Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025: Full Schedule

1:00pm PDT

Building an Enduring Brand: Expanding, Protecting, and Growing Your Hospitality Presence

Tuesday March 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Learn key strategies to create a strong hospitality brand that grows beyond its initial concept and stands the test of time. This session covers how to expand, legally protect, and leverage your brand's assets for long-term growth.

Conduct trademark searches and navigate registration to legally protect your brand from the start.
Expand your brand into new revenue streams like TV, CPGs, and cookbooks.
Transition from a single concept to a multi-concept hospitality group.
Secure your brand’s assets through intellectual property (IP) strategies.
Use cease-and-desist letters and litigation to prevent brand infringement and ensure ongoing success.

Hamutal Lieberman

Partner & Chair of Trademark Group, Helbraun & Levey LLP

Hamutal is a Partner & the Chair of the Trademark Group at Helbraun & Levey LLP, a full-service hospitality law firm in New York City. She regularly counsels clients on trademark matters including trademark searches, applications, and prosecutions. Hamutal also assists clients with... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #224/225

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Deluxe Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, Start-Up
Experience Level Fundamentals
Track Operations

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

3:00pm PDT

Maximize Profitability with Advanced Financial Management

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Room #224/225

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.

Speakers

Adam Hegsted

Owner, Eat Good Group

Adam Hegsted (born January 18, 1980) is an American chef, TV host, and restaurateur.[1] He is the chef/owner of Eat Good Group, which operates restaurants, eateries, and kitchens that include Francaise, De Espana, Gilded Unicorn, Yards Bruncheon, baba Spokane, Republic Kitchen + Taphouse... Read More →

Tuesday March 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Room #224/225

Conference Session

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

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

1:00pm PDT

The Pricing Paradox: Balancing Cost Control and Revenue Growth in Bars and Restaurants

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

Room #224/225

Striking the right balance between managing costs and driving revenue is one of the most challenging aspects of running a successful bar or restaurant. This session dives into actionable strategies for pricing menus effectively, maintaining profitability, and staying competitive in an ever-evolving market. Gain the tools to optimize pricing while enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Participants will:

Learn how menu pricing influences customer perception and drives purchasing decisions.
Explore tactics for managing food, beverage, and labor costs while maintaining high standards.
Discover how to strategically price and structure menus to increase profitability and guide guest choices.
Leverage industry data and consumer behavior insights to stay ahead of pricing shifts.
Design promotions that align with your pricing strategy and attract repeat business.

Alexander Fletcher

Owner, Shaken and Stirred Hospitality

Alex Fletcher is the owner of Shaken And Stirred Hospitality and formerly served as the national beverage director and head of sustainability for Hospitality Alliance. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Alex has focused on positivity, sustainability, creativity... Read More →

Wednesday March 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room #224/225

Conference Session

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

2:00pm PDT

Acing the Bar Exam: A Legal Survival Guide for Bar and Restaurant Operators.

Wednesday March 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Room #224/225

Join a veteran bar operator and lawyer for a concise overview of the legal factors that can shape the long-term success of your business. This session covers critical topics like business formation, property acquisition, licensing, and compliance, offering actionable insights for navigating the complex legal challenges of the hospitality industry.
Session participants will:

Understand the key legal considerations for starting and structuring a hospitality business.
Learn strategies for property acquisition and lease negotiations.
Gain insights into licensing and compliance requirements for bar and restaurant operations.
Identify common legal pitfalls and how to mitigate risks effectively.
Equip yourself with practical knowledge to address legal challenges at any stage of business growth.

George Qualley

Operating Partner/ Partner, Nightingale Cocktail /Qualley Law, P.L.C.

George Qualley is a distinguished attorney and entrepreneur based in Des Moines, Iowa. He studied Political Science and swam competitively at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln before earning his Juris Doctorate and MBA from Drake University and Drake Law School. Licensed to practice... Read More →

Wednesday March 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room #224/225

Conference Session

Registration Pass Conference Pass, Deluxe Pass
Audience Owner/Operator, Start-Up
Experience Level Fundamentals
Track Operations