About

 

 

 


Welcome to the Supply Chain Expert Exchange Conference

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 Fall Conference is designed to be your go-to event for career development in the foodservice supply chain industry. Picture a conference where every session, discussion, and networking opportunity is crafted to address your specific challenges and drive your professional growth forward.


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 Fall 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, Restaurant 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
Jack in the Box, Inc.

 


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 Supply Chain
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


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 Fall Conference.

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