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Freshii CEO, founder keynoting 2018 Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit

Early bird registration ends Friday.

Freshii CEO Matthew Corrin is keynoting the 2018 Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit.

January 11, 2018

In 2005, while most of his peers were probably still throwing keggers, 23-year-old Matthew Corrin was launching a fast casual concept. His goal was to help people live healthier and longer lives by serving fast food that was convenient and affordable.

Fast forward 13 years and Corrin's small startup — Freshii — has grown to more than 240 locations around the world and is well on its way to becoming a billion-dollar business.

Corrin will share that story and what it takes to grow a successful global brand during the closing keynote address at this year's Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit, April 9-11, in Louisville.

"At FastCasual, we've been following Matthew's innovative approach to growing Freshii for years and knew he'd be the perfect CEO to talk about growth, leadership and company culture," said Cherryh Cansler, editor of FastCasual and director of Editorial of Networld Media Group, the company that produces the summit. "Freshii is one the fastest-growing brands in the world — opening its first several hundred stores faster than even McDonald’s, Dominos and Subway. With industry-leading, same-store sales growth driven by an innovative approach to the fast food market attendees will leave inspired to rethink their approach to business, risk and opportunity."

Corrin will also share his belief about the power of the triple bottom line: people, profit and the planet.

It will inspire attendees to achieve success by strategically tapping into this new consumer mindset, Cansler said.

George Felix, director of advertising for KFC U.S., is the Summit's opening keynoter. Other speakers include:

Carin Stutz, EVP and COO, Red Robin.
Travis Doster, senior director of public relations, Texas Roadhouse.
Peter Boylan, president, Ballard Brands.
Bob Andersen, CEO, Jimboy's North America.
Travis Doster, senior director of public relations, Texas Roadhouse.
Matt Friedman, CEO, Wing Zone.
Jimmy Orr, director of digital strategy, Taco John's.
Bob Morgan, president and CEO, Muscle Maker Grill
James Park, CEO, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh.
Stacy Brown, founder, Chicken Salad Chick.
Steve Rothenstein, senior director of franchising, Dippin' Dots.
Scott Taylor, president, Walk-Ons.
Rich Mainzer, chef/owner, The Boneyard Truck.
Chris Cheek, chief development officer, Newk's Eatery.
Doug Hogrefe, senior operator, Amerigo.
Richard Simtob, president/partner, Zoup.
Donna Josephson, SVP and CMO, Corner Bakery Cafe.
Jodie Conrad, VP of marketing, Fazoli's.
John Hughes, brand ambassador, Jersey Mike's.
Dennie Laney, VP of training and people development, Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes.
Scott Iversen, VP of marketing, Toppers Pizza.
Shannon Salupo, corporate beverage manager, Quaker Steak & Lube.
Chip Hamm, attorney, Kaplan & Partners LLP