SPEAKERS

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.

Robby got his start in franchising with Craveworthy Brands’ stir-fry concept, Genghis Grill, where he worked his way up to Director of Operations. A former grocery store manager, Robby’s love of cooking and food service arose from conversations with customers about healthful recipes that he then learned to cook at home. While he would eventually oversee five restaurants across three different brands, Robby is still most frequently seen greeting guests at his beloved Genghis Grill in Tempe, Arizona.

Ryan Black is the CEO and co-founder of SAMBAZON, the pioneering brand that introduced Organic and Fair Trade açaí to the world. Black founded the company in 2000 alongside his brother Jeremy and friend Ed after a surf trip to Brazil, where he recognized the potential of certified açaí as a catalyst for sustainable development in the Amazon Rainforest. Under his leadership, SAMBAZON has become the global leader in açaí, with products available in over 30,000 U.S. retail locations and more than 50 countries. Black is now leveraging the company’s industry expertise and best-in-class proprietary supply chain to expand SAMBAZON Açaí Bowls quick-service locations in both traditional and nontraditional venues.

Joel Bulger is the Chief Marketing Officer of WOWorks, the platform brand home to 6 healthy dining fast-casual restaurants. With an impressive 25-year tenure in marketing and brand development within the restaurant industry, Joel brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of fostering growth and innovation. Having previously held the role of Chief Marketing Officer at esteemed brands such as On The Border, Zaxby's, Johnny Rockets, and Focus Brands, Joel has earned a stellar reputation for his ability to drive guest traffic and enhance menu profitability.

Chef Daniel Camp has been the driving force behind culinary innovation at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop since joining as Director of Culinary in April 2023. With a deep understanding of the brand's distinct identity, Daniel focuses on creating recipes that embody Fuzzy’s scratch-made spirit while being practical for the brand's expanding footprint. His work is characterized by a balance of creativity and operational know-how, making his contributions valuable as Fuzzy’s continues to grow. Shortly after joining Fuzzy’s, Daniel led the development of the Baja Fish Taco, which quickly became a fan favorite, and introduced Quesabirria Tacos and a Birria Bowl to the menu. These offerings showcase Daniel’s commitment to delivering fresh, bold flavors that resonate with guests. Beyond recipe creation, Daniel introduced the brand's first Culinary Workgroup, bringing together franchisees and operators to align on menu development and innovation.

Before joining Networld Media Group as Vice President of Events, Cherryh Cansler spent several years as VP of Editorial managing the Networld’s nine B2B publications. Throughout her 20-year career as a journalist, she’s written about a variety of topics, ranging from the restaurant industry and technology to health and fitness news. Her byline has appeared in a plethora of newspapers, magazines and websites, including Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine. She also serves as the managing editor for FastCasual.com.

Jon Canter is an accomplished leader and the Vice President of Franchising at ClusterTruck, driving the brand’s franchise strategy and building the foundation for a high-performing franchise network. Jon is responsible for developing scalable systems and cultivating a culture of operational excellence, focusing on delivering the exceptional customer experiences that define ClusterTruck. With extensive expertise in customer service, operations, and food technology, Jon has advanced through key roles at ClusterTruck, including Director of Customer Experience and Operations Manager, giving him unique insights into nurturing customer loyalty and brand advocacy. A dedicated advocate of data-driven strategy, Jon utilizes analytics to enhance customer satisfaction, refine marketing approaches, and accelerate growth for ClusterTruck’s expanding footprint.

Rev is a New York City restaurant owner and knows exactly how hard it is to operate and brand a hospitality business. He is a hospitality marketing consultant, customer and technology evangelist at Branded Strategic Hospitality, with more than 20 years experience in B2B digital marketing and business development, specializing in hospitality marketing, content, local SEO, reputation management and demand generation. He helps technology companies, brands and restaurants to acquire and retain more customers. Rev is known as an “expert burger taster,” pens hospitality and marketing tips on his Instagram @revciancio, as well as his LinkedIn Profile and hosts the Restaurant Marketing Podcast. He believes that Pizza is a religion.

William "Bill" DiPaola, President & CEO of NHG, LLC (Chicken Salad Chick) and Born from the Lime, LLC, brings 32 years of restaurant and franchise experience. He has held leadership roles in companies such as Swamp Dawg Restaurant Management, Ballard Brands, and Dat Dog Enterprises. Bill is also active in supporting BIPOC leadership through C.I.L.I. and advocating for franchising at the International Franchise Association. A seasoned public speaker, Bill has been featured in major publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Franchise Times. He has received recognition from Biz New Orleans and New Orleans Magazine as a key industry leader.

Alicia DiStefano is InMarket’s Vice President, Practice Leader of QSR and Dining, bringing nearly 20 years of experience across real-time marketing and measurement, data as a service (DaaS), programmatic, and self-service media. Since joining InMarket in 2022, Alicia has helped leading restaurant brands power and measure digital marketing campaigns, empowering advertisers to maximize campaign impact. Prior to joining InMarket, Alicia held numerous leadership roles in the adtech space including Mobilewalla’s VP of Sales at Mobilewalla and GroundTruth’s VP, Head of Industry for Retail & Restaurants. Throughout her career, Alicia has shared conference stages with brands like Panera, Subway, KFC, McDonald’s, DoorDash, and more. Alicia is based in Atlanta, GA.

Corbett Guest is the President and Chief Strategy Officer at Imaginuity, a leading marketing agency focused on multi-location businesses. Recognized for his big thinking and vision, Corbett has driven significant agency growth and delivered transformative outcomes for major clients including Southwest Airlines, Taco Cabana, Cinemark, Goosehead Insurance and Jones Lang LaSalle. A two-time Dallas Digital Fight Club winner, Corbett excels in simplifying complex challenges and crafting actionable strategies. Leading Imaginuity for over 20 years, Corbett has positioned the agency as a trusted partner in navigating the competitive and highly complex marketing landscape, helping clients achieve measurable success through creativity, technology, and innovation.

As Director of Marketing at Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, a leading coffee franchise renowned for its premium sourcing of Hawaiian coffees and memorable cafés, Ivy Hanks leads the franchise brand’s marketing strategy, overseeing local store initiatives and the execution of innovative promotions. Previously, Ivy played a pivotal role at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, where she successfully launched limited-time offerings, developed strategic brand marketing plans, and orchestrated impactful grand openings. With a solid foundation in event planning, Ivy excels at creating meaningful community connections and driving customer loyalty, helping franchisees differentiate themselves in the competitive coffee market.

Mohaimina (“Mina”) Haque is a trailblazing CEO, attorney, and educator, breaking barriers as the first woman CEO of Tony Roma's in its five-decade history. As she spearheads the global restaurant chain, Mina is also actively engaged in the legal sphere, serving as the founder of the Law Office of Mohaimina Haque, PLLC, based in Washington DC, and as an Adjunct Professor of Law Practice Management at American University Washington College of Law. In her legal practice, Mina's expertise spans various areas, including corporate law, immigration law, and litigation. Mina's commitment to innovation extends to her tenure at Tony Roma's, where she is always at the forefront of testing innovative solutions for an agile and adaptable workforce. Her leadership and vision drive the chain's expansion and innovation, while her ongoing legal practice keeps her abreast of legal developments.

Marti Hatridge, Director of Food & Beverage Product Strategy at AMC Theatres, is a leading brand strategist with more than two decades in the restaurant and entertainment industries, helping major brands exceed their objectives and goals. Marti focuses her expertise on unique partnerships and marketing communications to deliver inspired offerings and exceptional guest experiences while also driving profitability. She has successfully executed innovative programs that build real brand affinity. Her deep understanding of guest preferences and trends has allowed her to develop innovative menus and experiences that resonate deeply with diverse audiences.

As the Chief Operating Officer at Smalls Sliders, she oversees all aspects of the brand’s daily operations, driving strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and overall performance. Julie brings over 25 years of extensive experience in multi-unit, multi-brand, global hospitality and restaurant companies to Smalls Sliders' Executive Leadership Team. Her vast industry knowledge and proven track record in operational leadership make her a valuable asset to Smalls Sliders as the brand continues to expand and excel in the diverse QSR industry. Julie has developed a unique ability to create the kind of followership that keeps guests returning for more. Her leadership is driven by four key pillars: integrating KPIs with empathetic leadership to foster trust and authenticity, optimizing processes while innovating and scaling without compromising quality, supporting franchisees through tools and training to ensure mutual success, and enhancing the guest experience by translating needs into actionable insights for WOW-worthy experiences. Julie is committed to creating a legacy that touches lives and creates a ripple effect throughout the organization, ultimately impacting guests in meaningful ways.

Samantha Hebel is the Director of Marketing at Hungry Howie’s, where she has been instrumental in driving the brand’s growth and innovation since 2015. With over 20 years of experience stemming from her early involvement with her parents as franchise owners, Samantha brings a deep understanding of the industry and franchise systems. She leads advertising strategies, manages budgets, and works closely with operations to support franchisees through personalized marketing initiatives, such as national marketing initiatives, grand opening plans and localized campaigns. Under her leadership, Hungry Howie’s has achieved sustained growth and improved profitability across its locations. Samantha is passionate about fostering collaboration, maintaining open communication, and creating an environment that empowers her team to succeed. Recognized as an industry leader, she was named in QSR Magazine’s Young Restaurant Leaders Class of 2023.

After service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Amanda Kahalehoe integrated the values of adaptability and determination into her professional journey. From Long Island, NY, she melds her disciplined nature with exceptional communication skills and sharp critical thinking. Amanda's career embarked on its trajectory at a New York security firm, where she rose from the position of a data communication specialist to Chief Operating Officer of Business Operations. Throughout her profession, Amanda consistently led the charge in pioneering innovation across sales, operations, accounting, HR, and IT domains. Following her relocation to Charleston, she collaborated with George McLaughlin, becoming a pivotal member of the Vicious Biscuit team and contributing to its growth through the implementation of innovative strategies and practices.

Stacey Kane has more than 25 years of experience working with multi-unit restaurant chains as a Head of Marketing and Marketing Consultant. She has worked with such brands as California Tortilla, Think Food Group, Subway and East Coast Wings. Known for her incredible creativity and obsession with data she was one of the pioneers of using social media in the restaurant space and has been named a Top 20 Movers and Shakers by Fast Casual Magazine five times. Her passion is leading emerging brands as they scale for growth. Currently, Stacey is a fractional CMO for several fast casual brands including Fresh Baguette, Garden Catering, HCK Hot Chicken, Mahana Fresh and Mamoun's Falafel. Kane is passionate about the industry. She has been a National Pro-Start Judge for 3 years and after serving as a consultant, she was asked to sit on the board of CORE:Children of Restaurant Employees in 2022. CORE’s mission is to provide short-term financial relief to food and beverage service employees with children when navigating a qualifying circumstance.

Shelby Kier is a seasoned Director of Digital Marketing with a proven ability to craft digital strategies that not only drive growth but also build lasting customer loyalty. With a strong background in data-driven insights, she specializes in creating targeted campaigns that engage audiences and foster long-term relationships. Shelby is skilled in SEO, content strategy, social media management, and paid advertising, using these tools to enhance brand presence while driving measurable results. Throughout her career, Shelby has successfully worked across multiple industries, showcasing her adaptability and a deep commitment to evolving digital trends. She is especially passionate about leveraging innovative approaches to boost customer retention and loyalty, focusing on strategies that resonate with audiences and keep them coming back.

Diana Krankl is the Senior Franchise Sales Manager at Wetzel’s Pretzels, where she drives growth across all franchise formats in expanding new markets. Since joining Wetzel’s in 2021, Diana has focused on expanding the company’s presence through mobile franchise opportunities, helping franchisees bring fresh pretzels to communities nationwide. With over 15 years of experience in business management and sales, Diana is passionate about helping franchise partners succeed and driving growth for the brand.

Shawn Lalehzarian is the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of The Red Chickz, a Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant located in Los Angeles, California. After immigrating to the United States from Iran, Lalehzarian found his first job working at a local restaurant in San Diego washing dishes. As he progressed through his career, he was promoted to higher-up positions and eventually landed a senior management role. In his senior management position, Shawn oversaw multi-unit /multi -brand F&B operations with more than $30 Million dollars in revenue and 400 employees. He also played a key role in opening over 50 different restaurants around the nation and Canada working with brands such as Starbucks, CPK, Chili’s, Wolfgang Puck, Pei-Wei, Pinkberry, Bombay Sapphire and Ruby’s Diner just to name a few. In 2018, Shawn founded The Red Chickz, an authentic Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant. In 2022, Lalehzarian launched the franchise program for the Nashville hot chicken brand.

Erin Levzow is a 20 year veteran and dynamic motivational speaker having worked in multiple industries. Most recently she was the Chief Marketing Officer for Musuem of Ice Cream. Prior to her MOIC role, she was the Vice President of Marketing Technology for Del Taco Restaurants. Recently Erin was awarded Top 25 Future is Female Award by Advertising Week New York as well as in 2023 CMO of the Year, 2023 MarComms Most Influential and Global MarTech Leader of the Year Awards. Prior to Del Taco, Erin was the CMO for Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Levzow has served as vice president of customer relationship marketing (CRM), loyalty and marketing for Hathway in Austin, Texas, a customer service experience company specializing in helping billion-dollar brands develop mobile-first strategies. Levzow’s extensive marketing and digital experience also includes serving as senior director of digital, social, CRM and e-commerce for Wingstop Restaurants in Dallas, Texas.

John Lucas is an industry veteran with over 35 years of hospitality and restaurant experience. In his role, John ensures Farmer Boys upholds our consistent operational standards and delivers a high-quality, reliable guest experience in every restaurant. Additionally, Lucas oversees all the system’s franchised locations and is responsible for building upon Farmer Boys’ high service standards at those locations. Lucas joined the Farmer Boys team in 2017 as a franchise business consultant and now serves as the Vice President of Brand and Franchise Development.

Gregg Majewski is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Craveworthy Brands. Previously, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches. The Craveworthy Brands portfolio includes Wing It On!, The Budlong Southern Chicken, Krafted Burger Bar + Tap, Lucky Cat Poke Company, Pastizza, and Scramblin Ed’s, as well as legacy brands Genghis Grill, BD’s Mongolian Grill, and Flat Top Grill, all formerly part of Mongolian Concepts Restaurant Group, for which Gregg previously served as CEO. Known for driving business transformation while putting people first, Gregg leads teams with humility. His approach includes introducing new revenue streams and crafting effective grassroots marketing strategies. Gregg serves on the Board of the Texas Restaurant Association and is a member of the board of Big Chicken. He also serves on the Advisory Board of Ovation, the Fast Casual Industry Council, and the Lunchbox Food Tech Council.

As Executive Director of Client Partnerships at Imaginuity, Evan is responsible for leading client partnership and media teams in driving integrated marketing strategies and execution across integrated traditional and digital media channels. Evan has 40 years of advertising and marketing experience leading restaurant and CPG brands such as Taco Cabana, Pollo Tropical, Whataburger, Joe’s Crab Shack, Dave & Buster’s, Tabasco® and Sara Lee. When he’s not in the office, Evan is either on his way to the golf course, heading to the beach, or hanging out with his wife and two daughters.

Scott Mobley is a seasoned leader in the restaurant and franchising industry. As the President of Stoner's Pizza Joint, he oversees the brand's strategic growth, operational efficiency, and franchise development, driving its expansion across new markets. Before stepping into his current role, Scott was the Chief Operating Officer at Stoner's Pizza Joint, where he played a key role in streamlining operations and fostering strong relationships with franchisees. His experience also includes leadership positions such as Director of Franchising at Wings Over, Inc., where he guided national growth efforts, and his work with Zaxby’s Franchising, LLC, supporting operational and franchise development for one of the top fast-casual restaurant brands in the U.S. Scott is deeply committed to helping franchisees succeed by combining his industry expertise with a collaborative approach to building sustainable and thriving businesses.

Pedro “Pete” Mora, founder and CEO of the fajita delivery chain Fajita Pete’s, is an entrepreneur who has grown his restaurant concept to 31 locations in four states with more than 50 additional locations planned in the coming years. Originally from Colombia, Mora moved to Houston with his family as a child. In 2003, Pete graduated from the University of Houston Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship and opened his first restaurant, Poblano’s, a 6,500 square-foot, full-service location with 60 tables.

Joining Blaze Pizza with an impressive portfolio of over two decades in financial planning and accounting, Kevin Moran has a history of steering development teams towards outstanding performance through the alignment of fiscal goals with comprehensive strategies. Prior to his current role, Moran held the position of Vice President of Strategic Development at Focus Brands International, where he excelled in driving strategic development for the global franchisor and operator of over 6,600 restaurants. As CDO at Blaze, Moran will apply his seasoned expertise to nurture strategic alliances and accelerate the brand's global growth trajectory.

Steering the course of operations alongside CEO Justin Howe, Heath Nielsen serves as the President of HTeaO, a position that epitomizes his dedication to orchestrating daily operations and nurturing relationships with HTeaO’s esteemed franchise owners. With a career spanning over 25 dynamic years, Heath has led teams within renowned organizations such as Black Rifle, Starbucks, Sony, Vail Resorts, Gap, and the US Army. Throughout his journey, Heath has been driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, a deep understanding of market dynamics, and a fervent passion for fostering growth and innovation.

Zack Oates is an author, husband, father, entrepreneur, and hot tub aficionado (but not in that order, necessarily). He grew up in restaurants before getting into startups. He was voted Top 100 Entrepreneurs, rang the NASDAQ bell, won the world’s biggest business competition, has been to 50 countries, and started 3 companies. He went on over 1,000 dates before he got married and wrote a book, “Dating Never Works…Until it Does.” He currently is Founder and CEO of Ovation, the no. 1 restaurant feedback platform in America, voted Top 50 Most Influential Supplier by Nation’s Restaurant News, and host of “Give an Ovation: A Podcast for Restaurants.”

James O’Reilly is the CEO of Ascent Hospitality Management, the parent company of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and Huddle House. James is embarking on an aggressive growth plan, investing in people, technology, and restaurant development. Prior to Ascent Hospitality Management, James served as the President & CEO of Smokey Bones after four years as the President and CEO of Long John Silver’s, America’s leading seafood QSR brand. While at LJS James led significant business and cultural improvements, being named “Turnaround Man” by the Louisville Courier Journal and earning three consecutive “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” awards from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining LJS as CEO, James held brand leadership positions in some of America’s leading restaurant brands, including Sonic Drive-in (Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Brand Officer), and KFC US (Chief Marketing Officer). James spent many years as a marketing leader outside the U.S., as CMO of KFC Canada, Pizza Hut United Kingdom, and KFC/Pizza Hut Caribbean & Latin America.

Jake Philpotts is a leading executive with over 10 years of experience in various development and operations roles for restaurant and business management brands, including Aldi, Chick-Fil-A, and Techtronic Industries. As Vice President of Business Development & Franchise Relations at Surcheros, a growing fast casual Tex-Mex restaurant based in Alpharetta, GA, Jake is responsible for all company and franchise development activities. Jake manages the evaluation and recruitment of new franchisees, real estate selection for franchise business, franchisee construction oversight, and franchise relationship management. Jake started his role with Surcheros in 2019 as the Director of Strategy and Business Development. By October 2020, he quickly took over as VP of Business Development and Franchise Relations. Jake is an integral part of Surcheros and is passionate about helping others make the right decisions when starting a franchise.

Toni Ronayne joined Perkins American Food Co. in 2024 as the Brand President. Throughout her career, she has held several progressive leadership positions. Most recently, she served as the Managing Director for Little Caesars Pizza – Canada. She has led both operations and franchise development, domestic and international, for brands, including Freshii and Starbucks. Her wealth of experience in fast casual, QSR, and beverage have positioned the Perkins brand for future growth.

David Schmidt is the President of Keke’s Breakfast Cafe. He joined Denny’s Corporation in September 2022 and is a 30-year veteran who brings to Keke’s a proven track record of operations, marketing, finance, training, and HR leadership. Prior to Keke’s, David worked as CFO of Red Lobster. He also worked for Bloomin’ Brands where he held various leadership roles throughout his tenure, including Group Vice President and CFO of Bloomin’ Brand’s Casual Dining. He also served as President of Bonefish Grill, during which time he was responsible for developing and implementing the long-term growth strategy of a 200-unit polished casual concept. David holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.

Samuel Stanovich is part of the leadership team of Big Chicken. Prior to joining Big Chicken, Samuel worked with Firehouse Subs brand as an Area Representative and Franchisee. Samuel’s past experiences include: Director Partner Product Development & Industry Relations, National Restaurant Association, President & CEO of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau, in addition, he is a 12-year veteran of Marriott International. In 2020 Samuel co-authored the top catering book “Catering Domination” and is co-host of the Takeout, Delivery and Catering podcast. Samuel is an alum Johnson and Wales University and adjunct faculty at the College of DuPage.

Yasaman Stewart, CFE, is an accomplished marketing and operations expert with over 20 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, including ten years in franchising. Known for her leadership in driving brand growth and profitability, she has successfully developed and executed innovative marketing strategies for major brands, from private labeling to large-scale partnerships and pop-up events. Yasaman’s expertise spans brand strategy, product development, and design, having led projects for Friendly’s Restaurants, Radiance Holdings, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, among others. She holds a BFA from the University of North Texas and certifications in franchise management and retail design.

Jeff Todd is the Chief Development Officer at Launch Entertainment, where he spearheads the company's nationwide growth strategy, expanding its family entertainment centers across the U.S. Before joining Launch in 2022, Jeff served as Vice President of Development at Driven Brands, driving expansion for Meineke, Maaco, and Merlin. With a strong background in investment banking and a wealth of experience in franchise development, Jeff is committed to supporting franchise partners and advancing Launch’s mission to create premier family entertainment destinations.

Denise Tran, a former attorney, is the founder and CEO of Bun Mee Vietnamese Sandwich Eatery, a gourmet fast casual restaurant concept with five locations in San Francisco—Pacific Heights, Financial District, SFO Terminals 1 & 3, and the Marina—and a plan to franchise nationwide. Bun Mee has been nationally recognized as a pioneer in the Asian sandwich niche making delicious banh mi sandwiches with wide crossover appeal. Launched in 2011, Bun Mee blends the street food concepts of Vietnam with Denise’s flavorful modern interpretations using fresh, local ingredients. Within months of opening Bun Mee was critically reviewed with many of their menu items landing on San Francisco’s “best” lists. In 2013, Bun Mee was named on Fast Casual Magazine’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers in the country at #28 between Panera Bread and Five Guys Burgers. Denise has also been recognized by Quick Service Magazine as one of the country’s top Wonder Women founders who are changing the game in the fast casual industry.

Clean Eatz co-founder Evonne Varady launched the business alongside her husband, Don, in 2013 with a mission to “Change Livez” through clean, balanced food, thought-provoking education and motivational support that inspires results. As a personal trainer who wondered why her clients in her kickboxing group were working so hard and not losing weight the idea of creating Clean Eatz was born. She began prepping and packaging healthy meals for them, and six weeks later, they had all lost weight. The prepared meals were wildly successful and before long, she was making hundreds of meals in her home kitchen. She soon realized she needed to rent space to keep up with the demand, and that was the beginning of Clean Eatz. Today, Clean Eatz is a health-focused cafe and meal prep service offering a range of options including dine-in, takeout and meal plans with customizable menus catering to various dietary needs. With 100+ restaurants open in 23 states, Clean Eatz is now one of the fastest-growing franchises on the East Coast.

Ryan Weaver is the Chief Executive Officer of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, a fast-casual dining franchise specializing in chicken, homestyle side dishes, and freshly made biscuits, based in Shalimar, Florida. Weaver's experience spans diverse sectors, including tech and consulting, and has demonstrated an ability to navigate complex challenges and steer companies toward growth. Weaver was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken in June 2021. Since taking over the role, his visionary approach has transformed the brand, including the launch of a complete brand refresh in 2023. Under his stewardship, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken has been named the Best Fast Food Fried Chicken by USA Today, reconnected with its original franchisee base and expanded its market presence. Weaver began his journey in the corporate world as a consultant with international business firm FTI Consulting, where he consulted for the Telecom, Media, & Technology (TMT) Group, specializing in Corporate Finance and Restructuring.