BREAKOUTS (choose 1 of 3)

• Building Loyalty That Drives Frequency and Stands Out • 1:00pm–1:50pm
The Restaurant Loyalty Frontier is independent research by Restaurant Loyalty Specialists (RLS) capturing an objective, unbiased view of how restaurant brands are evolving their loyalty and CRM strategies. This session will highlight key findings from the research, followed by a moderated discussion with a panel of experts to provide actionable benchmarks for the next phase of guest engagement.
Moderator: Olga Lopategui, Restaurant Loyalty Specialists; Panelists: Leslie Wilson-Lopez, The Melt; Alex Stucky, Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers; Adam Porter, Cheba Hut

• Automating Away Friction in Restaurant Operations • 1:00pm–1:50pm
Explore how restaurants are using technology to automate tasks and streamline operations, both in-house and in delivery. Panelists will highlight tools and strategies that reduce friction, improve efficiency, and optimize workflows from the kitchen to the customers door.
Moderator: Atul Sood, Sood Advisory; Panelists: Harrison Shih, DoorDash Labs; Jessica Morton, Atoms Food; Tony Capuano, Donatos Pizza

• First Party Catering, Building Direct Relationships Alongside Marketplaces • 1:00pm–1:50pm
Panelists will discuss why direct ordering is critical for long-term catering growth and how operators are integrating first-party catering into their broader sales and operations strategy.
Moderator: Gracie Prasanson, Jason's Deli; Panelists: Nicolas Wilson, MONKEY Catering Software; Chris Heffernan, dlivrd Technologies; Cassie Duval, Mo'Bettahs

• Tech Stack Reality Check • 1:55pm–2:45pm
Operators––whether emerging brands or legacy players––are constantly reevaluating their technology stacks. Dive into the challenges operators face when working across multiple tech partners, highlighting common friction points and key questions teams should be asking when evaluating or switching vendors. Panelists will share practical insights and lessons learned to help operators avoid pitfalls and build a more cohesive, effective tech stack.
Moderator: Fred LeFranc, Results Thru Strategy; Panelists: Chrissy Ouellette, Touchpoint Restaurant Solutions; Francesca Aquino, Science on Call; Patrick Bobrukiewicz, Thrive Restaurant Group; Brian Pearson, Mendocino Farms

• The Modern Drive-Thru, Automated, Predictive, Personal • 1:55pm–2:45pm
A look at today’s modern drive-thru, focusing on automation and predictive personalization. Panelists will discuss how restaurants are using technology to anticipate guest needs, personalize ordering in real time, and improve speed, accuracy and throughput.
Moderator: Lauren Selman, IFBTA; Panelists: Samuel Stanovich, Craveworthy Brands | Big Chicken; Patrick Shaheen, Ballard Brands

• The Delivery Blind Spot: Where Profits Are Won and Lost • 1:55pm–2:45pm
This session taps into the financial side of third-party delivery—how marketplace algorithms impact pricing, promotions, availability, and how top brands are using data and AI to protect margins and turn delivery into a profit driver.
Moderator: Ryan Palmer, Lathrop GPM; Panelists: Anand Karthik Tumuluru, Loop AI; Stephanie Callihan, Cotton Patch Cafe; Lawrence Brown, Rita's Italian Ice

• How To Make GM's Lives Easier with AI • 3:10pm–4:00pm
This deep dive covers how AI can manage behind-the-scenes work—from demand forecasting and analytics to labor scheduling and real-time operational insights, helping teams make smarter decisions. We’ll also look at practical ways to automate routine tasks and reduce time-consuming manual work. 
Moderator: Carl Orsbourn, Invisible Technologies; Panelists: Chris Harrison, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Kevin Bentley, Jollibee Group

• How Menu Intelligence and Personalization Drive Guest Value • 3:10pm–4:00pm
Hear how brands are using guest data and menu intelligence to personalize the ordering experience––from guiding first-time guests to recognizing regulars and increasing average order value. Operators and technology providers will break down what personalization looks like in practice and what’s delivering real results.
Moderator: Hans Lammeman, Food On Demand; Panelists: Lucy Logan, EveryBite; Devon Roscoe, Olo; Dave Kelly, Noodles & Co.

• Digital Hospitality, Extending the Guest Experience Beyond the Restaurant's Walls • 3:10pm–4:00pm
As guest expectations evolve, hospitality must travel further than the dining room. This panel will examine how restaurants can extend their brand experience across the entire guest journey by thoughtfully blending technology, operations, and human touches. We’ll discuss strategies for maintaining authenticity, personalization, and consistency across the off-premises landscape. 
Moderator: Bernadette Heier, Food On Demand; Panelists: Jackie Sturniolo, Xperience Restaurant Group; Adam Krueger, Grubhub; Ryan Jones, TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants