State of the Restaurant Industry, Part 2:
The Restaurant Economy Today, Insights from Industry Analysts
June 22, 12-1 p.m. ET via Zoom
What’s really happening in the restaurant industry right now—and what does it mean for you? In this can’t-miss Live Online conversation, leading industry analysts break down the data behind today’s most pressing trends, from shifting consumer behavior and rising costs to emerging opportunities and growth sectors. Go beyond the headlines to understand what the numbers are telling us—and how to apply those insights to your own business or career. Whether you’re an operator, consultant, or simply passionate about the future of hospitality, this dynamic discussion will equip you with the clarity and confidence to navigate the restaurant economy today.
Alicia Kelso is executive editor of Nation’s Restaurant News, a role she has held since 2022. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010, with bylines at QSRweb, FastCasual, and Pizza Marketplace, and later contributed to Restaurant Dive and Forbes. Her work has appeared widely, including in NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain’s Chicago, and Good Morning America. Alicia holds a journalism degree from Bowling Green State University, where she was a four-time Academic All-American swimmer and the program’s first three-time captain. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.
Michelle Korsmo is president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association, the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises more than 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 15.7 million employees. In this role, Korsmo is responsible for delivering value to the Association’s members, 52 state association partners, and the restaurant industry. With Korsmo’s leadership, the Association continues to pursue a vision for a thriving restaurant and foodservice community that shapes America as engines of opportunity, connection, and economic growth.
Restaurant Business Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Maze is a longtime, award-wining industry journalist who writes about restaurant finance, mergers and acquisitions and the economy, with a particular focus on quick-service restaurants. He writes daily about the factors influencing the operating environment, including labor and food costs and various industry trends such as technology and delivery. He is a regular on the Today Show and appears regularly on television, podcasts and radio, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Newsweek, NPR and others. He writes a weekly financed-focused newsletter, The Bottom Line, and hosts two different podcasts, A Deeper Dive and The Week in Restaurants.
Rich Shank is Senior Principal and Vice President of Innovation at Technomic, one of the foodservice industry’s leading research and consulting organizations. A respected analyst and strategic advisor, he specializes in consumer behavior, menu innovation, restaurant trends, and the economic forces shaping the hospitality sector. Rich works closely with restaurant operators, manufacturers, and foodservice brands to identify emerging opportunities and shifting market dynamics. Known for combining deep research with practical industry insight, he frequently presents at national conferences and industry events. His expertise helps hospitality professionals better understand today’s rapidly changing restaurant economy and evolving consumer expectations.
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