BREAKOUT SESSION / WEDNESDAY / MARCH 29, 2017 / 11:00 AM
Driving Sales with Food Trucks
Global food truck sales hit $1.2 billion last year, which may seem small considering that the global restaurant industry is worth $800 billion. Food trucks and carts, however, are a solid way for established brands to drive sales but are strong enough, these days, to stand on their own without brick-and-mortar parents.
Our food truck experts will give an overview of the future of the industry and share best practice tips on how to get ahead of the food truck craze before it leaves you in the dust.
PANELISTS
Keith Hill | Co-Founder | I Love Bacon
Keith Hill’s first job 22 years ago, was in fast casual dining as a teenager. As he came of age, he soon moved into the challenging bar and nightclub business. He cut his teeth there, opening and helping build several very successful companies. I Love Bacon Food Truck burst onto the scene in the 1st quarter of 2014 and immediately gained notoriety with 4 “Best Food Truck In The City” awards from different organizations. ILB is currently moving into the brick & mortar business as well as adding more trucks to the fleet.
Kyle Hollenbeck | Owner | Aioli Gourmet Burgers & Catering
Kyle Hollenbeck is one of three partners with Aioli Gourmet Burgers, Aioli Gourmet Catering, Modern Tortilla and Left Coast Burrito Co. Kyle comes from a family that has been in the restaurant business since he was born. Kyle’s background is in sales and marketing for companies such as Yelp and LivingSocial which is what helped his companies grow from one truck to five and a restaurant. He is passionate about food trucks but more importantly the experience they provide. Kyle believes success comes from the surrounding yourself with the right people and, most importantly, with whom you form partnerships.
Jae Kim | Founder | Chi’Lantro
Jae Kim is the Founder of Chi’Lantro, an award-winning Korean BBQ-inspired restaurant, mobile food truck and full-service catering company. Born in Seoul, Korea, Jae moved to the United States when he was 12 years old and grew up in California. As an immigrant raised by a single mother, Jae overcame challenges throughout his life to achieve his dream of owning a successful business. Using everything he had, Jae maxed out his credit cards and used his entire savings to create the successful multi-location business that is now Chi’Lantro. Jae is a proud member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization and recently landed a deal on ABC’s “Shark Tank” with real estate mogul and business expert, Barbara Corcoran.
MODERATOR
Elliot Maras | Editor | FoodTruckOperator.com
Elliot Maras is a veteran food industry journalist, having written for food and refreshment industry publications. He is a former board member of the International Foodservice Editorial Council, a recipient of the Office Refreshment Development Foundation’s Award For Journalism, and a graduate of the National Automatic Merchandising Association’s Executive Development Program at Michigan State University.
