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4/9/2022
4/9/2022
7/7/2023

Panel Discussion: Tech Stack Integrations & Innovations


Friday, July 7
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
3:30pm - 4:15pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

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Panelists


Anna Tauzin, The Good Kind
Andrew Gnoiski, Deliverect
Benjamin Brown, ConverseNOW
7/7/2023
2023 Texas Restaurant Show
7/7/2023
Ghost Kitchen and Virtual Restaurant Conference
7/7/2023

The Evolution of Foodservice Delivery: Ghost Kitchens, Virtual Brands and Beyond


Friday, July 7
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
1:15pm - 2:00pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

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Panelists


Dorothy Calba, Senior Research Analyst, Euromonitor International
7/7/2023

Afternoon Networking Break


Friday, July 7
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
2:45pm - 3:30pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

Register to Attend
7/7/2023

Networking Reception


Friday, July 7
Location: 310, 3rd Floor
5:00pm - 6:00pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

Register to Attend
7/7/2023

Welcome Remarks


Friday, July 7
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
1:00pm - 1:15pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

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Panelist


Pete Cook, President, OnTrend Concepts
7/7/2023

Industry Leaders Panel


Friday, July 7
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
2:00pm - 2:45pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

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Panelists


Carl Orsbourn, COO & Co-Founder, Juicer
Aron Hollander, UberEats
Geoff Alexander, Wow Bao
Andre Vener, Founding Partner, Dog Haus
7/7/2023

Panel Discussion: Driving Revenue


Friday, July 7
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
4:15pm - 5:00pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

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Panelists


Anand Tumuluru, Loop
J.R. Thomas, U.S. Foods
Carl Orsbourn, COO & Co-Founder, Juicer
Mike O'Hanlon, COO, ezCater
7/8/2023

International Outlook & Opportunities


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
4:15pm - 4:45pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

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7/8/2023

Virtual Brands Panel


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
11:15am - 12:00pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

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Panelists


Pete Cook, President, OnTrend Concepts
Jon Register, Virturant
Derrick Fountain, Backhouse Brands
Phoebe Hettel, UberEats
Sam Cassell, LSG SkyChefs
7/8/2023

Welcoming Remarks


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
9:00 - 9:15am

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

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Panelist


Pete Cook, President, OnTrend Concepts
7/8/2023

Panel Discussion: Food Halls & Innovative Ghost Kitchen Approaches


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
9:45am - 10:30am

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

Register to Attend

Panelists


Adam Armeland, CEO & Co-Founder, KitchenHub
Nick Avedesian, BOLT Kitchens
Tyler Shin, Revolving Kitchen
Ankit Agarwal, Co-Founder, HappyBoards
7/8/2023

TRA Investment Bootcamp

Presented by The Davis/Yost Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management

This session was part of the pre-Show education of the 2023 Texas Restaurant Show. Stay tuned for 2024's topics and registration!

Creating and growing a successful business is seldom just about money. Neither is the decision to exit the business, whether that exit is through an IPO, merger with another company, private sale, or succession within the family. The process is intense, the details are complex; and the decisions are often an unexpected combination of personal and financial. Join TRA’s two-part Investment Bootcamp which will address this with the following sessions: Family Business Succession and Positioning Your Company for the "Next Phase".


Presenters and panelists included:
Paul Stam, JD, LL.M., M.S.: Executive Director, Trusts and Estates Strategist, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management

Drell Adams, CFP®: Assistant Vice President, Financial Planning Director, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Scott Winship: Managing Director, Gulfstar Group
David Cary: Cary Impact Advisors, LLC
7/8/2023

How Can Delivery Work for Everyone? A Fireside Chat with Chris Baggot


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
9:15am - 9:45am

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

Register to Attend

Panelists


Pete Cook, President, OnTrend Concepts
Chris Baggott, ClusterTruck
7/8/2023

Closing Remarks


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
4:45pm - 5:00pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

Register to Attend

Panelist


Pete Cook, President, OnTrend Concepts
7/8/2023

Panel Discussion: Catering


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
2:15pm - 3:00pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

Register to Attend

Panelists


Aaron Hoffman, Head of Strategy, DeliverThat
Nabeel Alamgir, Co-Founder & CEO, Lunchbox
Mike O'Hanlon, COO, ezCater
Dustin Mares, Co-Founder, MealOutpost
Chris Heffernan, CEO, dlivrd
7/8/2023

Networking Break


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
10:30am - 11:15am

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

Register to Attend
7/8/2023

Networking Breakfast


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
8:00am - 9:00am

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

Register to Attend
7/8/2023

Lunch (with all pre-conference sessions)


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
12:00pm - 1:30pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

Register to Attend
7/8/2023

Deciphering the Delivery Dilemma


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
1:30pm - 2:15pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

Register to Attend

Panelists


Lisa Miller, Lisa W. Miller & Associates
7/8/2023

Afternoon Networking Break


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
3:00pm - 3:30pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

Register to Attend
7/8/2023

International Outlook & Opportunities Panel


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
3:30pm - 4:00pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

Register to Attend

Panelists


Pete Cook, President, OnTrend Concepts
Karan Tanna, Founder, Ghost Kitchens India
Sinan Akdal, Founder & CEO, Migros One Kitchen (Turkey)
Marwan Abu Sakha, Co-Founder/CEO, Kitchenfy (MENA)
7/8/2023

Panel Discussion: Apps, Loyalty, and Managing Data


Saturday, July 8
George R. Brown Convention Center
Room: 310, 3rd Floor
4:00m - 4:45pm

This session is part of the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference (GKC), co-located with the Texas Restaurant Show in the George R. Brown Convention Center. A separate registration is required for this conference, and free entry to the Texas Restaurant Show is included with your registration. Register for the Ghost Kitchen & Virtual Restaurant Conference below.

 

Register to Attend

Panelists


Andrew Custage, Medallia
Andrew Nash, CEO, Targetable
Zack Oates, CEO, Ovation
Katie Walker Renkin, Landry's
7/9/2023
2023 Texas Restaurant Awards & Lone Star Bash
7/9/2023

Maximizing Your Liquor Program: the Profits Come Pouring In


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Tech & Innovation Stage, 3:00pm - 3:45pm

With the ups and downs of the stock market, so too fluctuates a restaurant's alcohol sales, and not necessarily in the direction you'd expect. With some restaurants only serving beer and wine, others a full array of spirits and cocktails, and alcohol to-go permanently in place to allow for robust off premise liquor programs, are you making as much as you should on the highest margin segment of our industry's products?

Join TRA Director of Partnerships, Ben Knorr, for a panel discussion with Jerry Liebbe (State Director, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits), and Paul Miller (Owner & CEO, GR8 Plate Hospitality) about what makes a successful liquor program including how to purchase wisely, manage your inventory, tie your brand to creative craft cocktails, and maximize the impact to your bottom line.

Register for the Show

Panelists


Ben Knorr, Director of Partnerships, Texas Restaurant Association
Jerry Liebbe, State Director, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
Paul Miller, Owner/CEO, GR8 Plate Hospitality
7/9/2023

Are You Ready for September 1st? What You Need to Know About New Texas Laws


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center - Halls A & B
Taste of Texas Stage, 1:45pm - 2:30pm

The regular 88th Texas Legislative Session is over, and hands down has been the most successful legislative session for Texas' restaurants. The TRA team tracked hundreds of bills, achieving 70 wins in 70 days for our industry. From passing landmark legislation like the Regulatory Consistency Bill, to stopping harmful legislation from becoming law, there's a lot to unpack. Most new laws go into effect on September 1, 2023. Are you ready for it?

Join TRA Chief Public Affairs Officer Kelsey Erickson Streufert for an overview of TRA's 70 in 70, focusing specifically on those new Texas laws that will impact you as a restaurant operator. Learn about all the TRA has accomplished for you, and ensure that you are ready, and in compliance, with these new laws as they take effect. 

 

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Panelists


Kelsey Erickson Streufert, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Texas Restaurant Association
7/9/2023

At the Table with Brandon Busch


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Coca-Cola Main Stage, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Houston-based Fertitta Entertainment, Inc., owned by Tilman Fertitta, is a hospitality empire that includes the restaurant giant Landry's, Inc., the Houston Rockets, and the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casinos. The organization is a leader in the restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment industry. Their trends and insights often advance the direction of our industry. Join TRA President & CEO Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., for a live 'At the Table' sit-down with Landry's Regional Vice President and Houston-native Brandon Busch, a 30-year veteran of the Landry's family. 

Brandon oversees more than 2,000 employees across the Company’s regional hotels, restaurants, and large catering events. Throughout his tenure, Busch has managed over 40 fine-dining and casual concepts and has opened nearly 20 restaurants including over a dozen brand new concepts in the Houston area alone, and is an expert at tending to millions of guests every year, fulfilling a variety of requests to ensure every customer experience delivers excellence. Emily and Brandon will discuss his experience within the hospitality sector, what's the latest goings-on at Landry's, and what his predictions are for the future of our industry. 

 

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Panelists


Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO, Texas Restaurant Association
Brandon Busch, Regional Vice President, Landry's Inc.
7/9/2023

Second Chances: Proving the Restaurant Industry is a Place for Everyone


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center - Halls A & B
Taste of Texas Stage,12:45pm - 1:30pm

One aspect of our industry that is indisputable is the ability for someone to make and remake themselves within it. Whether you're recounting the numerous stories of the server who became an owner, the dishwasher who became a reknowned michelin-star chef, or simply the various backgrounds from which our workforce emerges, the restaurant industry is truly a place for everyone. And the TRA is committed to supporting each source channel to provide competent and prepared individuals ready to enter our industry, whether from a CTE high-school program or right out of the military, to those re-entering society after a time away as a resident within our penal system.

Join moderator Heather Pickett (Foundation Director, TRA) and panelists Dr. Robert Emery (Vice President for Safety, Health, Environment, & Risk Management, UT Health Science Center at Houston), Charlene Moriarty (Workforce Administrator, Windham School District) and April Zamora (Director, Reentry and Integration Division, Texas Department of Criminal Justice) for a discussion about the various ways in which programs like the HOPES Grant and other efforts underway are preparing your future workforce and provide you the opportunity to give someone a second chance that could lead them to be that next dishwasher turned michelin-star chef.

 

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Panelists


Heather Pickett, Foundation Director, Texas Restaurant Association
Charlene Moriarty, Workforce Administrator, Windham School District
April Zamora, Director, Reentry and Integration Division, Texas Department of Civil Justice
Dr. Robert Emery, Vice President for Safety, Health, Environment, & Risk Management, UT Health Science Center at Houston
7/9/2023

The Long Road: Improving Employee Skills Today For a Lifelong Career


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Tech & Innovation Stage, 11:00am - 11:45am

Staffing shortages remain the most prevalent challenge to our industry, not only in sourcing good talent, but engaging them and keeping them loyal to your business. With turnover rates remaining at 157% or above, how you handle your employees engagement and sense of value is critical to the stability of your business. This is especially critical when you are trying to fill management positions. Promotion from within - and ensuring your employees are getting the training and upskilling needed to be ready for promotion - is a key tactic to achieve this employment stability.

Join moderator Tony Abruscato (CMO, TRA) for an engaging discussion on the tools tactics and strategies available to your business that can support a robust employment training and retention program with panelists Cara Blackledge (Texas Development Manager, Qwick), Alli Jarrett (Owner, Harold's Kitchen), Matthew Mabel (Owner/CEO, Surrender, Inc.) and Reggie Martin (Owner, LeMond Kitchen, Chair, Houston Hospitality Alliance).

 

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Panelists


Tony Abruscato, Chief Marketing Officer, Texas Restaurant Association
Cara Blackledge, Texas Development Manager, Qwick
Alli Jarrett, Owner, Harold's Kitchen
Matthew Mabel, Owner/CEO, Surrender, Inc.
Reggie Martin, Owner, LeMond Kitchen, Chair, Houston Hospitality Alliance
7/9/2023

Protecting Your Business: Government Relations and Why Advocacy Matters


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Coca-Cola Main Stage, 2:30pm - 3:15pm

You're busy. Running your business, expanding operations, dealing with staffing challenges, the impact of inflation, and the everyday unexpected issues that come up, you don't have time to be worrying about what the government is doing to you. Collaborating together, the Texas Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association provide you the assurance and protection that at the local, state, and federal levels, you are being fought for and protected. How does that work, how do the TRA and NRA know what you need, and ensure that you have the best regulatory enviornment possible in which to run your business?

Join TRA Chief Public Affairs Officer, Kelsey Erickson Streufert, along with Clark Davis (Director of Investor and Government Relations, Brinker), Christine Ha (Owner & Chef, The Blind Goat), and Matt Walker (Vice President of Government Affairs, NRA) for a behind-the-scenes look at how advocacy works, why it is so important, and the vital role that you play in it.

 

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Panelists


Kelsey Erickson Streufert, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Texas Restaurant Association
Clark Davis, Director of Investor and Government Relations, Brinker
Matt Walker, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Restaurant Association
Christine Ha, Owner & Chef, The Blind Goat
7/9/2023

At the Table Talking Customer Sentiment, Part 2, LIVE!


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Coca-Cola Main Stage, 10:45am - 11:30am

"Customer is King" and "Everyone's a Critic" are two sayings that accurately describe how our industry has evolved. Balancing feedback with quantitative data is a tricky balance, but critical in plotting a successful course for your business. On a recent episode of At the Table with the TRA, panelists David Cantu (CEO, Black Box Intelligence), Alex Eagle (CEO, Freebirds World Burrito), and Zack Oates (Owner/CEO, Ovation) spoke with co-hosts Joe Monastero (COO, TRA) and Ben Knorr (Director of Partnerships, TRA) about the importance of knowing how to hear through the noise and glean the insights that move your business ahead.

Join this group for a sequel session on the topic, where they will also take your questions on customer sentiment and strategy. We recommend you listen to their podcast episode before attending this session, which can be found at www.txrestaurant.org/podcast.

 

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Panelists


Joe Monastero, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Restaurant Association
Ben  Knorr, Director of Partnerships, Texas Restaurant Association
David Cantu, CEO, Black Box Intelligence
Alex Eagle, CEO, Freebirds World Burrito
Zack Oates, Owner/CEO, Ovation
7/9/2023

Fast Paced Growth in a Fast Paced World


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center - Halls A & B
Taste of Texas Stage, 10:30am - 11:15am

From surges of investment capital, to online influencer effect, to unexpected opportunities for advancement, growth in our industry can come when you least expect it, from where you least expect. Companies today are driven forward through innovation, social media attention, and even some good old fashioned long-term strategic planning. Bottom line, one of the fastest paced industries in the world is moving faster than ever. Are you ready? Do you know when opportunity is knocking?

Join moderator Harlan Scott, Principle of Harlan Scott Consulting, for a conversation with industry leaders in fast growth, expansion, and innovation Brandon Hunt (Founder, Via313 Pizza), Cameron James (Dir. of Operations, LaTrelle's), and Jae Kim (Founder, Chi'Lantro) to discuss their experiences maximizing the opportunities to grow their businesses forward. 

 

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Panelists


Harlan Scott, Principal, Harlan Scott Consulting
Brandon Hunt, Founder, Via313 Pizza
Cameron James, Director of Operations, LaTrelle's
Jae Kim, Founder, Chi'Lantro
7/9/2023

Who Runs the World? (Girls): Women in Power Forum


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Coca-Cola Main Stage, 12:00pm - 12:45pm

Beyoncé wasn't just writing catchy lyrics. Women make up 66% of the restaurant industry's workforce, and are increasingly representing at the C-Suite level of our industry. Bringing valuable insights, perspectives, wisdom and GRIT to their organizations, female leaders are driving our industry forward with style and class. They are also bringing light to a host of opportunities to make our businesses more efficient and profitable while also providing our workforce the support they need to have healthy, balanced lives.

Join moderator David Jobe (Co-Founder & CEO, Prosper Forum) as he talks with some of the leading women in our industry including Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D. (President & CEO, TRA), Gretchen Sheirr (President of Business Operations, Houston Rockets), and Carin Stutz (President & CEO, Native Foods) about their experiences, ideas, and predictions for the future of restaurants.

 

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Panelists


David Jobe, Co-Founder & CEO, Prosper Forum
Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO, Texas Restaurant Association
Gretchen Sheirr, President of Business Operations, Houston Rockets
Carin Stutz, President & CEO, Native Foods
7/9/2023

Savory Fund & Saigon Hustle: Food worth $1mm


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center - Halls A & B
Taste of Texas Stage, 11:45am - 12:30pm

Do you have the 'next big idea' in the restaurant industry? Brands evolve in all sorts of unique ways with the evolution of influencers in social media and how connected our world is. One of the leaders in spotting and supporting emerging success brands is the Savory Fund, notebly known for their work with Via313 Pizza.

Join TRA Chairman of the Board Jonathan Horowitz (Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer, Buffalo Bayou Brewery) as he talks with Andrew Smith (Managing Director, Savory Fund) about one of the group's more recent investments, Saigon Hustle. Hear from Andrew and Co-Owners Cassie Ghaffar and Sandy Nguyen about this million-dollar deal and what's next for Saigon Hustle. Learn about the ins and outs of identifying your brand's potential, and how to take it to the next level! 

 

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Panelists


Jonathan Horowitz, Chairman of the TRA Board, and Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer, Buffalo Brewing Co.
Cassie Ghaffar, Co-Owner, Saigon Hustle
Sandy Nguyen, Co-Owner, Saigon Hustle
Andrew Smith, Managing Director, Savory Fund
7/9/2023

Data Driven Pricing: Same Great Taste, Different Time, Different Price


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Tech & Innovation Stage, 12:30pm - 1:15pm

Adapting to ever-changing business conditions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants learned some very valuable lessons about price elasticity and the technologies available to better manage maximizing your top-line revenue. Whether as simple as charging a different price for off premise to reinstating the good old fashioned happy hour, what does the future of data driven pricing look like? How customized will it become?

Joe Monastero (COO, TRA) moderates a panel of industry leaders that includes Alex Eagle (CEO, Freebirds World Burrito), Gregg Majewski (CEO, Craveworthy Brands), and Carl Orsbourn (Author, Delivering the Digital Restaurant) to discuss this continually evolving and critical aspect to our industry's best practices. And not everyone has the same opinion about how flexible a restaurant should make their pricing schemes. The future is here today, don't miss this key session on how to navigate your business through it successfully. 

 

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Panelists


Joe Monastero, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Restaurant Association
Alex Eagle, CEO, Freebirds World Burrito
Gregg Majewski, CEO, Craveworthy Brands
Carl Orsbourn, Author, Delivering the Digital Restaurant
7/9/2023

The Next Big Restaurant Sector? Exploring the Digitally Native Brand


Sunday, July 9
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Tech & Innovation Stage, 2:00pm - 2:45pm

In recent years we have seen an explosion of new brands entering the market without the start-up overhead of a physical location. With the increased use of delivery and the advent of ghost kitchens, brands have had the luxury of 'going virtual', either testing out new markets or launching entire brands in the digital space. With web 3.0 and the growing use of NFTs, the need to have had a brick-and-mortar business prove your concept is no longer a precursor to having 'the next big thing' in the restaurant industry.

Join TRA board member Bryan Solar (Chief Product Officer, SpotOn) to discuss what the future of this sector looks like, as he is joined by Geoff Alexander (President & CEO, Wow Bao), Aaron Emrich (Director, General Manager Southwest, UberEats), and Meredith Sandland (CEO, Empower Deliver). They will discuss the ups, downs, ins, and outs of what launching a purely virtual brand entails, and, whether or not they think it will be a permanent part of the restaurant industry.

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Panelists


Bryan Solar, Chief Product Officer, SpotOn
Geoff Alexander, President & CEO, Wow Bao
Aaron Emrich, Director, General Manager Southwest, UberEats
Meredith Sandland, CEO, Empower Delivery
7/10/2023

At the Table with Alicia Kelso


Monday, July 10
George R. Brown Convention Center
Coca-Cola Main Stage, 1:00pm - 1:45pm

The Executive Editor of Nation's Restaurant News, Alicia Kelso began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. After a brief break from the industry, Alicia became a contributor at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes. Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.

Join TRA President & CEO, Emily Williams Knight, for a 'live' At the Table session with Alicia, discussing life on the other side of the restaurant industry's 4th wall, reporting on trends in the industry, and what Alicia predicts are some of the emerging areas of opportunity for restaurant operators.

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Panelists


Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO, Texas Restaurant Association
Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News
7/10/2023

Corral 'em: Effectively Marketing Your Independent or Multi-unit Brand


Monday, July 10
George R. Brown Convention Center
Tech & Innovation Stage,11:00am - 11:45am

In a world where everyone is a critic, an influencer, or just your average consumer with a smartphone, marketing your independent brand amidst a chaotic storm of advertising noise is challenging at best. You have to not only grab your customers' attention, but get them through your front door, ordering well, enjoying their experience, and last but certainly not least, gain their loyalty to not only come back, but champion your brand to their friends and networks. 90% of patrons say they trust recommendations from friends, family, and celebrities. So, how do you grab their attention, and corral 'em into your business?

Join TRA Chief Marketing Officer, Tony Abruscato, along with an engaging panel of experts including Sue Straughan (Director of Business Services, Ben E. Keith Foods), Eric Seymour (VP Channel Programs, me&u), Doug Thompson (CEO, Tumble 22), and Ellis Winstanley (Owner, El Arroyo), to discuss effective marketing and promotional strategies across numerous channels that cultivate a loyal customer and increase your independent brand's visibility and value.

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Panelists


Tony Abruscato, Chief Marketing Officer, Texas Restaurant Association
Doug Thompson, CEO, Tumble 22
Eric Seymour, VP Channel Programs, me&u
Sue Straughan, Business Development Manager, Ben E. Keith Foods
Ellis Winstanley, Owners, El Arroyo
7/10/2023

The World's Kitchen: Immigration's Key Role in Our Industry


Monday, July 10
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Taste of Texas Stage, 1:30pm - 2:15pm

More than 26% of our industry's workforce is staffed by immigrants to the United States. In a time when we are experiencing such a workforce shortage, the importance of immigrants to our industry has never been higher. In this great melting pot that is the USA, the stories of immigrants making their way to our country and building a life, a business, a restaurant, abound. Many other countries' first award-winning chefs, recognized by Michelin or James Beard, have done so while working in the US. Bottom line, immigrants are an essential ingredient to the success, growth, and innovation of the restaurant industry.

Join TRA Senior Executive Director, Southeast Texas Region, Melissa Stewart, TRA partner Andrew Moriarty (FWD.US) and Chef Ryan Lachaine (Co-Owner & Executive Chef, Riel Restaurant) as they discuss the important role immigrants play in the restaurant world, pending bipartisan immigration reform legislation, and what you need to know about hiring immigrants today.

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Panelists


Melissa Stewart, Senior Executive Director, Southeast Texas Region, Texas Restaurant Association
Chef Ryan Lachaine, Co-Owner & Executive Chef, Riel Restaurant
Andrew Moriarty, FWD.US
7/10/2023

TABC Update: Liquor Laws, Liability, and Collaborating with Industry


Monday, July 10
George R. Brown Convention Center
Coca-Cola Main Stage, 2:00pm - 2:45pm

If you serve alcohol in your establishment, then one critical partner in your business is the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC). The TRA works closely with TABC to ensure that restaurants are kept informed and supported as they navigate the complexities of Texas liquor law education and enforcement.

Thomas Graham (Executive Director, TABC) is joined by TABC Deputy Executive Director Yolanda Hall, and Jared Staples (Director of Public and Government Affairs, TABC) to present the latest from the agency, and more importantly, answer your questions and hear from you. Make sure you mark the time and don't miss this special town hall forum session.

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Panelists


Thomas Graham, Executive Director, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)
Yolanda Hall, Deputy Executive Director, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)
Jared Staples, Director of Public and Government Affairs, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC)
7/10/2023

Dueling Podcasts: At the Table with Hospitality Hangout Talking AI & Restaurants


Monday, July 10
George R. Brown Convention Center
Tech & Innovation Stage, 12:30pm - 1:15pm

Join the Hospitality Hangout At the Table! Hospitality Hangout podcast co-hosts 'The Finance Guy' Jimmy Frischling and 'The Hospitality Guy' Michael "Shatzy" Schatzberg (Co-Managing Partners & Co-Founders, Branded Hospitality Ventures) join TRA's At the Table podcast co-hosts Joe Monastero (Chief Operating Officer, TRA) and Ben Knorr (Director of Partnerships, TRA) at the Tech & Innovation Stage. 

This hospitality quartet, joined by restaurateur and author of ‘ForkFight!’ Mark Brezinski, will be discussing the impact of the podcast medium in our industry and other trending topics, including the increasing use of artificial intelligence in restaurants. You're never sure which direction a conversation can go during either of these engaging, entertaining, and informative podcasts can take, come and see what happens when you put them together!

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Panelists


Ben Knorr, Director of Partnerships, Texas Restaurant Association
Joe Monastero, Chief Operating Officer, Texas Restaurant Association
Jimmy Frischling, Co-Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Branded Hospitality Ventures
Michael "Shatzy" Schatzberg, Co-Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Branded Hospitality Ventures
Mark Brezinski, Restaurateur/Author, ForkFight!
7/10/2023

At the Table with Josh Halpern


Monday, July 10
George R. Brown Convention Center
Coca-Cola Main Stage, 10:45am - 11:45am

Josh Halpern, CEO of Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken, has a track record of building successful brands with successful teams. That's why Shaq, the Big Man himself, tapped Halpern to be Big Chicken's first top executive. He is a builder of teams, systems, and people. He has a track record with successful brands and creating diverse teams with a common thread of enjoying work and life.

In a 'live' At the Table, TRA President & CEO Emily Williams Knight sits down with Josh to discuss the fast growing success of Big Chicken, from expanding its footprint through franchising to embedding the brand within the food offerings of Carnival Cruise line ships. You'll hear more about their long-term strategy, what makes the brand unique, and Josh's views on the future of our industry.

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Panelists


Emily Williams Knight, President & CEO, Texas Restaurant Association
Josh Halpern, CEO, Big Chicken
7/10/2023

The Real Magic Behind an Effective Digital Marketing Strategy


Monday, July 10
George R. Brown Convention Center
Coca-Cola Main Stage, 12:00pm - 12:45pm

Winning your customer’s business on digital platforms has never been more important. Dive into the minds and habits of today’s digital guest, the key moments along the digital path to purchase, and how to optimize the user experience to drive traffic, trial and conversion with the digital lead at Coca-Cola, Josh Gurley, a leader who has helped restaurant brands build capabilities and activations to capture digital growth on emerging technology trends. Joseh will discuss digital optimizations that will help you capitalize on evolving guest needs, and how to choose the right partners across the digital foodservice ecosystem. 

You will learn how to understand the importance of winning the digital ordering occasion, explore the opportunities to consider and the partners to explore across the digital foodservice ecosystem, and pinpoint the key moments along the digital path to purchase and how to optimize the experience to drive traffic, trial and conversion.

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Panelists


Josh Gurley, Group Director, Digital Partnerships & Capabilities, Coca-Cola
7/10/2023

DEI, Legal, and Hiring, Oh My! Recruiting for the Future Restaurant Employee


Monday, July 10
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Taste of Texas Stage, 10:30am - 11:15am 

Recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and retaining employees has never been more challenging. With an ongoing turnover rate above 157% and more than 30,000 restaurant jobs in Texas unfilled, attracting talent has never required more attention to your restaurant's culture, style of management, available benefits, and approach to cherishing your human resources. There are tools available to help you with all of this, but it starts by looking within, deciding what kind of culture you want to have, how you're going to approach attracting and retaining top talent, and ensuring a healthy work environment for your team.

Join TRA Foundation Director, Heather Pickett, as she moderates a panel on what you need to successfully recruit tomorrow's restaurant employee, joined by James Pogue (Principal, James Pogue Enterprises), David Stiefel (Segment Vice President, Paradox), Alicia Voltmer (Partner, Greenberg Traurig LLP), and Doug Willmarth (President, Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes).

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Panelists


Heather Pickett, Foundation Director, Texas Restaurant Association
Alicia Voltmer, Partner, Greenberg, Traurig LLP
James Pogue, Principal, James Pogue Enterprises
David Stiefel, Segment Vice President, Paradox
Doug Willmarth, President, Mooyah Burgers, Fries, & Shakes
7/10/2023

One Hand Washes the Other: Improving Benefits to Retain Happy Employees


Monday, July 10
George R. Brown Convention Center
Tech & Innovation Stage,1:45pm - 2:30pm

Wrapping up the various workforce-related education sessions at this year's Texas Restaurant Show, 'One Hand Washes the Other' brings it all together in a session dedicated to the key to successfully retaining your valued workforce. Evolving your culture, your hiring methods, and inducements for retention alone is not enough. Ensuring the health and wellness of your employees is more critical than ever. The TRA has launched a special task force for this very purpose, ensuring you and your employees have access to the tools and resources that provide everyone with access to affordable healthcare, mental health and substance abuse care, childcare, and financial stability.

Join TRA's Chief Operating Officer Joe Monastero, moderating a panel of industry leaders on this topic including Jeff Chandler (President & CEO, Hopdoddy), Thomas Foley (Principal, T2D Concepts, LLC), James Russon (Account Executive, Workstream), and Justin Klein (Executive Vice President, Employee Benefits, Higginbotham Insurance). They will be covering everything from the most conventional, to the most innovative, ways in which to increase and improve the overall health and wellness of every worker in the restaurant industry.

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Panelists


Joe Monastero, COO, Texas Restaurant Association
Jeff Chandler, President & CEO, Hopdoddy
Thomas Foley, Principal, T2D Concepts, LLC
Tyler Mumford, Account Executive, Workstream
James Klein, Executive Vice President, Employee Benefits, Higginbotham Insurance
7/10/2023

You're Going to Need a Drink for This: Third Round


Monday, July 10
George R. Brown Convention Center, Halls A & B
Taste of Texas Stage, 11:45am - 12:45pm 

Back by popular demand, welcome to the third edition of "You're Going to Need a Drink for This". This popular regular session of the Texas Restaurant Show features the dynamic combination of law and liquor! As one infamous nanny once said "a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down," and mixed with some high proof alcohol, even easier.

Join TRA Past Board Chair John Gessner (Carrington Coleman LLP), Angelo Amador (Restaurant Law Center, NRA), Daniel Ramirez (Partner, Monty & Ramirez), and Alicia Voltmer (Partner, Greenberg Traurig LLP) as they address the key legal issues facing our industry, what you as an operator need to know, and how to prepare for it. And to more easily 'digest' this information, enjoy another round of cocktails or two during the session. Bottoms up!

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Panelists


John Gessner, Partner, Carrington Coleman Sloman & Blumenthal, LLP
Angelo Amador, Executive Director, Restaurant Law Center, National Restaurant Association
Daniel Ramirez, Partner, Monty & Ramirez
Alicia Voltmer, Partner, Greenberg, Traurig LLP