Executive Perspectives: Inspiration for Today’s Restaurant Leaders

Craig Miller, co-author of Bricks and Clicks: How We Drove Sonic Into the Digital Age, has more than four decades of experience as a technology executive and business strategist. Miller specializes in the development and execution of bold business strategies that harness the power of digital, data, and artificial intelligence to drive top-line growth and bottom-line efficiencies. He has worked with dozens of top-tier brands, including Sonic, PepsiCo, Bank of America, and Planet Fitness. His work with Sonic played a pivotal role in modernizing operations, customer engagement innovation, and setting the foundation for future growth. Today, Miller is involved in consulting, public service, and board advisement.

Jeffrey Perera isn’t just the name behind Jeff’s Bagel Run — he’s the heart and soul of the brand. As Co-Founder and Vice President, Jeff has been leading the charge since day one, turning a home kitchen passion project into a fast-growing bagel sensation. Since opening the first official Jeff’s Bagel Run location in Ocoee, Florida in 2021, Jeff has stayed committed to what makes the brand special: kettle-boiled bagels made fresh every morning. Before taking on the bagel world, Jeff built a career in leadership, serving as Regional Vice President at Atria Senior Living, where he managed operations and nurtured high-performing teams. His people-first approach continues to shape the culture at Jeff’s Bagel Run — where great bagels and great hospitality go hand in hand.