With 2025 just around the corner, operations teams are busy putting their technology strategies in place to support growth initiatives, lower costs, and improve productivity. At FSTEC, September 16-18, 2024, in Grapevine, Texas, Crunchtime is leading an Innovation Forum entitled "Hot Topics to Shape the 2025 Tech Agenda," where we'll discuss these topics and more with a distinguished panel of restaurant technology leaders.
In this dynamic panel discussion, we’ll hit on some of the hot topics that will help you shape your plans to meet new objectives in the coming year. Whether your priority is more automation and AI to support accelerated growth, data analytics for deeper business intelligence, tech stack consolidation and integration to simplify administration, or determining the best model to enable franchisees, our panel of tech leaders will inspire you to meet the challenges of 2025 head-on.
The forum will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 16, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in conference room Grapevine 4-5. The panel will be moderated by James Byrne, Enterprise Director for Crunchtime, and he'll be joined by three Crunchtime customers who will share their strategies and priorities heading into the new year.
Meet the Panelists
Dawn Gillis
Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Golden Corral Corporation
Dawn Gillis is Sr. Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Golden Corral Corporation, one of America’s favorite buffet chains. Her mission? To lead Golden Corral into innovative spaces by leveraging cutting-edge technology systems and applications. She is tasked with leading the brand's digital growth strategy, modernizing Golden Corral's technology stack, and contributing to the company's upcoming fast-casual concept, Homeward Kitchen.
Dawn held multiple senior roles during her 15 years at 7-11 and was named one of five recipients of the prestigious Top Women in Convenience award in 2018. As the Chief Technology Officer for Tavistock Freebirds, LLC, Dawn navigated turbulent market conditions, transforming Freebirds World Burrito’s technological infrastructure. Her efforts maximized sales efficiencies and improved customer service. At Torchy’s Tacos, she faced the unprecedented challenge of evolving the brand during a global pandemic. Dawn successfully transitioned Torchy’s business model from 20% pick-up and delivery to a remarkable 100% in record time.
Chris White
Senior Director of Inventory and Menu Systems
OTG Concessions Management
Chris White is a Senior Director of Inventory and Menu Systems at OTG Concessions Management, a leading player in the airport hospitality industry with more than 350 locations across 11 of the world's busiest airports.
Joining the company in 2021, he brings extensive experience in Operations, IT, and Project Management to his role. Previously, Chris served as a Senior IT Manager at Le Duff America. At OTG, he has played a key role in optimizing backend data structures for faster and more efficient retrieval and updates. Additionally, Chris has collaborated with the Crunchtime product team to integrate POGs into Crunchtime, reducing discrepancies in order guides.
Dave Karpinski
Director of Restaurant Technology
Ascent Hospitality Management
Dave Karpinski is a seasoned retail IT leader with over two decades of experience in technical management and leadership roles within large global companies. He currently serves as the Director of Restaurant Technology at Ascent Hospitality Management, the parent company of Huddle House and Perkins restaurants. His expertise includes project and product management, quality assurance, and the management of software development lifecycles. Dave holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and multiple certifications, including PMP, MCP, and CSPO. He has successfully led various technology initiatives across companies like On The Border, HD Supply, FOCUS Brands (now GoTo Foods), and Subway.
Click here to learn more about this event and schedule time with us at our booth.
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