Bob Andersen is highly regarded as a restaurant industry leader with a successful track record in growing emerging restaurant brands. He has developed a unique and diverse perspective in all aspects of the restaurant business. His experience spans C-level and senior executive positions; to launching a restaurant start-up; to owning, developing, and operating restaurants as a multi-brand franchisee; and serving as an area developer/representative. Brands he has worked with include: Jimboy's Tacos, Sunny Street Cafe, Cowboy Chicken, Twin Peaks, MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, and Boston Pizza. At The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Bob is helping the brand carve out a niche in the "fine fast casual" space. The concept currently has over 45 locations in 17 states with 280+ units in its development pipeline.

Kenny Hom is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in the casual dining and fast-casual restaurant sectors, specializing in team building and operational excellence. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Operations and Development at Bushfire Kitchen, where he also oversees Supply Chain and Research & Development. Under his leadership, the brand is poised for significant expansion, with plans to double in size over the next two years. Before joining Bushfire Kitchen, Kenny held senior leadership roles, including President and Chief Operating Officer at Slapfish Restaurant Group, and Vice President of Company and Franchise Operations at Farmer Boys Restaurant. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in driving growth, maximizing profitability and optimizing operations across diverse restaurant brands.

Eric Knott is a restaurant executive with a proven track record built upon operational excellence, driving revenues with favorable returns, and a passion for developing best in class teams. Currently leading the fast casual brand Tiki Taco as Chief Executive Officer. Previously, Knott led the Premium QSR brand People Dedicated to Quality (PDQ) as the Chief Operating Officer, Eric has committed over a decade to driving strategic growth across the business. Understanding the importance of a holistic vision, Eric is directly responsible for producing results through a vast array of incentives. Innovation across Operations, Technology, Real Estate, and Marketing campaigns are a few examples of how Eric has created superior value to both the organizations.

Yasaman Stewart, CFE, is an accomplished marketing and operations expert with over 20 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, including ten years in franchising. Known for her leadership in driving brand growth and profitability, she has successfully developed and executed innovative marketing strategies for major brands, from private labeling to large-scale partnerships and pop-up events. Yasaman’s expertise spans brand strategy, product development, and design, having led projects for Friendly’s Restaurants, Radiance Holdings, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, among others. She holds a BFA from the University of North Texas and certifications in franchise management and retail design.

Zack Oates is an author, husband, father, entrepreneur, and hot tub aficionado (but not in that order, necessarily). He grew up in restaurants before getting into startups. He was voted Top 100 Entrepreneurs, rang the NASDAQ bell, won the world’s biggest business competition, has been to 50 countries, and started 3 companies. He went on over 1,000 dates before he got married and wrote a book, “Dating Never Works…Until it Does.” He currently is Founder and CEO of Ovation, the no. 1 restaurant feedback platform in America, voted Top 50 Most Influential Supplier by Nation’s Restaurant News, and host of “Give an Ovation: A Podcast for Restaurants.”