people-centric practices that improve morale, retention, and revenue.
Speakers
avatar for Jim Taylor

Jim Taylor

Managing Partner/Founder, Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie/Benchmark Sixty Restaurant Services
Over the last 20+ years, Jim has helped to fuel the growth of a leading national restaurant brand, consulted with hundreds of other restaurants to navigate the ever changing restaurant industry, and is the managing partner at Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie, a french fine dining restaurant... Read More →
Wednesday March 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #221
 

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