After a full day of sessions, fast casual industry executives gathered at Trader Vic’s for cocktails and dinner. The two-day Fast Casual Executive Summit was hosted by NetWorld Alliance, parent company of FastCasual.com.
Erle Dardick and Mo Asgari, both of MonkeyMedia Software, are greeted by two hula dancers at Trader Vic’s. A tray of the restaurant’s signature drink, the mai tai, also was nearby.
Linda Duke and Michael Fagan, of Duke Marketing, pose with the dancers.
Staying true to the night’s Polynesian theme, a Trader Vic’s waitress entices the crowd with skewered coconut chicken. In the background (from left) are Linda Duke, Arshad Merali from Liberty Noodle, and Eric Ersher with Zoup.
Tom Townsend, president and CEO of Scooter’s Coffeehouse, enjoys a mai tai with Scooter’s chief financial officer Todd Graeve.
From left: Barbara Kane with Ecolab, Rod Friesen of Truitt Bros., and Ann Nickolas with the Women’s Foodservice Forum.
From left: Peter Truitt of Truitt Bros. and Dan Pittard of Rubio’s Mexican Grill.
It didn’t take long for the bar area at Trader Vic’s to fill up with fast casual restaurant industry executives. Trader Vic’s signature mai tai cocktail features dark rum, curacao and fresh lime juice.
A good group to have together. From left: Patrick Benasillo of VGS, Dan Kim of Red Mango, author and summit keynote speaker Dean Lindsay, and Don Fox, COO of Firehouse Subs.
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From left: Barbara Kane (Ecolab), Wally Doolin (Caribou Coffee), Joni Thomas Doolin (People Report) and Ann Nickolas (Women's Foodservice Forum), pose with members of Grace Hula Dance and Company.
From left: Sean Kennedy (Cowboy Chicken), Ken Clark (Farmer Boys), Louis Basile (Wildflower Bread Company), Paul Barron (FastCasual.com), and Demetris Havadijas (Farmer Boys).
Steven Kishi, CEO of Super Mex, and Malinda McGurk of Red Book Solutions.
From left: Christopher Harris, CEO of Kuai Asian Fusion, Dan Ross with U.S. Foodservice, and Jeff Hancock, Kuai Asian Fusion owner/CFO.
From left: Bobby Renaud (NetWorld Alliance), Arshad Merali (Liberty Noodle), Valerie Killifer (FastCasual.com) and Jeff Epstein (MonkeyMedia Software).
Industry executives filled up two rooms at Trader Vic’s, which closed its doors for the Summit’s private dinner party. Guests were given a dinner choice of sea bass or filet mignon.
Niko Albanis, a partner in Chicken Dijon, enjoys the night with Nick Anthony, founder and CEO of GreekTown Restaurants. * Photo provided by Linda Duke
Paul Mangiamele of Salsarita’s and Jeff Levine of Salad Creations enjoy the night’s libations. * Photo provided by Linda Duke
Clay Dover (Raising Cane’s) and Jeff Sinelli (Which Wich and Burguesa Burgers) pose with Grace Hula Dance and Company dancers. * Photo provided by Linda Duke
From left: Jeff Epstein (MonkeyMedia Software), Ron Parikh (Genghis Grill) and Eric Ersher (Zoup) * Photo provided by Linda Duke
Louis Basile of Wildflower Bread Company and Sue Morelli, CEO of Au Bon Pain * Photo provided by Linda Duke
From left: Cully Williamson (Mary’s Pizza Shack), Michelle LeBlanc (Kolache Mama) and Ken Clark (Farmer Boys).
George Green, vice president of Bread & Company, raises his glass as he stands with Sheri Miksa, the fomer CEO of Robeks, and Erle Dardick, founder and CEO of MonkeyMedia Software.
From left: Bill Schaffler (People Report), Jeff Cummins (NetWorld Alliance) and John Jell (Nestle).