Rafik Farouk is the senior director of Global Business Development for P.F. Chang’s. In his role with the international Asian culinary brand, he helps guide international growth strategy and oversees expansion of a company that has more than 300 restaurants in 23 countries and U.S. airport locations. Prior to P.F. Chang’s Rafik served as the Senior Director of Development and Operations at Bloomin’ Brands Inc., where he managed the international franchisees’ development and supported of the global operations as part of the Global Development Team. During his tenure with Bloomin’ Brands, he worked to launch the Aussie Grill by Outback, the first fast-casual concept in company history.

Brian Farris is the Chief Development Officer of WOWorks. He oversees franchise development, including franchise sales, real estate, design, and construction for all four of WOWorks' restaurants brands: Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek. Previously he was the President of Intelligent Office where he led the company onto Franchise Business Review’s 2021 “Culture100” list, which recognizes the top 100 franchise brands. Brian has also led teams in Finance, Marketing, Operations and Development for brands including FOCUS Brands, Schlotzsky’s and Boston Market.

Drew Kellogg began his restaurant career with Chipotle Mexican Grill. He gained unparalleled experience as one of a few Executive Team Directors responsible for the growth, training and development of nearly 300 restaurants and over 7,000 employees. Today, Drew is the President and CEO of Oath Pizza, where he has led the business transformation to support nationwide corporate, franchise, and CPG growth. Drew attended the United States Naval Academy and served overseas before earning his MBA from Johns Hopkins University. In addition to serving his company, teams, and community, Drew can be found spending time with his family and training for his next triathlon.

Clifton Rutledge is a proven industry leader and executive with over 35 years of experience in numerous restaurant companies throughout the U.S. Clifton is a visionary leader with extensive experience in communications, product development, strategic oversight and planning, financial analysis, contract negotiations, franchising, key partnership development, operations management, mergers and acquisitions, and human resources. Prior to joining Shipley, he was COO at Jack’s Restaurants, president and CEO at Bojangles’s Chicken and Biscuits and COO and senior vice president at Whataburger Restaurants LLC. Previously he operated in several positions at KFC.

Brett Berger is the vice president of sales at SynergySuite, where he leads customer acquisition and partnerships. Brett has more than 15 years of experience in sales, sales development, banking, and technology, and brings a collaborative perspective to his work. Brett is passionate about driving revenue and profitability for restaurants, and focuses on restaurant needs to understand ways that technology can best help clients meet their goals.