Transforming Data into Your Superpower

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.

Yaron Goldman is the CEO of Finally Restaurant Group (FRG), the parent company of the popular Midwestern chain Rib & Chop House, as well as Baton Rouge’s legendary rib joint, TJ Ribs. Goldman joined FRG in September 2020 following a 20+ year career as a multi-unit franchisee of brands including McAlister’s Deli, Sonic Drive-In, MOD Pizza and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. Goldman brings deep experience in not only the finer operational details of restaurant management, but also the big picture business strategies required to navigate the highly competitive full-service restaurant category. At FRG, Goldman has brought a keen vision for building an internal culture as a source for brand growth, aligning the company’s core values with the guest experience, to create memorable dining adventures where excellent food is just the beginning.

Jill Marchick passionately pursues the art and science of decoding consumer behavior. She uses her skills to achieve strategic growth and profitability goals for multinational companies in diverse global markets and has supported some of the world’s most loved brands, including Starbucks, Hershey, and Applebee’s. Jill joined Applebee’s in 2021 as the Vice President of Consumer Insights & Business Analytics. With her leadership, her team focuses on understanding guest behavior and translating the learning into forging paths for growth. The insights and knowledge her team uncovers is vital in supporting data-driven decision-making at the brand level. Prior to joining Applebee’s, Jill led Consumer Insights at Pacers Sports & Entertainment and at Aramark Corporation. There she pioneered new research methodologies, strengthened, and streamlined vendor partnerships, and brought the consumer into all aspects of the business to increase engagement and sales.

Doug Willmarth is the President of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries and Shakes, a growing 90-unit fast casual restaurant company where he is working to revitalize the brand and accelerate unit growth. Throughout his career, Doug has specialized in building iconic brands and creating sustainable sales growth in restaurants and consumer retail. In addition to MOOYAH, Doug’s restaurant experience includes roles as Chief Brand Officer for Mongolian Concepts, Chief Marketing Officer at Wingstop, and Director of National Marketing for Pizza Hut. Doug started his business career in CPG marketing at PepsiCo and Kraft Foods, and served 9 years as a Naval Aviator.