About

Welcome to the Supply Chain Expert Exchange Conferece

Welcome to the National Restaurant Association's Supply Chain Expert Exchange – the ultimate hub for restaurant and hospitality supply chain professionals. Our community hosts two face-to-face conferences annually, with one taking place in Spring and the other in Fall. Consider our events as anchors for our year-round community to unite.

The Spring Conference, carefully designed by professionals in foodservice supply chain, features valuable educational sessions and a dynamic space for networking. Our commitment is to deliver practical and actionable content that adds real value. Join us in shaping the future of supply chain excellence in the foodservice industry!

Who Attends

The conference is only open to restaurant operators and those who work in supply chain management for restaurant or hospitality companies. Join us and forge valuable connections with professionals from diverse chains, including:

ARCOP, Inc (Arby's Supply Chain Co-op) Brinker International Centralized Supply Chain Services, LLC Chick-fil-A FAT Brands Inc.

Five Guys Enterprises LLC Hissho Sushi Insomnia Cookie International Dairy Queen Jersey Mike's Subs

NDCP (Dunkin' Supply Chain Coop) Noodles & Company Nothing Bundt Cakes Out of the Box Brands Panda Restaurant Group

Texas Roadhouse Tropical Smoothie Café Whataburger

Year-round Network

More than an event, the Supply Chain Expert Exchange Conference is an opportunity to join a year-round network of experienced supply chain professionals. Join a community of professionals who understand your industry, ready to collaborate and share insights. Attending the Spring Conference isn't just a one-time event; it means joining a year-round network you can tap into whenever challenges arise.

Governing Board

Meet our dynamic governing board, the architects behind the event agenda.

Kristi Kingery (Chair)
Senior Vice President, Supply Chain
Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Dessi Zaneva (Vice Chair)
Vice President, Strategic Sourcing
Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc.

Joelle Johnson (Secretary)
Senior Director & General Manager, Supply Chain
Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC

Chris McNutt (Treasurer)
Senior Vice President, Supply Chain
GoTo Foods

Stephen Hawrylik
Vice President, Commodities Management
Inspire Brands

Les Karel
Executive Vice President, Equipment Solutions
National DCP, LLC (Dunkin’ Supply Chain Cooperative)

Kyle Lindelof
Vice President, Food & Beverage Procurement
Brinker International

Anissa Mandell Chance
President
ARCOP, Inc. (Arby's Supply Chain Cooperative)

Kirsten Michulka
President and CEO
Independent Purchasing Cooperative

Carl Mount
Chief Supply Chain Officer
Zaxby’s Franchising LLC

Joel Neikirk
Chief Executive Officer
Restaurant Services, Inc

Roland Ornelas
Chief Supply Chain Officer
Panda Restaurant Group

Krista Pohlman
Vice President, Operational Excellence
Wendy’s Quality Supply Chain Co-op, Inc.

Steven Rodgers
Vice President, Product Supply & Distribution
Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC

Randy Scruggs
Vice President of Procurement
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

Advisory Council

John Barone
President
Market Vision, Inc.

Ron Cegnar
President
CEO Partners

Jeff Dorr
Division President - SaaS
Buyers Edge

Brock Furlong
President & CEO
Stampede Meat

Greg Keller
Senior Vice President, National Accounts Sysco, SYGMA, and Guest Worldwide
Sysco Corporation

James Kennedy
JHK Advisory LLC

Joyce Mazero
Shareholder
Polsinelli PC

Heidi York
Director of Foodservice Sales
Cargill

Dhamu Thamodaran

Officer Emeriti

David Cox
Founder/CEO
Cox Supply Chain Management Advisors

Charlie Lousignont
Supply Chain Executive/Industry Consultant
Charles Lousignont LLC

Matthew Riddleberger
Principle
Riddleberger Advisory

Stay in the know

Operator? Join the mailing list to be updated on all things Supply Chain Expert Exchange Spring Conference.

Supplier or consultant? Contact partnerships@restaurant.org for more information about the event.