Restaurant Industry Conference

May 1, 2025 | The Biltmore Los Angeles

Celebrate 25 Years of the Restaurant Industry Conference!

phones taking photos of food above a table

The 25th Annual UCLA Extension Restaurant Industry Conference is a one-day conference which provides a unique, non-competitive forum for restaurant owners and executives. Programming includes the insights of industry experts, with opportunities to learn, network, and be inspired.

This conference is ideal for restaurant owners and operators, service industry professionals, lawyers and real estate developers.

What you can expect:

  • Attend high-quality keynote presentations and panel discussions to learn the latest trends and practices surrounding restaurant industry issues 
  • Speakers include top industry professionals
  • Convenient, day-long format which includes continental breakfast, luncheon, and evening reception
  • Networking opportunities with leading industry professionals

This conference is ideal for:

  • Restaurant industry operators, owners, investors, supply chain, and professional advisors
  • Labor expertsattorneys, staffing companies, and HR professionals
  • Restaurant automation and technology companies
  • Real estate developers and commercial leasing agents

The Restaurant Industry Conference is a “must attend” event, featuring world-class speakers and deep insight on the most significant industry trends and issues. Spanning a single day, it's perfect for busy executives to catch up with peers while learning the latest thinking on critical industry concerns.

Anna M. Graves
Conference Chair; Partner & Co-Leader of the Restaurant, Food & Beverage Group, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Anna Graves Restaurant Conference Chair

Conference Details

Date
Thursday, May 1, 2025

Time
8:30am-5:30pm PT
Evening reception to follow

Location
The Biltmore Los Angeles
506 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA, 90071

conference dining room

Join Us!

Registration Fee: $550

Register Now

Group Registration
Registering 5 or more participants? Please contact us for more information on group discounts at: restaurantconference@uclaextension.edu.

Hotel Room Reservations
If you plan on staying at The Biltmore Los Angeles, you may book your room at a special rate by visiting this site. The discount rate is valid for stays between April 28 to May 3. You may also call the hotel reservation desk directly at +1 (213) 624-1011 and mention the group code: UCLAREST2025 to reserve your room or adjust your reservation fee if you have already booked your room. 

Please note: No on-site registrations will be permitted. You must register and pay prior to attending the conference. The registration closes on April 28, 2025. No refunds after April 24, 2025. 

Conference agenda, topics and speakers are subject to change. 
7:30-8:30 A.M.

Registration Opens and Continental Breakfast

8:30-8:45 A.M.

Opening Remarks

Sheila King, Chief of Staff and Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives, UCLA Extension
Anna M. Graves, Partner and Co-Leader of the Restaurant, Food & Beverage Industry Group, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

8:45-9:35 A.M.

The Economic Outlook in A Very Uncertain World for the Restaurant Industry

Economic policy has changed radically since January 19th with a plethora of tariffs, the DOGEification of the government, and deportations of a portion of the workforce. This session will cover the implications and risks associated with new economic policy with an emphasis on the potential for a near term recession and for a near term spurt of economic growth.

Speaker: Professor Jerry Nickelsburg, Senior Economist of the UCLA Anderson Forecast and Professor at the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Business  

9:35-10:20 A.M.

The Age of Great Change

In this session, CEO of Dine Brands Global – parent company of Applebee's, IHOP, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop – will give us a look at the headlines and trendlines impacting businesses today, what it means to lead in this age of change, and why now, more than ever, brands need to innovate and reach their consumers in new ways.

Speaker: John Peyton, CEO, Dine Brands Global

Interviewer: Fred LeFranc

10:20-10:45 A.M.

Networking Break

10:45-11:30 A.M.

Fireside Chat with Private Equity and Investment Bankers on Navigating a Sale in an Uncertain Economy 

In this insightful session, our panel of private equity and investment banking professionals will guide you through aspects of the current restaurant M&A environment as well as preparing your restaurant business for a profitable sale or merger. You'll discover key economic insights and strategies, including the importance of early exit strategy planning. Learn how to maximize valuation by understanding the factors that influence its value, such as brand recognition and growth potential. By attending, you'll gain valuable knowledge to navigate the complexities of the current economy, ensuring you're well prepared to maximize your returns and achieve a successful exit.

Moderator: Mike Pihowich, Partner, Moss Adams

Panelists: Robert Woolway, Managing Director, Investment Banking, CriticalPoint; Ryan Greene, Partner, KarpReilly, LLC; Gilles Kersten, Vice President, Gala Capital Partners

11:30 A.M.-12:15 P.M.

Brands Bringing LSM Back Into the Marketing Mix

In today’s noisy and competitive consumer landscape, brands need to break out every tactic in the book to acquire consumer attention.  LSM is the oldest, most tried and true way to authentically connect with consumers in your restaurant’s trade area.  Learn how marketers and brands leverage LSM to drive trial and growth in today’s marketing landscape.

Moderator: Alex Nocifera, CEO, LOMA

Panelists: Joshua Becerra, CMO, Xperience; Alexis Eldridge, Former CEO, Pressed Juicery; Alan Nathan, CEO, Sweetfin, Taylor Voelker, Head of Marketing, Round Table Pizza

12:15-12:45 P.M.

Break & Luncheon

12:45-1:45 P.M.

Foodmanitarian™ Award

Recipient: Father Gregory Boyle, Founder, Homeboy Industries
Presented by: Eric A. Bullard, Dean of Continuing Education, UCLA Extension
Speaker: Alumni of Homeboy Industries

1:45-2:00 P.M.

Break

2:00-2:45 P.M.

Price Right

What was once a simple question to answer has become more important and complex in a rapidly changing economic & competitive environment. Restaurants are threading the needle between maintaining profitable price points and managing declining guest counts. Learn how brands are managing these challenges through data and technology that provide better measurement of consumer price/value perception.

Moderator: Michael Lukianoff, CEO, SignalFlare.ai

Panelists: Shannon Hennessy, CEO, Habit Burger; Bill Schaffler, CFO, HiBar Hospitality Group (Hopdoddy Burger Bar); Kirk Thompson, VP Marketing, MiguelsJr.com, a Southern California Fast Casual Mexican Food Chain

2:45-3:30 P.M.

Driving Growth with Artificial Intelligence

Learn how high growth restaurant groups are leveraging AI, automation, and robotics to  enhance guest experiences, improve order accuracy, and stay at the forefront of the industry.   Hear inside stories of how these innovative technologies can shape a brand and support remarkable expansion.

Moderator: Tammy Billings, SignalFlare AI, VP, Business Development

Panelists: Michael Chorey, Leading Wendy's Innovation & The FreshAI Platform, The Wendy's Company; Leon Davoyan, CTO, Dave's Hot Chicken; Jason Suarez, VP of Digital, Business Intelligence and CRM Engineering, Dine Brands

3:30-3:50 P.M.

Break

3:50-4:40 P.M.

Innovation Award Presentation

Recipient: Joth Ricci, Former CEO of Dutch Bros. Coffee, Adelsheim Vineyard, and Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Interviewer: Lauren Bailey, Co-Founder & CEO of Postino and Upward Projects

4:40-5:30 P.M.

Control What You Can Control: Founder and CEO Perspectives 

In this engaging discussion, three visionary CEOs and Founders of leading restaurant brands will share the strategies that have enabled them to navigate the opportunities and challenges of today’s fast-evolving restaurant industry. Whether it is branding and marketing, new unit expansion, pricing strategies, fostering an employee-centric culture, or raising capital, these executives will provide valuable insights drawn from their growth journeys. Expect actionable takeaways and fresh perspectives that you can apply directly to your own operations as you look to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Moderator: Jon Ang, Managing Director, Brentwood Associates

Panelists: Chris Simms, CEO Lazy Dog Cafe; Mike Simms, Owner, Simms Restaurant Group; Briana Valdez, Founder & CEO, HomeState

5:30-7:00 P.M.

Closing Remarks and Evening Reception

2025 Award Recipients

Father Greg Boyle

Foodmanitarian™ Award 

Father Greg Boyle

Fr. Greg Boyle a Jesuit priest, is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. Homeboy Industries employs and trains former gang members in a range of social enterprises, as well as provides critical services to thousands of individuals who walk through its doors every year. He is the author of the 2010 New York Times-bestseller Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion. He was the recipient of 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Joth Ricci CEO

Innovation Award Recipient

Joth Ricci, former CEO of Dutch Bros Coffee, Adelsheim Vinyard, and Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Joth Ricci is an innovative leader with a proven track record of driving growth and creating value across the Consumer Products and Food & Beverage sectors over his career. He most recently served as CEO of Dutch Bros (BROS) where he led the company through a 5 year Strategic Plan and Public Offering in 2021. He has also served as CEO of Adelsheim Vineyard, Stumptown Coffee, and Jones Soda Co. In addition to his 33 years of industry experience, Joth is the author of “The System”, a past Chairman of the Oregon Business Council, served on the State of Oregon’s Racial Justice Council, and co-founded TASTE for Equity. He currently holds the position of Executive Chair at Burgerville, is an executive in residency for the Oregon State University College of Business and serves on multiple boards including Upward Projects, The Oregon Fruit Company, Bamboo Sushi and advocates for Early Childhood Education through his role at the Children's Institute.

John Peyton

Morning Keynote

John Peyton, CEO, Dine Brands Global

John Peyton is Chief Executive Officer of Dine Brands. Dine passionately nurture and grow the world’s favorite restaurant brands – Applebee's, IHOP, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop. Prior to joining Dine Brands, John served as President and CEO of the Realogy Franchise Group. In addition, John held various operations and marketing roles during an 18 years career with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. He is a recognized global branding and operations leader who brings deep experience leading large, complex organizations while enabling innovation and agility. John holds an MBA in accounting and marketing from New York University's Stern School of Business and a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is active in the community with several organizations supporting the health and welfare of children, including as a member of the board of directors for Child Advocates of Southern Connecticut.

Thank You to our Sponsors

Gold

Moss Adams

SILVER

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Dine Brands

BRONZE

CohnReznick

Piper Sandler & Co. 

Marsh McLennan Agency

MEDIA SPONSOR

Nation's Restaurant News

_____

Become a Sponsor

To become a sponsor visit our sponsorship page or contact us at restaurantconference@uclaextension.edu

Restaurant Conference Advisory Board

UCLA Extension extends gratitude to the Restaurant Industry Conference Advisory Board.

Anna Graves, Conference Chair; Partner & Co-Leader of the Restaurant, Food & Beverage Industry Group, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Daryl Ansel, Director of Hospitality, Presidio of San Francisco

David Birzon, CEO, Snooze, an AM Eatery

Damon Chandik, Co-Head of Consumer Investment Banking, Piper Sandler & Co

David E. Goldstein, Chief Operating Officer, Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill

Andrew HunterCulinary Research and Development Chef

Justine HunterPartner, Restaurants National Practice Leader, Moss Adams

Michael Patrick, Client Executive & Private Equity Practice, Marsh McLennan

Lauralynn Rogers, Executive Director, Internal Audit, Dine Brands Global

OUT-SERVING THE COMPETITION

As stock markets, consumer sentiments and trade terms seem to rise and fall in increasingly short cycles, one thing stands out: opportunity. The restaurant industry is entering a transformative era. As our keynote and many of our other presenters will discuss, this is an age of great change. Economic uncertainty, rapid technological advances, and evolving guest preferences mean restaurant operators must develop new strategies and implement new practices to stay ahead. There is tremendous potential for growth and many sound reasons for an optimistic outlook. We have designed our program to help operators seize that potential, increase guest traffic, energize their employees, and accelerate growth momentum.

Welcome to the 25th Annual Restaurant Industry Conference Hosted by UCLA Extension. Today you will learn how leading restaurant companies are navigating the challenges of today’s environment by utilizing artificial intelligence, localized store marketing, and pricing strategies to connect with their guests and build loyalty, and how to maximize value, raise capital, and foster an employee-centric workplace. Laying the base for our day of learning, Professor Jerry Nickelsburg from the UCLA Anderson Forecast will provide an economic outlook for the restaurant industry, and our keynote, John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands, will explain why brands need to innovate and reach their consumers in new ways.  Fred LeFranc, founder of Results Thru Strategy, will further explore these ideas with John in a Q&A session.
Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries and powerful advocate for creating a place of belonging, second chances, and renewed hope, is our Foodmanitarian™ Award recipient. Fr. Greg will be honored for his lifelong commitment to creating a community of kinship, healing and transformation through Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program. Joth Ricci, formerly of Dutch Bros and befittingly known as the “Founder Whisperer,” will receive our Innovation Award. Joth will discuss with Lauren Bailey, CEO of Upwards Projects, how he has significantly scaled founder-led businesses without sacrificing their original culture. Jon Ang of Brentwood Associates will lead a panel focusing on “Controlling What You Can Control” with insights from the visionary Founders & CEOs of three exceptional brands: Chris Simms of Lazy Dog Restaurants, Mike Simms of Simms Restaurant Group, and Briana Valdez of HomeState.  

Michael Lukianoff will lead a thoughtful discussion with Shannon Hennessy, CEO of Habit Burger, Bill Schaffler, CEO of HiBar Hospitality, and Kirk Thompson of MiguelsJR.com of consumer price/value perception and how to use the right tools to measure it and “Price Right.” Michael Choreyk of Wendy’s, Leon Davoyan of Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Jason Suarez of Dine Brands will speak with Tammy Billings of SignalFlare.ai about how to drive growth using technology. We will also explore how localized store marketing can help to authentically connect with consumers in a discussion with Alan Nathan of Sweetfin, Taylor Voelker of Round Table Pizza, Alexis Eldridge formerly of Pressed Juicery, and Joshua Vecerra of Xperience, led by Alec Nocifera of LOMA, and be guided through the current restaurant M&A environment by a panel of PE and investment banking professionals, Ryan Greene, KarpReilly, Giles Kersten, Gala Capital Partners, and Robert Woolway, CriticalPoint, led by Mike Pihowich of Moss Adams.

I am honored to serve as Chair of the conference.  The conference’s continued success is the product of our speakers’ willingness to share their expertise, the time and efforts of the dedicated individuals on the Advisory Board, and the financial commitment of our generous sponsors. I thank each of them. I know you will return to your office tomorrow full of energy and with a host of thought-provoking ideas and inspired plans to “Out-serve the Competition.” That was our goal.  

Anna Graves, Conference Chair; Partner & Co-Leader of the Restaurant, Food & Beverage Industry Group, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
 

Restaurant Industry Webinar

Curious about the dynamic discussions and expert insights at our event? Check out the recording of our past webinar, Supply Chain Management: Support for Fiscal Sustainability, and get a taste of the thought-provoking topics and engaging panels we feature at our exclusive 1-day live event.

Watch Here

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