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Breakout Session / Tuesday / March 21, 2023 / 1:30 PM

My Loyalty Don’t Cost a Thing

As food costs rise, most restaurants can’t afford to give discounts to lure customers, but after relying so long on coupons, dollar-offs and freebies, what’s a brand to do? It’s actually simple, according to the experts on this session, who reveal how they’ve created loyalty platforms that incentivize without crushing their bottom lines.

PANELISTS

Blake Johnson | VP of Marketing | Craveworthy Brands
Blake Johnson is the Vice President of Marketing with Craveworthy Brands, overseeing strategy and execution for their brands Genghis Grill, BD’s Mongolian Grill, Flat Top Grill, The Budlong Hot Chicken and Krafted Burger Bar + Tap. Johnson returned to Craveworthy (formerly Mongolian Concepts) in early 2022, having previously led marketing efforts for the Genghis Grill brand for over four years as Director of Marketing. He also brings with him years of experience in the industry in both marketing and operations roles, previously with Dallas-based legacy chains like El Fenix & Snuffer’s, newer emerging multi-unit brands like Taqueria La Ventana, Village Burger Bar and Meso Maya and more recently leading digital marketing for national fast-casual chain Newk’s Eatery.
Donna Josephson | CMO | Shipley Do-Nuts
Donna Josephson serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Shipley Do-Nuts helping propel the iconic 85-year-old brand into a new era of growth and enhanced customer experience. Josephson has previously held CMO titles at Corner Bakery, Fazoli’s and McAlister’s Deli and has experience at a number of national restaurant chains.
Mark Kreiner | VP of Marketing | WOWorks
Mark Kreiner is Vice President of Marketing at WOWorks for Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek and Barberitos Southwestern Grill and Cantina. Previously, he was Marketing Director of Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and Director of Field Marketing for Schlotzsky's. He has also worked for the Carvel Corporation (Focus Brands) as Director of Marketing, Senior Marketing Brand Manager and Brand Marketing Manager. Mark was also Marketing Director of Simply Floored, Creative Director and Marketing Brand Manager for Dynamite Plant Food, and has 12 years of additional business experience as an advertising and creative executive. Kreiner and his partner of 29 years live with their two dogs and six chickens. He enjoys food, wine, traveling and has been to six continents. Mark’s favorite WOWorks menu item is Stuffed Pita with Falafel from Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh.
Stacy Moss | Director of Brand Marketing | Noodles & Company
Stacy Moss is an accomplished marketing leader with over 15 years of experience. With her extensive background in marketing and creative strategies; optimizing ROI using data and insights; and omni-channel marketing; Stacy has accelerated Noodles’ loyalty, CRM, paid media, and integrated marketing capabilities in her role as Director of Marketing. Stacy is passionate about building brands and challenging herself, and others, to come with fresh perspectives.
MODERATOR

Derek Canton | CEO & Founder | Paerpay
Meet Derek Canton, the CEO and Founder of Paerpay. Under his leadership, the company is revolutionizing the restaurant industry by empowering establishments to enhance their speed of service and loyalty programs without needing additional hardware or confusing apps for guests. A Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, Derek has been recognized for his innovative approach and dedication to helping restaurants succeed. When he's not working, Derek indulges his passion for dining by exploring new restaurants and sharpening his skills in the ring through boxing.
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