[RLC Preview] Leaders from Burger King, Fox Restaurant Concepts, and Smalls Sliders to Share Strategies for Growth

Growth is on the agenda for 2025, with many restaurant brands aiming to add 10, 50, or even hundreds of new locations throughout the year. Growing quickly is difficult enough, but it can be fraught with challenges if you are not well prepared.

At the upcoming Restaurant Leadership Conference, April 13-16, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ, Crunchtime is hosting an Innovation Forum where three top customers will share how they have equipped their teams for successful growth. Learn about their best strategies for critical priorities, from managing food and labor costs to ensuring the quality of work being done in each location. Focusing on achieving operational excellence across every location, these high-growth brands will share their secrets to success that enable them to scale with confidence. 

The Innovation Forum will be moderated by Nikki Perry, Crunchtime's Chief Revenue Officer, and will take place on Tuesday, April 15, at 11:45 a.m. in Grand Sonoran B.

Meet the Panelists

April Jianto, Director of Operations Execution, Burger King

April Jianto is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the quick-service restaurant industry, currently serving as the Director of Operations Execution for Burger King at Restaurant Brands International (RBI). Throughout her career, April has demonstrated a commitment to operational excellence, strategic innovation, and effective leadership, contributing significantly to the growth and success of the brands she has been associated with.

Her tenure at RBI is marked by a series of progressive roles, reflecting her versatility and leadership within the organization. Prior to her current position, April was the Senior Manager of Franchise Success for Popeyes, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing franchise operations and relationships. She also previously served as the Senior Manager of Restaurant Systems for RBI Global Operations, focusing on optimizing restaurant technologies and systems across the company's global footprint. Prior to honing her experience in Operations, she also held roles in other departments at RBI, including HR and IT.

April holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Decision Sciences from Carnegie Mellon University and speaks Mandarin fluently. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, traveling with her dog, and finding the next restaurant to try out.

Lance Hoiby, Vice President of Information Technology, Fox Restaurant Concepts

Lance Hoiby joined Fox Restaurant Concepts (FRC) in 2018 as Vice President of Information Technology to lead FRC on its journey to elevate technology solutions. Lance is responsible for developing technology strategy and leading his team to execute across the 12 brands of the FRC enterprise. Establishing sound networking and security infrastructure allowed Lance and his team to pursue significant application investments to improve operational efficiency and cost management via integrated inventory, food cost, and recipe management solutions. The addition of kitchen management and digital guest platforms helps operational teams deliver great hospitality to guests. Lance and his team continue to drive innovations for the growing national footprint of FRC restaurants. Previously at Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Lance led a global team of tech professionals to deliver application and business intelligence solutions for hotels and restaurants around the world.

Kris Douglas, Vice President of Technology, Smalls Sliders

Kris Douglas, Vice President of Technology for Smalls Sliders, stands as an innovative technology leader with a wealth of experience across diverse industries, including QSR, consumer goods, and financial services. Over the years, Kris has consistently showcased an ability to drive change through strategic technology solutions, practical planning, and process development, effectively eliminating business obstacles. Kris’ ability to navigate the intricacies of various industries reflects his deep expertise and dedication to fostering innovation and driving results. Kris is, without a doubt, a driving force in today’s technology-driven world.

The path to scaling successfully requires smart strategies, operational discipline, and the right technology in place. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable takeaways from Burger King, Fox Restaurant Concepts, and Smalls Sliders on April 15 at 11:45 a.m. in Grand Sonoran B. Click here to learn more.