Phil Friedman

CEO, Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill Philip is chairman & CEO of Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill, n 65-location casual Mexican restaurant chain which he acquired through his holding company, Mississippi Restaurant Group LLC in June of 2011. Prior to...

Sharyn Knight, Viva Chicken

Director of Marketing, Viva Chicken Sharyn Knight is a seasoned marketing executive with over 18 years of experience leading growth strategies across consumer-facing brands, franchise systems, and multi-brand portfolios. Known for her hands-on leadership and...

Matthew Liedke

Senior Writer, Franchise Times Matthew has more than a decade of experience in journalism, and has extensively covered business, economic development and franchising in his career. At Franchise Times he helms the Legal Eagles coverage in the April issue, and writes...

Lawrence Brown, Rita’s Italian Ice

Chief Development Officer, Rita’s Italian Ice MBA graduate with extensive franchising, business development, financial analysis, real estate development and hands on operational experience Specialties: Franchising, Business Development, Finance, Real Estate...