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Restaurant Industry Hot Topics Heading into RFDC 2024
By Kevin Stockslager, EVP & Partner, Wray Executive Search
With the Restaurant Finance Monitor’s Restaurant Finance & Development Conference kicking off next month, a review of the agenda can tell a brief tale of the key topics industry leaders are considering as we approach the end of 2024. As always, our team looks forward to sponsoring and attending this year and getting more insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the restaurant industry moving forward.
At a conference like RFDC, expect a lot of focus on the finance and dealmaking side of the business. Industry leaders are slated to present on a variety of related topics, including capital raising strategies for growing restaurant brands, insights from the latest public & private valuations, predictions for the 2025 M&A cycle, and the latest in industry financial trends and forecasts. Conference attendees can surely find myriad panels delivering expert advice on growing their restaurant business.
Predictably, the latest in industry technology will be heavily featured. Scheduled sessions include a range of technology/digital focused topics, including the potential impact of A.I. on increasing efficiency in restaurants, utilizing mobile phone tracking data to help scale growth, successfully integrating and consolidating tech stacks, and the evolution of digital loyalty programs to better attract Gen Z and Gen A consumers.
The discussion around pricing and driving margins has been a hot topic in our tightened economy. This summer, McDonald’s and Starbucks entered the value meal/bundle space. While new Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol recently announced plans to scale back discounts and promotions, the topic of price cuts aimed to drive consumer traffic continues to be a relevant conversation. Additional sessions focus on profitability and traffic trends, the impact of increases in minimum wage, and best practices in four-wall economics.
Finally, we look forward to attending general sessions focused on the current state of the restaurant industry, trends that will define the future of foodservice, and how to address potential challenges facing the industry now and in the future. As always, the event has attracted the industry’s top leaders to share their knowledge and expertise!
I look forward to connecting at RFDC 2024, visit us at Booth 8114 or shoot me a text at 845-863-5562! See everyone in Las Vegas for another amazing event!
All the best,
Kevin Stockslager
845-863-5562
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