This year’s program will dive into the industry’s successes and challenges. Renowned chefs and industry experts will discuss what it takes to operate a successful restaurant in 2026, how to develop and scale concepts, and the hard realities licensing, financing and real estate bring to the table.
Featured Speakers
Operating in 2026: Lessons from the Pros
- Ford Fry (Rocket Farms Restaurants)
- Chris Hall (Unsukay)
- Billy Kramer (NFA Burger)
- Kevin Rathbun (Kevin Rathbun Steak)
- Deborah VanTrece (VanTrece Hospitality Group)
Scaling: How Great Concepts Expand
- Frederico “Fred” Castellucci (Castellucci Hospitality Group)
- Nate Hybl (gusto!)
- Nancy Oswald (Sizzling Steak Concepts)
- Damian Otero (Rreal Tacos)
Tough Love from Your Advisors
- David Abes (DASH Hospitality Group)
- Lily Heimburger (Matthew’s)
- Michael Sard (Sard & Leff)
Thank You Sponsors
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