Speakers
Dylan Altman
Originally from the great state of New Jersey, Dylan has been writing songs and performing in Nashville for more than 20 years. He has had three #1 songs: Tim McGraw’s “Watch the Wind Blow By,” Jake Owen’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” and Jason Aldean’s “Take A Little Ride.” Other artists who have recorded Dylan’s songs include Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, Eli Young Band, Chase Bryant, Will Hoge and Trace Adkins. He is an avid supporter and volunteer for Musicians on Call, an organization that provides live music for patients in area hospitals, and he co-hosts an annual benefit for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) with good friend and frequent collaborator Nashville recording artist Eric Paslay. His proudest accomplishment is his beautiful daughter Isabella, who serves as his greatest inspiration.
Originally from the great state of New Jersey, Dylan has been writing songs and performing in Nashville for more than 20 years. He has had three #1 songs: Tim McGraw’s “Watch the Wind Blow By,” Jake Owen’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” and Jason Aldean’s “Take A Little Ride.” Other artists who have recorded Dylan’s songs include Trace Adkins, Joe Nichols, Eli Young Band, Chase Bryant, Will Hoge and Trace Adkins. He is an avid supporter and volunteer for Musicians on Call, an organization that provides live music for patients in area hospitals, and he co-hosts an annual benefit for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) with good friend and frequent collaborator Nashville recording artist Eric Paslay. His proudest accomplishment is his beautiful daughter Isabella, who serves as his greatest inspiration.
Carlo Cesario
Field Training Manager, Buffalo Wild Wings
I have worked for Buffalo Wild Wings for the past 14 years. Throughout that time, I worked various positions including General Manager, District Manager, and Field Training Manager. My experience includes company and franchise ops. Most recently, I have been involved with a core team working to incorporate technology into our service model that includes allowing our guests to order and pay on their device.
Field Training Manager, Buffalo Wild Wings
I have worked for Buffalo Wild Wings for the past 14 years. Throughout that time, I worked various positions including General Manager, District Manager, and Field Training Manager. My experience includes company and franchise ops. Most recently, I have been involved with a core team working to incorporate technology into our service model that includes allowing our guests to order and pay on their device.
Craig Culver
Co-Founder, Board Chairman, Brand Ambassador of Culver Franchising System, LLC
Craig Culver retired as CEO in 2015 but is still involved in the business as board chairman and continues to be the face and champion of the brand. With now over 800 Culver’s franchises across 25 states and over 30,000 team members, Craig has become a leader in the food industry.
Co-Founder, Board Chairman, Brand Ambassador of Culver Franchising System, LLC
Craig Culver retired as CEO in 2015 but is still involved in the business as board chairman and continues to be the face and champion of the brand. With now over 800 Culver’s franchises across 25 states and over 30,000 team members, Craig has become a leader in the food industry.
Kelly Dykhuizen
Senior Director | Customer Experience | Datassential
Kelly joined Datassential in 2017, where she specializes in analyzing food trends and providing actionable insights to clients. Her background includes over 10 years of experience in both custom and syndicated research, primarily for CPG, foodservice, and retail clients. Kelly has a BS in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Indiana University.
Senior Director | Customer Experience | Datassential
Kelly joined Datassential in 2017, where she specializes in analyzing food trends and providing actionable insights to clients. Her background includes over 10 years of experience in both custom and syndicated research, primarily for CPG, foodservice, and retail clients. Kelly has a BS in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from Indiana University.
J.J. Grube
Vice President of Operations and Finance, Cousins Submarines, Inc.
J.J. Grube began his career at Cousins Subs in January 2017 as the Director of Finance. However, he’s no novice to the restaurant industry. He came to the organization with more than 15 years of restaurant experience, serving in finance- and analytics-driven roles including with the largest restaurant franchisee in the state of Wisconsin. In January 2019, Grube was named Vice President of Finance and joined the Leadership Team at Cousins Subs and in July 2020 was named Vice President of Operations & Finance. In this role, he oversees the corporate operations and finance teams. Grube holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.
Vice President of Operations and Finance, Cousins Submarines, Inc.
J.J. Grube began his career at Cousins Subs in January 2017 as the Director of Finance. However, he’s no novice to the restaurant industry. He came to the organization with more than 15 years of restaurant experience, serving in finance- and analytics-driven roles including with the largest restaurant franchisee in the state of Wisconsin. In January 2019, Grube was named Vice President of Finance and joined the Leadership Team at Cousins Subs and in July 2020 was named Vice President of Operations & Finance. In this role, he oversees the corporate operations and finance teams. Grube holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point.
Liz Haferkorn
Senior Marketing Manager – Digital and Social Guest Communication and Engagement, Culver Franchising System, LLC
Liz Haferkorn joined Culver’s in 2015 and oversees digital and social guest communication and engagement, including the inception and growth of the ButterBurger brand’s TikTok channel. Her passion for social started during her time at an agency in her role prior to Culver’s, working on client social strategies for Procter and Gamble brands.
Senior Marketing Manager – Digital and Social Guest Communication and Engagement, Culver Franchising System, LLC
Liz Haferkorn joined Culver’s in 2015 and oversees digital and social guest communication and engagement, including the inception and growth of the ButterBurger brand’s TikTok channel. Her passion for social started during her time at an agency in her role prior to Culver’s, working on client social strategies for Procter and Gamble brands.
Damian Hanft
Vice President, Brand & Culture Ambassador, Inspire Brands
As a teacher and a learner in it for the purpose, Damian believes that successful teams are developed through authenticity, radical candor and a lot of laughter. Damian currently serves on the board of CHART (the hospitality association for trainers) and as an advisory board member for the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance (MFHA). He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.
Vice President, Brand & Culture Ambassador, Inspire Brands
As a teacher and a learner in it for the purpose, Damian believes that successful teams are developed through authenticity, radical candor and a lot of laughter. Damian currently serves on the board of CHART (the hospitality association for trainers) and as an advisory board member for the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance (MFHA). He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.
John Isbell SHRM-SCP,CHT
V.P. of Learning & Development, Portillo's Hot Dogs Inc.
John develops leaders. He is known for his keynote presentations or interactive workshops that create intentional leaders who hire, train, develop and retain talented individuals. John provides leadership development instruction by using case studies for real life situational storytelling and audience engagement. He also develops custom training programs to help teams understand their business and processes to drive excellence in employee performance. John has been part of the Portillo’s leadership team since 2018.
V.P. of Learning & Development, Portillo's Hot Dogs Inc.
John develops leaders. He is known for his keynote presentations or interactive workshops that create intentional leaders who hire, train, develop and retain talented individuals. John provides leadership development instruction by using case studies for real life situational storytelling and audience engagement. He also develops custom training programs to help teams understand their business and processes to drive excellence in employee performance. John has been part of the Portillo’s leadership team since 2018.
Nancy Kruse
President, The Kruse Company and Contributor, Restaurant Business
The best-known menu analyst in the foodservice industry, Nancy Kruse is a recognized authority and widely quoted spokesperson on food and menu trends.
In 1997, she founded The Kruse Company, which is based in Atlanta and dedicated to assessing trends and directions in food, menu and restaurant concepts. She authors State of the Plate, a column devoted to what’s happening on the menu that appears monthly in Restaurant Business, and she also co-authors Sweet & Sour, a monthly exchange of ideas on strategic issues impacting the foodservice industry.
In demand as a speaker, she has addressed national and state restaurant associations, as well as major restaurant and supermarket organizations, food manufacturers and distributors, and promotion boards across the US and around the world.
Prior to founding her own company, Nancy served as Executive Vice President for Technomic, Inc., where she conducted a wide range of consulting assignments for Fortune 500 food and restaurant companies. She has served on several boards, and she is an active member of the Women’s Foodservice Forum and Las Dames d’Escoffier International.
Nancy earned a Master of Arts degree from the Film School of Northwestern University and was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow in Russian Literature at the University of Wisconsin. She has also completed coursework at The Culinary Institute of America, where she has served as guest lecturer. In addition, Nancy has been named one of Linked In’s Top 100 INfluencers in the US, and she contributes regularly to the business-networking website.
President, The Kruse Company and Contributor, Restaurant Business
The best-known menu analyst in the foodservice industry, Nancy Kruse is a recognized authority and widely quoted spokesperson on food and menu trends.
In 1997, she founded The Kruse Company, which is based in Atlanta and dedicated to assessing trends and directions in food, menu and restaurant concepts. She authors State of the Plate, a column devoted to what’s happening on the menu that appears monthly in Restaurant Business, and she also co-authors Sweet & Sour, a monthly exchange of ideas on strategic issues impacting the foodservice industry.
In demand as a speaker, she has addressed national and state restaurant associations, as well as major restaurant and supermarket organizations, food manufacturers and distributors, and promotion boards across the US and around the world.
Prior to founding her own company, Nancy served as Executive Vice President for Technomic, Inc., where she conducted a wide range of consulting assignments for Fortune 500 food and restaurant companies. She has served on several boards, and she is an active member of the Women’s Foodservice Forum and Las Dames d’Escoffier International.
Nancy earned a Master of Arts degree from the Film School of Northwestern University and was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow in Russian Literature at the University of Wisconsin. She has also completed coursework at The Culinary Institute of America, where she has served as guest lecturer. In addition, Nancy has been named one of Linked In’s Top 100 INfluencers in the US, and she contributes regularly to the business-networking website.
Leslie Niemeyer
Business Resource Consultant, Sysco
Over the last twenty years, Leslie Niemeyer's passion for the restaurant industry has continued to grow as she adapts to an ever-changing industry. The opportunity to share her knowledge as a Business Resource Consultant with Sysco has allowed her to partner with customers to bring growth and success.
The BRC team is made up of ten subject matter experts that use industry research, tools, and trends to conduct personalized, one-on-one virtual visits with their customers to meet goals or overcome challenges. Consultation topics vary from social media and marketing to operations, but ultimately revolve around profitability and how to help restaurants successfully grow their bottom line.
Her prior experience as a Sales Consultant with Sysco St Louis allowed her to be in the field with the customer where she quickly learned there is more to the industry than food. This drive for success and dedication to her customers earned her several awards, including repeat Chairman’s Club and Torchbearer recognition, both elite groups in the Sysco Family.
Business Resource Consultant, Sysco
Over the last twenty years, Leslie Niemeyer's passion for the restaurant industry has continued to grow as she adapts to an ever-changing industry. The opportunity to share her knowledge as a Business Resource Consultant with Sysco has allowed her to partner with customers to bring growth and success.
The BRC team is made up of ten subject matter experts that use industry research, tools, and trends to conduct personalized, one-on-one virtual visits with their customers to meet goals or overcome challenges. Consultation topics vary from social media and marketing to operations, but ultimately revolve around profitability and how to help restaurants successfully grow their bottom line.
Her prior experience as a Sales Consultant with Sysco St Louis allowed her to be in the field with the customer where she quickly learned there is more to the industry than food. This drive for success and dedication to her customers earned her several awards, including repeat Chairman’s Club and Torchbearer recognition, both elite groups in the Sysco Family.
Susan Quam, CAE, IOM
Executive Vice President, Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Executive Vice President, Wisconsin Restaurant Association
Lori Rakoczy
Associate Principal at Technomic
She concentrates on custom consumer operator research, including both qualitative and quantitative methods for domestic and global clients. Her previous experience includes serving as senior economic advisor for the U.S. Agency for International Development, and senior project manager for Morningstar, Inc. Lori holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University.
Associate Principal at Technomic
She concentrates on custom consumer operator research, including both qualitative and quantitative methods for domestic and global clients. Her previous experience includes serving as senior economic advisor for the U.S. Agency for International Development, and senior project manager for Morningstar, Inc. Lori holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago and a master’s degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University.
Peter Romeo
Restaurant Business Editor-at-large
Peter Romeo is Editor At Large and Vice President of Content Innovation for the foodservice group of Winsight Media, which includes RestaurantBusinessOnline.com and FoodServiceDirector.com.
He also helps to plan content for Winsight’s foodservice-related conferences and expositions, including the National Restaurant Association’s annual convention, the Restaurant Leadership Conference, MenuDirections and FSTEC.
As VP of content innovation, Romeo is also involved in brainstorming new ways of delivering content and generating revenue for the foodservice group.
The multi-media positions cap a 40-year career as a business journalist, including 30 years as a chain-restaurant specialist for such information channels as Nation’s Restaurant News, QSR magazine, and the website of the National Restaurant Association. Romeo’s columns for Restaurant Business earned him two Jesse H. Neal Awards, business publishing’s equivalent of the Pulitzers.
He has been a frequent speaker at industry events, and delivered the commencement address to the graduating class of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, in 2007.
Romeo graduated from New York University in 1979 with honors in history and journalism, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He resides in the upstate New York town of Olivebridge with his wife, Holly Klokis; three rescued greyhounds; and four slightly nervous cats.
Restaurant Business Editor-at-large
Peter Romeo is Editor At Large and Vice President of Content Innovation for the foodservice group of Winsight Media, which includes RestaurantBusinessOnline.com and FoodServiceDirector.com.
He also helps to plan content for Winsight’s foodservice-related conferences and expositions, including the National Restaurant Association’s annual convention, the Restaurant Leadership Conference, MenuDirections and FSTEC.
As VP of content innovation, Romeo is also involved in brainstorming new ways of delivering content and generating revenue for the foodservice group.
The multi-media positions cap a 40-year career as a business journalist, including 30 years as a chain-restaurant specialist for such information channels as Nation’s Restaurant News, QSR magazine, and the website of the National Restaurant Association. Romeo’s columns for Restaurant Business earned him two Jesse H. Neal Awards, business publishing’s equivalent of the Pulitzers.
He has been a frequent speaker at industry events, and delivered the commencement address to the graduating class of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, in 2007.
Romeo graduated from New York University in 1979 with honors in history and journalism, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He resides in the upstate New York town of Olivebridge with his wife, Holly Klokis; three rescued greyhounds; and four slightly nervous cats.
Omar Shaikh
Co-Owner of Carnevor and 3rd Street Market
Milwaukee business owner and community leader Omar Shaikh is well-known for his award-winning restaurant Carnevor, one of the top-rated steakhouses in Wisconsin known for its amazing customer service and mouth-watering cuisine. He is also a partner in Wisconsin Ticket Concierge, O & B Consulting, and 3rd Street Market Hall at The Avenue and Tuk Tuk Chicago, a short-distance electric cab service.
Omar has a passion for moving the city of Milwaukee forward through his active involvement in the community. He currently services as board chairman of VISIT Milwaukee and is a member of the Wisconsin Center District board of directors. Omar was one of the leading advocates to get approval for the long-awaited expansion of the convention center, which will greatly benefit hotels, restaurants and retailers throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
He strongly believes in giving back to the community and is chairman of the Milwaukee Kitchen Cabinet, which has put together the ‘Three Days of Christmas’ initiative for the past several years to provide holiday meals and gifts for non-profit groups. Omar and his wife, Connie, have been leaders in raising money for the area’s nonprofits and community groups, serving as co-chairs for several record-breaking fundraisers, including the Harry & Rose Sampson Jewish Community Center’s KidShare and Sharp Literacy’s ‘A Novel Event.’
Co-Owner of Carnevor and 3rd Street Market
Milwaukee business owner and community leader Omar Shaikh is well-known for his award-winning restaurant Carnevor, one of the top-rated steakhouses in Wisconsin known for its amazing customer service and mouth-watering cuisine. He is also a partner in Wisconsin Ticket Concierge, O & B Consulting, and 3rd Street Market Hall at The Avenue and Tuk Tuk Chicago, a short-distance electric cab service.
Omar has a passion for moving the city of Milwaukee forward through his active involvement in the community. He currently services as board chairman of VISIT Milwaukee and is a member of the Wisconsin Center District board of directors. Omar was one of the leading advocates to get approval for the long-awaited expansion of the convention center, which will greatly benefit hotels, restaurants and retailers throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
He strongly believes in giving back to the community and is chairman of the Milwaukee Kitchen Cabinet, which has put together the ‘Three Days of Christmas’ initiative for the past several years to provide holiday meals and gifts for non-profit groups. Omar and his wife, Connie, have been leaders in raising money for the area’s nonprofits and community groups, serving as co-chairs for several record-breaking fundraisers, including the Harry & Rose Sampson Jewish Community Center’s KidShare and Sharp Literacy’s ‘A Novel Event.’
Spencer X Smith
Founder, AmpliPhi
Spencer X Smith is the founder of social media marketing company AmpliPhi, and an instructor at the University of Wisconsin and Rutgers University. He's formerly a VP of Sales for two Fortune 100 companies.
Spencer is deemed a "Social Media Expert" by Forbes, and AmpliPhi is the winner of five consecutive (2016-2020) InBusiness Magazine Executive Choice Awards for Social Media Consulting Company. Spencer has spoken at over 250 events since 2015, including a presentation at the New York Stock Exchange in 2017.
His book "ROTOMA: The ROI of Social Media Top of Mind" was featured in Forbes, and is an Amazon Bestseller.
Founder, AmpliPhi
Spencer X Smith is the founder of social media marketing company AmpliPhi, and an instructor at the University of Wisconsin and Rutgers University. He's formerly a VP of Sales for two Fortune 100 companies.
Spencer is deemed a "Social Media Expert" by Forbes, and AmpliPhi is the winner of five consecutive (2016-2020) InBusiness Magazine Executive Choice Awards for Social Media Consulting Company. Spencer has spoken at over 250 events since 2015, including a presentation at the New York Stock Exchange in 2017.
His book "ROTOMA: The ROI of Social Media Top of Mind" was featured in Forbes, and is an Amazon Bestseller.
Keith Strew
VP of Learning & OD, Puttshack
Industry veteran with over 20 years in the L&D space currently heading up L&D for Puttshack, a tech infused Mini-golf concept. Previous concepts include Uncle Julio’s Restaurant Group, and Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group heading up talent management and training.
VP of Learning & OD, Puttshack
Industry veteran with over 20 years in the L&D space currently heading up L&D for Puttshack, a tech infused Mini-golf concept. Previous concepts include Uncle Julio’s Restaurant Group, and Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group heading up talent management and training.
Jack Woznick
Director of Training & Development, Toro, Toro, Toro
I started my hospitality career the Wisconsin way, breading cheese curds, onion rings, and perch at a local establishment in Manitowoc, WI. Restaurants intrigued me so much that I pursued a career in the industry continuing with a trip to Culinary School and double-majoring in Hotel & Restaurant Management. The education continued with attending UW-Stout for my bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management. Darden Restaurants provided incredible experiences for me to open a handful of new restaurants as a Team Member and also as a Manager. My passion for developing, training, and collaborating grew the longer I was in a restaurant and inspired me to return to UW-Stout for a Master's degree in Training and Human Resource Development. An opportunity arrived for me to leave operations and join a Milwaukee-based restaurant group as their Director of Training & Development and I've never looked back. I now oversee the implementation, training, and evaluation of New Hire Training, Management Training, Manager Development, company development, technology integrations, softwares, and partners.
Director of Training & Development, Toro, Toro, Toro
I started my hospitality career the Wisconsin way, breading cheese curds, onion rings, and perch at a local establishment in Manitowoc, WI. Restaurants intrigued me so much that I pursued a career in the industry continuing with a trip to Culinary School and double-majoring in Hotel & Restaurant Management. The education continued with attending UW-Stout for my bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management. Darden Restaurants provided incredible experiences for me to open a handful of new restaurants as a Team Member and also as a Manager. My passion for developing, training, and collaborating grew the longer I was in a restaurant and inspired me to return to UW-Stout for a Master's degree in Training and Human Resource Development. An opportunity arrived for me to leave operations and join a Milwaukee-based restaurant group as their Director of Training & Development and I've never looked back. I now oversee the implementation, training, and evaluation of New Hire Training, Management Training, Manager Development, company development, technology integrations, softwares, and partners.
