Step inside the fast-paced, high-stakes world of restaurant finance and development with this episode of TechBytes! Join host Rob Grimes as he sits down with John Hamburger—the visionary founder of the Restaurant Finance Monitor and the renowned Restaurant Finance & Development Conference (RFDC)—for a wide-ranging conversation packed with exclusive insights, colorful industry stories, and actionable guidance for restaurant professionals everywhere.
Discover the origins and evolution of the industry’s premier conference, coming to Las Vegas November 10-12 and entering its 34th year. Learn what makes this annual gathering a powerhouse for restaurant owners, franchisees, investors, and key suppliers: from in-depth bootcamps and specialized workshops to the dynamic, deal-driven networking ecosystem where some of the industry’s biggest moves are made. John shares how the event balances finance, technology, education, and real-world operator needs—attracting not just CFOs and bankers, but also private equity leaders, franchise powerhouses, and tech innovators.
Explore this year’s highlights, including exclusive keynote interviews with Craig Culver (Culver’s founder), a drone technology pioneer, labor market analysts, and the legendary golfer John Daly—plus the much-anticipated “Around the Industry in 60 Minutes” power session, where top Wall Street minds deliver essential, actionable insights for operators. Listen as John reveals how trends in AI, digital ordering, franchising, and off-premise sales are radically changing restaurant business models—and how conference programming directly responds to the evolving challenges of today’s market.
This episode peels back the curtain on networking secrets, like how attending operators can connect directly with decision-makers and competitors via the conference app, and why sponsors and suppliers flock to the marketplace for real industry conversations—not sales pitches. John and Rob also discuss the impact of major recent acquisitions and the rising influence of C-stores and non-traditional players in the foodservice space.
Whether you’re a seasoned restaurant executive, a first-time operator, an investor, or someone intrigued by the business behind your favorite hospitality brands, this episode is for you. And don’t miss your opportunity to attend RFDC November 10-12.
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