BREAKOUT SESSION / WEDNESDAY / MARCH 29, 2017 / 1:15 PM
Navigating the Supply Chain
Whether you’re taking your brand global or to a different neighborhood, controlling the supply chain is imperative to a successful business. This panel will teach you how to navigate the supply chain and learn ways to set up relationships that benefit both franchisor and franchisee.
PANELISTS
Michael Berger | Founding Partner | Elevation Burger and Pupatella
Michael Berger is a Founding Partner and VP of Supply Chain with Elevation Franchise Ventures, franchisor of Elevation Burger. As one of the founding partners of the Elevation Burger franchise company, Michael has lead the company’s growth from a single restaurant to a chain of over 60 restaurants in seven countries. Under Michael’s supply chain leadership, Elevation Burger’s purchases of certified organic, grass-fed beef have grown into one of the largest certified organic beef purchasing programs in the United States and the largest such program of any restaurant group in the US.
Rafik Farouk | VP, Franchise Development and Operations | Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc.
Rafik Farouk has served as CRO’s Vice President of Franchise Development and Operations since February 2005. He has worked with restaurant brands that include Chili’s Grill & Bar, El Chico, Cantina Laredo, III Forks Prime Steakhouse, Silver Fox Steakhouse, Cool River, Champs Americana, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Seattle’s Best Coffee, specifically in the Middle East. Rafik specializes in global restaurant operations, sourcing for international and domestic clients, and positioning brands for international and domestic growth. He has successfully leveraged his knowledge of two cultures to unite business leaders to develop and grow a variety of businesses.
Sean Kennedy | President and CEO | Cowboy Chicken
Sean Kennedy currently serves as President and CEO of Cowboy Chicken. In his previous roles as President and Chief Operating Officer, Sean worked to refine the menu, build operational systems, grow system wide sales and strengthen store financial performance. In 2009 he strategically launched Cowboy Chicken’s franchise program that helped pave the way for today’s national expansion. Along the way, Sean has built a strong corporate team to support franchise development, real estate, construction, training, marketing, and franchise support efforts. Sean graduated from Texas Tech University in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management.
MODERATOR
Trevor Hansen | Vice President | Visualogistix
As Vice President of Visualogistix, Trevor Hansen, focuses on understanding the retail/restaurant industries and their current realities. He examines the latest trends to understand how they relate to the evolution of technology and how this impacts business practices. Trevor ensures Visualogistix is helping clients by providing tools to strengthen their brands, maintain brand consistency, attract new customers and increase cost efficiencies. With more than two decades of experience in the technology and printing industries, Trevor has been part of the evolution to expand marketing solutions through the use of technology. He has worked extensively with franchise networks, retailers, restaurants and many other industries helping them achieve their brand objectives.
session sponsor
