Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit
The countdown is on: 10 ways RFIS will change your life
Think of this as your official invite to the industry family reunion. Matching shirts not required!
January 14, 2026 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
There is a specific kind of electricity that happens when you get hundreds of restaurant leaders and innovators in one room. It's the sound of problems being solved, partnerships being inked and —honestly — a lot of laughter.
We are officially heading to San Diego, March 16-18, for the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, and I've been looking over the agenda with a huge smile on my face. This year is about more than just "surviving" the industry; it's about thriving in it.
If you're looking for a reason to book your flight and grab your pass, here are 10 reasons to attend.
1. The Ultimate Industry "Family Reunion."
Our industry isn't small, but we make it feel like a family. There is nothing quite like the magic of catching up with old friends and making new ones. This summit has become our annual family reunion — a place where the guard comes down, the stories get shared and we support one another through the unique madness of the restaurant world.
2. Learn to "Franchise the American Dream"
Our opening keynote features the legendary Eddie Flores Jr., co-founder of L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Flores is going to give us a witty, frank and totally unconventional look at how he built a global empire. If you want to know how to turn a "viable idea" into 200-plus locations, you need to be in this seat.
3. Build an "Unstoppable" Workforce
Labor remains the biggest hurdle for operators. In our "Profit Through People" session, we're bringing together leaders from Blaze Pizza, Edible Brands and Handel's Ice Cream to discuss how to optimize culture and tech to keep your best people from walking out the door.
4. Access to the Heavy-Hitters
The speaker lineup is a "Who's Who" of brand leadership. From Liz Williams (CEO, El Pollo Loco) to Dan Smith (president, Rusty Taco) and Robin Robison (president, Thrive Restaurant Group), you aren't just hearing from consultants — you're hearing from the people actually steering the ship. A few more include: Troy Hooper (Hot Palette Holdings) Chris Noffze (Gong cha Americas) and Joseph Ortiz (Farmer Boys).
5. Baby, let's cruise!
Set sail for an unforgettable evening aboard the luxurious California Spirit yacht, departing directly from the Loews Coronado Bay Resort dock. This exclusive dinner cruise features a fully hosted premium bar, delicious catering and breathtaking views as we glide through the bay at sunset. Best of all, the entire experience is free for all attendees — simply head to the dock at 5:30 p.m. to board and toast to another successful summit.
6. Tech That Actually Moves the Needle
We aren't interested in "tech for tech's sake." We're diving into AI-driven scheduling and digital loyalty with experts like Jay Jhun (Church's Texas Chicken) and Chris Demery (Blaze Pizza) to see what tools are actually impacting the bottom line.
7. The "Goldilocks" of Networking
One of the best parts of this summit is the scale. It's large enough to find every expert you need, but intimate enough that you can actually have a real, 20-minute conversation with a CEO at the networking lounge. You won't get lost in a sea of thousands here.
8. Family Feud
We transform the stage into a game show showdown featuring chicken and pizza execs going head-to-head to see who knows more about franchising. Who doesn't want to see Ovation's Zack Oates as a game show host, a role he was born to play?
9. We'll help those in need
Join us for a Give-Back Party, where, for one hour, we will prepare snack bags and laundry kits to help make everyday life a little easier for families at the Ronald McDonald House. San Diego's Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" for families with children being treated for serious, often life-threatening conditions at local hospitals. It's a fun and rewarding way to get to know fellow attendees while giving back to those in need.
10. San Diego in the Spring? Yes, Please.
Let's be honest: taking a "work break" to enjoy the palm trees and ocean breezes of San Diego is a massive perk. We've designed the schedule to ensure you get high-intensity learning during the day and plenty of sunshine and coastal vibes in the evening.
The restaurant world moves fast, and the summit is where we all stop to catch our breath, share our secrets and get ready for what's next. I can't wait to see you there!
Check out the full agenda and register here.
About Cherryh Cansler
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Ovation
How Great Restaurants Get Better - Guest Experience Management Platform
Ovation is a guest experience platform for multi-unit restaurants that starts with a 2-question survey to drive revenue, streamline guest recovery, and easily improve operations. Thousands of restaurants, including leading brands like Dave's Hot Chicken, use Ovation to get more feedback, recover guests in real-time, and improve.
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