March 11-13, 2025 | Myrtle Beach, SC — Registration is open until March 7. Register Now

Reimagining the Supply Chain


Supply chain delays can obviously be detrimental to a restaurant’s menu offerings, but restaurants are also facing issues when it comes to non-food related items like replacement parts and new equipment. Also, the higher demand for carry out and delivery has led to shortages on packaging as well. This session will focus on how everyone in the industry from shippers and growers to operators and manufacturers can work together to resolve these disruptions, which lead to higher costs and longer wait times.
Panelists
Patrick Conlin
President
Wayback Burgers
Patrick Conlin joined Wayback Burgers in 2017 as a senior vice president and was named president in 2019. Conlin has over 37 years of franchising experience. Since graduating from Rutgers University – Newark in 1985, Conlin has worked as a franchisee, franchise consultant, area developer and franchisor. Conlin believes building a strong relationship with franchisees and providing them with a reliable support system is key to Wayback Burgers’ rapid growth. He relishes any opportunity to work with local franchisees and help them reach their full potential. In his free time, Conlin enjoys spending time with family, friends and watching the New York Giants.
Anissa Mandell-Chance
SVP, Supply Chain
Focus Brands
Anissa Mandell-Chance joined Focus Brands in 2011 and brings over 30 years in the hospitality industry and experience across various supply chain and operations roles. As Senior Vice President of Supply Chain for Focus Brands, she is responsible for the strategic planning framework for supply chain, distribution, logistics, and quality assurance functions and oversees planning and directing all aspects of policies, objectives, and initiatives for the supply chain function for the Company's family of brands. During her tenure with Focus, Anissa has successfully navigated the complexity of working with cross-functional brand teams to drive results and ensure adaptable and scalable solutions for all seven brands. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the National Restaurant Association Supply Chain Expert Exchange Board and is an active member of the Women's Foodservice Forum.
Julianna Voyles
Director of Operations
Jeremiah's Italian Ice
Julianna Voyles, Director of Operations, oversees Franchise and Company owned Operations for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, with responsibility for the company’s 100+ locations in 11 different states. She also oversees the company’s ongoing expansion, as it is projected to reach 140+ units in 2023. In her previous role with Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, she served as Director of Training and Operational Growth. Julianna was responsible for leading the development and administration of the Jeremiah’s training program (“Cool School”) and the New Store Opening Process. Amidst her tenure, Ms. Voyles has been recognized by QSR Magazine in the 2021 issue of Young Leaders to Watch. Julianna takes pride in being active in the community, volunteering as a coach for Pop Warner sports. In 2017, Ms. Voyles received a Bachelor of Arts in History degree from the University of Central Florida and Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance, Rollins College 2021.
Moderator
Cristal Ghitman
Director of Strategic Partnerships
SynergySuite
Cristal Ghitman joined SynergySuite in 2022, bringing more than 20 years of experience in hospitality. As Director of Strategic Partnerships for SynergySuite, Cristal uses her expertise in restaurant technology, particularly point of sale, to build strategic partnerships across technologies in ways that serve SynergySuite customers. Her focus is on providing solutions and strategies that drive profit to the bottom line, enhance guest experience, and give value to the vendor/client relationship. She is also a cofounder of WORTH (Women Of Restaurants, Technology, and Hospitality).
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