Heard at the Summit: Attendees share insights, pain points and keys to success

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit attendees discuss everything from bunnies to BS.

Food safety expert: 'When that small voice says — "You can't" — tell it to shut up'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Betsy Craig entered the restaurant industry at age 16 and worked as a bar back, grill cook, kitchen prep bartender, bouncer and a sales exec before creating…

Focus Brands franchisee: 'Focusing on disparities will not advance your career'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Melanie Hoggard is a Focus Brands franchisee with her hands in three concepts — Moe's Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne's Pretzels and Cinnabon.

McAlister's franchisee: 'Don't climb the ladder; build your own'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Heather Ricks, a McAlister's Deli franchisee in Virginia, has a six-person management team. Five are females, and one of her restaurants boast an all-female…

Rosati's CEO: 'If your company is a boys club then join the club'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Marla Topliff, president of Rosati's Pizza, fell in love with the restaurant business after working as a marketer for Rosati's.

HuHot founder: 'Delegate well and train others'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Linda Vap, president and founder of HuHot Mongolian Grill, was a scientist before she got into the restaurant business.

Cottage Inn exec: 'Female leaders ask the right questions'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Deborah Masse has led Cottage Inn to double-digit sales growth by rolling out a new branding initiative and through the introduction of digital and social…

Moe's franchisee: 'Don't take no for an answer'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Jennifer Wade has been a Moe's Southwest Grill franchisee since 2002. The single mom now owns three locations and is the only female franchisee on the Moe's…

Dickey's CEO: 'Female leaders will evolve the industry'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Laura Rea Dickey replaced her husband, Roland, as CEO in January when he became CEO of the chain's parent company. She took on the CEO title without hesitation…

Vitality Bowls founder: 'Leadership roles make great careers for mothers'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Tara Gilad, founder of Vitality Bowls, was inspired to create the concept by her 2-year-old daughter's struggle with food allergies.

NRA president: 'No other industry is as inclusive as the restaurant industry'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Before joining the NRA as president, Dawn Sweeney was president and CEO of AARP Services and also held leadership positions at the National Rural Electric…

Uncle Maddio's VP of Ops: 'Welcome adversity'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Restaurant openings at Outback Steakhouse were the gateway to Jenelle Brown's career, but that progressed into managing human capital and the health of…

Auntie Anne's president: 'Diversity in leadership is critical'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Neary eventually joined Auntie Anne’s in 2005, holding various roles in the company, including VP of global marketing, until she took over as president in 2015.

Schlotzsky's exec chef: 'Gender doesn't define success'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The chef, who was featured in numerous television shows on The Travel Channel, Telemundo Network, the Cooking Channel and Fox Utilísima Network, is fluent in…

Global checklist: 7 must-ask questions before planting flags outside your home country

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Just because a concept takes off in one area doesn't mean it's meant to cross borders. Waiting too long, however, is also a huge mistake. Answer these seven…

Kat Cole: 'Female leaders must mentor other women'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Kat Cole started in the industry as a hostess when she was 17. She now leads Focus Brands, overseeing 4,500 ice cream shops, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes…

Buffalo Wild Wings CEO: 'Having diverse leadership brings out the best in any industry'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Sally Smith believes women make great leaders because they "figure out a way to do it all."

17 female execs offer advice about rising to the top of a male-dominated field

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In honor of International Women's Day (March 8), 17 successful female execs discuss the challenges and joys of leading in a male-dominated field.

Amsterdam Falafelshop CEO: 'Always see the human side'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Arianne Bennett and her husband created Amsterdam Falafelshop 10 years ago and have developed it into a successful franchise.

A day without women in the restaurant industry?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

March 6, 2017

Women contribute largely to the restaurant industry, according to the Departmentment of Labor, which reported that in 2015, the foodservice industry as a whole…