Restaurants Rise, a new digital community initiative for the restaurant and foodservice industry, will officially kick off its four-day live content series June 2. The event, hosted by Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality, will feature leading CEOs, executives and operators in 18 webinars covering a host of topics from reopening restaurants, menu development in an off-premise world and leadership strategies.
The foodservice industry has seen billions lost in sales and millions lost in jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the varying regulations surrounding business closures and shelter-in-place orders. But no industry has stepped up more to serve communities and each other as it prepares to reopen and rebuild.
Restaurants Rise keynote speakers include Charlie Morrison, CEO of Wingstop, Jack Li, founder of Datassential and Kelli Valade, CEO of Black Box Intelligence. On Friday, a keynote panel will include Rick Badgley, EVP & chief people officer at Brinker International, Danyelle Bruno, CEO of Tender Greens and Michael Lastoria, CEO and co-founder of &pizza.
Leaders from Restaurant Rise title sponsors DoorDash, The National Pork Board, and True Aussie Beef & Lamb will also share best practices around off-premise strategies, new research on consumer eating habits and menu versatility.
“There is no better time than now to come together to find solutions, lead with purpose and build relationships across foodservice,” said Sarah Lockyer, Group Publisher, Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. “We are all facing unprecedented disruptions to our businesses and our lives, and Restaurants Rise was developed to serve the great foodservice industry. Within just weeks this initiative has built a community of thousands of participants, more than 40 speakers and a curated collection of dozens of informational assets to aid operators.
“And we are committed to supporting the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund with a donation and fundraising efforts,” Lockyer added. “It’s amazing what the restaurant industry can accomplish together. Restaurants Rise will continue through the summer to provide information, live content series, one-to-one conversations, networking opportunities, and more, as we all look forward to a renewed tomorrow.”
