This year’s Canadian Restaurant Leadership Summit is expected to bring together more than 300 of Canada’s restaurant-industry leaders to explore new ways to ignite growth through evolution, transformation and innovation.
Since its inception in 2016, The NPD Group’s annual Foodservice Summit has become one of the industry’s most-anticipated events. Over the years, the event has evolved and in 2018, NPD partnered with CWB Franchise Finance — reimagining the event as The Canadian Restaurant Leadership Summit.
Hosted by The NPD Group and CWB Franchise Finance and sponsored by Foodservice and Hospitality magazine, this event features a lineup of thought leaders who will share the latest perspectives on the industry’s most talked-about topics. Speakers include top CEOs, culinary leaders, industry innovators and NPD and CWB Franchise Finance experts. Discussions will range from technology and menu innovation to cannabis legalization and sustainability.
Robert Carter of The NPD Group and Jacob Mancini of CWB Franchise Finance will once again host the annual Foodservice State of The Nation, which delves into macro trends influencing the restaurant industry and explores the latest economic and demographic insights, consumer needs and trend forecasts.
The Canadian Restaurant Leaders’ panel promises to be a candid and compelling conversation with the industry’s innovators. This powerful session will cover Canada’s most-relevant foodservice topics, including innovation, evolution, sustainability and technology. This year’s executive panel includes Darven Erickson, CEO and president, Cypress Five Star, Inc.; Janet Zuccarini, CEO, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group; Tom Gaglardi, president, Northland Properties; and Nivera Wallani, president and general manager, KFC Canada, Yum! Brands.
Manjit Minhas, co-founder and CEO at Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries will be sharing her memorable experiences as an entrepreneur and leader during her keynote session Rising to the Top: How to Inspire, Learn and Lead.
Foodservice and Hospitality editor/publisher Rosanna Caira will host a panel of specialists who will share their insights on successfully driving on-premise traffic and spend. Driving Traffic Through Innovation and Experience examines how to innovate the on-premise experience by focusing on four key components: food, service, design and entertainment. Panellists include Christina Kuypers, vice-president, Operations & Guest Experience, Cineplex; Thomas Heitz, chef, Kraft Heinz; Matt Banton, global head of Product Excellence & Packaging, Tim Hortons; and Mohamad Fakih, president & CEO, Paramount Fine Foods.
Written by Vince Sgabellone
