Executive Perspectives: Inspiration for Today’s Restaurant Leaders


In this session, you will hear four short, thought-provoking talks that will leave you invigorated and inspired.

  • Founder Led Brands | Jeff Perera
  • Unlocking Transformational Growth in the AI-era | Craig Miller
  • Burgers, Brand & Bold Moves: Thinking Outside Tradition | Randy Sharpe
  • On-Demand Earnings & Digital Tips — The Secret Sauce Powering Franchise Growth | Tate Hackert
Presenters
Tate Hackert
Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer
ZayZoon
Craig Miller
Co-Author of "Bricks and Clicks: How We Drove Sonic Into the Digital Age"
Forbes Books
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.
Jeff Perera
Co-Founder & Vice President
Jeff’s Bagel Run
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.
Randy Sharpe
CEO
Wahlburgers
Appointed as CEO of Wahlburgers in February 2024, Randy Sharpe leads the renowned casual dining chain founded by the Wahlberg brothers—actor Mark Wahlberg, musician/actor Donnie Wahlberg, and Chef Paul Wahlberg. In addition to his role at Wahlburgers, Randy serves as Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Flecha Cantina by Mark Wahlberg, a dynamic dining concept redefining Mexican cuisine, with locations in Huntington Beach, Las Vegas, and San Diego established in 2024. ​With over two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Randy’s leadership was honed during his tenure as CEO of Xperience Restaurant Group (XRG), where he elevated operational standards on a national level. His career trajectory—from General Manager to Managing Partner and eventually SVP of Operations—demonstrates his commitment to driving profitability and growth across multi-concept restaurant chains. Randy’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration and empowerment, ensuring the success of his teams and the brands he champions.
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