Jeff's Bagel Run, HugerRush talk tech, strategy on Restaurant Operator Podcast

In this episode of Restaurant Operator Podcast, Cherryh Canlser, publisher of FastCasual, offers an exclusive preview of the heavy-hitting CEO panel, moderated by HungerRush CEO Bill Mitchell, at the upcoming Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 5-7 in Austin. The episode features an insightful conversation with Mitchell and Aman Devgan, HungerRush's Head of Strategy and Marketing. Cansler also discusses a technology-focused panel with Catriona Harris, VP of marketing of Jeff's Bagel Run. Harris will moderate the panel, and Aaron LeClair, VP of Technology, Jeff's Bagel Run, is one of several leaders sharing advice during the session.

Mitchell, who will moderate the CEO Happy Hour Panel (Oct. 7 at 3:45 p.m.) provides a sneak peek into what attendees can expect. With over 30 years of experience, including leadership roles at Papa John's and Cicis Pizza, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. In the podcast, Mitchell shares his hope for an open and honest conversation among the panelists, emphasizing the need to get into the weeds on what's truly top of mind for these industry leaders.

A look at the all-star panel

The podcast serves as a great introduction to the all-star lineup of industry leaders joining Mitchell on the panel. The group includes:

• Jessica DePetro, President and CEO, Bagel Brands
• Claudia Lezcano, CEO, Fuku
• Michele Maerz, President, Salata
• Sarah McAloon, Interim Brand President, Del Taco
• Sherif Mityas, CEO, BRIX Holdings
• Kelly Roddy, CEO and President, WOWorks

This powerful group is set to discuss the pressing issues facing restaurant operators and what's needed to succeed in 2026 and beyond.

A deeper dive into The Restaurant Leader's Playbook

During the conversation, Cansler and Mitchell also discuss HungerRush's publication, The Restaurant Leader's Playbook. Mitchell highlights the critical role technology plays in driving efficiency and impact within restaurant operations, a core principle he's championing at HungerRush.

The conversation then pivots to HungerRush's Menufy, an online ordering platform. He also cautions against common mistakes when choosing an online ordering system, urging them to consider if the platform solves their most critical problems, protects against fraud and allows them to maintain ownership of their brand.

Tech-Driven Growth

The episode also features an interview with Harris, who will moderate a separate panel, "Tech-Driven Franchise Growth: Leveraging Innovation for Scalability and Support." This session will focus on how technology can be strategically employed to optimize franchise operations, streamline communication between franchisors and franchisees, enhance data management for performance insights and support rapid and sustainable growth.

Harris shares her excitement about the panel's lineup, which includes:

• Aaron LeClair, Vice President of Technology, Jeff's Bagel Run.
• Sam Stanovich, SVP Franchise Leadership, Big Chicken.
• Peter Wiley, Director of Marketing & IT, Hot Head Burritos.
• Mehdi Zarhloul, CEO, Crazy Pita Restaurant Group

Register here for the Summit.