2017 Restaurant High Yearbook

Catch ya a next o t the ne!

4 RH !!!

R EVE

K O O B R A E Y #luvinRH2017

Hey I’m hearing RH2019NYC? True?

Had a blast hanging with you in DC! Call me this Summer.

OCTOBER 25-26, 2017 - WASHINGTON, D.C. THE HAMILTON LIVE • THE WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL • DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING BRE AKBRE A D AT RE S TA U RA N T H I G H . C O M

RESTAURANT HIGH WELCOME FROM LOS ANGELES MAYOR ERIC GARCETTI

WATCH VIDEO

Messages from Your Hosts

Riley Lagesen National Restaurant Industry Group Chair Davis Wright Tremaine LLP rileylagesen@dwt.com

Thanks again to all of the faculty, students, and participants who made our two days together in Washington, D.C. this past October such an enjoyable and productive time. It takes a tremendous collaborative effort to produce this event, and we are especially grateful for Alice Elliot and her exceptional team at The Elliot Group, along with our world class co-hosts. On behalf of the 550 attorneys and other professionals at DWT, we are particularly thankful for our restaurant industry clients who inspire and motivate us every day.

Wishing you all a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2018!

Alice Elliot CEO The Elliot Group alice@theelliotgroup.com

On behalf of all my colleagues at The Elliot Group, we were delighted to “Break Bread at Restaurant High” with an incredible group of co-hosts, guests, participants, and honorees. The opportunity for all of us to come together from all over the country and reaffirm our joint commitment to the industry, to the importance of education, and to each other was extraordinary. Riley Lagesen and his dedicated team of professionals at Davis Wright Tremaine were awesome to collaborate with in every way. We look forward to advancing the momentum and importance of this unique event. Can’t wait to continue to innovate and collaborate with many of you. Happy New Year!

DWT SALUTES THE RESTAURANT HIGH CLASS OF 2017!

DWT RESTAURANTS “Like many of us, I learned life’s most important lessons from working in restaurants. Our team exists to help passionate restaurateurs achieve their goals.”

- Riley Lagesen Founder and Chair, DWT National Restaurant Industry Practice Group

When Restaurant Legal Experience Matters, Call the DWT Restaurant Group At DWT, our restaurant group is immersed nationally in restaurant industry transactions, matters, and policy. We’ve spent years building a comprehensive, committed team to proudly serve our great clients better. From headlinegrabbing deals to day-to-day operational matters to bet-the-company cases, our clients rely on us for unrivaled experience, connections, perspective, and service.

Haven’t worked with us yet? We would love to hear from you.

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Franchising and Franchise Litigation

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Alcohol and Regulatory Matters

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Strategic and Nontraditional Growth

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Immigration

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International Development

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Food Safety Counseling & Food Safety Litigation

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Employment Counseling & Litigation

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Tax

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Leasing and Real Estate

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Privacy and Data Security

DWT.COM/RESTAURANTS

A retained, boutique executive search firm specializing in the Food Service, Hospitality, Manufacturing and Retail Industries with a thirty-year history based on recommendation and referral.

A cutting-edge, hands-on consulting team that discovers business-critical issues and provides innovative solutions.

A content studio that creates events and media projects with the intent to “break bread� with extraordinary people.

WWW.THEELLIOTGROUP.COM @TheElliotGroup Thank you to our partner

2017 Star Students

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA

VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED TASTES OF AMERICA

Homer Murray

Bill Murray

Chef and Restaurateur

Actor, Comedian, and Writer

RESTAURANT HIGH HONORARY PRINCIPAL

FOOD PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST

Ashton Eaton

Brianne Theisen-Eaton

Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and World Record-Holding Decathlete

Olympic Heptathlon Bronze Medalist and Good Food Advocate

Dylan Sprouse

Lightshow

Actor and Meadery Owner

Musical Artist

OCTOBER 25, 2017

Rocking out with Roundtables at Restaurant High

“ Yes, the Spicy Italian at Subway was a foot long.

I measured it,” explains DWT’s Sheila Fox Morrison.

“ There is no way I’m paying 16x store level cash flow. Not happenin’!”

Quilvest’s Jay Takefman negotiates a deal while CPK’s Tim Gleeson and Brookwood’s Amy Forrestal look on.

AWWW, you’re number 1 at Restaurant High too! Upward Project’s Lauren Bailey shows some serious school spirit.

“ I shoulda yelled two!”

Murray Bros. Caddyshack’s Mac Haskell and Andy Murray enjoying their sophomore year at Restaurant High.

“ My dog ate my dictionary.” Nekter Juice Bar’s Steve Schulze discusses the origin of the popular So. Cal-based concept name.

Delfina’s Annie Stoll and Dabba’s Andy Mercy discuss the challenges of doing business in San Francisco.

“ Go to Texas. We have no more advice.” Barteca’s Andy Pforzheimer and Cohn Reznick’s Gary Levy discuss top strategies for entering new markets.

“ Blind Trust. Live it. Learn it. Love it.”

DWT’s Jesse Lyon shares the ancient secret to tied house law navigation.

ACG’s Josh Goldin and KarpReilly’s Bill Logan provide tips for emerging brands seeking private equity.

“ The last Restaurant High was WAY funner.” DWT’s Jenna Mooney, Matador’s Ian Brousseau and ChefStable’s Kurt Huffman square off in a Restaurant High bored expression showdown for the ages.

“Is this a 10 gallon or a 5? It feels too small for a 10.” The Kitchen’s Kimbal Musk, Don Degnan and Colin Ness

Fifth-year seniors Russ Bendel and Ira Fils make Restaurant High a HABIT.

“ Do go chasin’ waterfalls.” DWT’s Landes Taylor and North Point’s Jay Sonner lead an advanced course on cap charts and waterfalls for Restaurant High’s honors program.

“ I’m serious, guys. Bill Murray really is coming tomorrow. And I’m doing the interview,” Mendocino Farms’ Mario Del Pero tries to convince the crowd; DOM Capital’s Tony Owen isn’t buying it.

All smiles at Restaurant High as Damian Mogavero (center) finishes his scintillating session with a team pic!

“ Five percent of gross and not a penny more. Are you kidding? It’s a Westfield deal with union labor.” Tastes on the Fly’s Michael Levine strikes a deal with ramen king Ivan Orkin.

SRO at RH! Many sessions, like this one on lessons from San Francisco, attracted standing-room-only crowds.

THE HAMILTON LIVE | OCTOBER 25, 2017

Barteca’s Andy Pforzheimer and Sasa Mahr-Batuz celebrate their Elliot True Trep Awards.

Top Chef’s Gail Simmons receives the Elliot Rock Star Award.

Arlington Capital’s Vann Russell and Matador’s Zak Melang talking Tex Mex and tequila.

Presenters & Winners: Cooper’s Hawk’s Tim McEnery, Greg Dollarhyde, Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi, Alice Elliot & Russ Bendel.

Elliot Award Winner Gail Simmons

Alice Elliot & Eric Herbst

Back of the House’s Adriano Paganini, Alice Elliot and Quilvest’s Jay Takefman

DWT’s Laura Warf & Sheila Fox Morrison with Upward Project’s Amy Hwang

Team PepsiCo looking good!

The Elliot Group striking a pose.

October 26 Classes

“The bar at Farmers & Distillers will be hosted.� Leaders react upon hearing the good news.

The NRA’s Dawn Sweeney, Red Robin’s Denny Marie Post, CAVA’s Brett Schulman, and Omarosa Manigault discuss job creation.

Honorary Principal Ashton Eaton shares Rio and London Olympic gold with Restaurant High students.

World class! Hal Rosser, Alice Elliot & Ashton Eaton flash podium-topping smiles.

Bloomberg’s Mike Halen rocks Restaurant High like cousin Van Halen.

Cherry Bombe’s Kerry Diamond, Ovenly’s Erin Patinkin, Tender Green’s Lina O’Connor, Salt & Straw’s Kim Malek, and Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi take Restaurant High to school.

Nekter’s Alexis Schulze, Upward Project’s Lauren Bailey, Fogo de Chao’s Barry McGowan, and Lemonade’s Alan Jackson share tips on team-building.

Restaurant High claim to fame #23: the only conference where less than half the audience is on their phone at a given time.

TSG’s Blythe Jack: Restaurant High’s 2017 smile contest winner!

“ Have you been to Bismarck in December?”

DWT’s Janet Grumer details the one benefit of doing business in California.

“ $4.95 at TJ Maxx plus tax. Next question.”

Mendocino Farm’s Mario Del Pero fields questions about his pants.

Our fearless leader! Chef and restaurateur Homer Murray as the President of the United Tastes.

The All-Wise Meadery team and friends enjoying their frosh year at RH!

“ Mr. Quayle, I know Bill Murray and you are no Bill Murray.”

Bill Murray as the Vice President of the United Tastes.

Eat, drink & be Murray! Food, family, and fun was the focus of a very special father & son session with Restaurant High’s President & VP.

The Food & Job Mixer DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING Restaurant Leaders, D.C. Teens, Congress and Stars

FOOD & FUN

DWT’s Emily Compagno moderates a dynamic session with performing artist Lightshow, actor and meadery owner Dylan Sprouse and Olympians Ashton Eaton and Brianne Theisen-Eaton.

DWT’s Riley Lagesen and Bill Murray pause for a pic on the way to the Food & Job Mixer.

Dylan Sprouse and Homer Murray enjoy the sunny stroll to the Dirksen Senate Office Building

Tyler and Joseph from LA’s Wurstkuche – you guys are Restaurant High’s Bestkuche!

Straight Outta Napa! Heritage Eats’ Ben Koenig and DWT’s Landes Taylor

Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer and Salt & Straw’s Kim Malek

Congressman Mark Takano from California

40 students from D.C. public schools received job skills training from CAVA, Think Food Group, Barteca, Farmers’ Restaurant Group, DWT, and Cohn Reznick before enjoying the food and show!

Senator Heidi Heitkamp from North Dakota enjoys a bite from Founding Farmers.

House Chaplain Father Patrick Conroy starts the food fair with a blessing.

The Garcia Company’s team from Los Angeles enjoying their freshman year at Restaurant High.

RESTAURANT HIGH THANKS OUR FOOD FAIR PARTICIPANTS! PepsiCo, Purchase, NY Barteca Restaurant Group, Norwalk, CT CAVA, Washington, D.C. Salt & Straw Ice Cream, Portland, OR Taylor Gourmet, Washington, D.C. Founding Farmers, Washington, D.C. Jose Andres/Think Food Group, Washington, D.C. Homer Murray/21 Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY Murray Bros. Caddyshack, Chicago, IL PJ’s Coffee, New Orleans, LA Merriman’s Restaurants/Monkeypod Kitchen, Hawaii, HI

OCTOBER 26, 2017

Restaurant High After-Party at Farmers & Distillers

Graduation Party! The Class of 2017 enjoys an amazing after-party at Farmers & Distillers.

Illegal Pete’s Pete Turner getting legal with DWT!

Members of DWT’s Restaurant High team get a well-deserved break after a busy year of planning!

Thank you to our co-hosts!

House of Representatives Co-Hosts

AlixPartners Restaurant, Hospitality and Leisure team is proud to support Restaurant High as an alum and faculty member.

When it really matters. alixpartners.com

“Unfortunately, compliance and profitability are at odds in this case.”

People who know Restaurants, know BDO. BDO is proud to support the Restaurant High Class of 2017.

From commodity pricing issues, to new IRS regulations, to the Affordable Care Act, the restaurant industry is facing increasing pressure on both margins and profitability. With experience working with hundreds of restaurants ranging from public companies to independents, BDO’s Restaurant Practice draws on extensive experience to help clients drive both profitability and growth.

Lisa Haffer, Tax Partner lhaffer@bdo.com | 513-587-3268 Accountants and Advisors

Dana Zukofsky, Director dzukofsky@bdo.com | 212-885-7236 www.bdo.com/restaurants

© 2017 BDO USA, LLP. All rights reserved.

Together

Let’s Shine.

A shining moment is not about to be interrupted by a spot.

Your job is to create a great experience for your customers. Ours is to make sure clean dishware, flatware and glassware is the least of your concerns. Introducing the SMARTPOWER™ program — a safe, simple, sustainable warewashing solution.

Learn more at ecolab.com/smartpower

TM

Congratulations to the Restaurant High Class of 2017 from the National Restaurant Association!

RESTAURANT.ORG

“Fellow Graduates,

We did it! 2017 was a great year, highlighted by the late October shenanigans in Washington, D.C.

Whenever in the mood for a really good glass of wine, you know who to call.

Your devoted friends at Ste. Michelle Wines Estates…….. Cheers!” www.smwe.com/about

Class of 2017, let’s ensure the only thing we leave at the table are satisfied customers.

We are proud to be a part of the Restaurant High & Break Bread family, and are committed to providing actionable pricing solutions based on real customer insights.

Contact us to find out more: +1 (813) 277-0034 www.revenuemanage.com

truth in numbers + trust in people

Stuck at the airport and can’t get to the hottest restaurant?

We’ll take you there anyway Areas delivers a sense of place to our guests like at Blue Window - based on the famous local take-out window concept in Hollywood. Chefs Kajsa and Susan Feniger created this unique restaurant that has created quite a buzz in the city, and Areas brouught it to Terminal 3 at LAX

ARLINGTON CAPITAL ADVISORS IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF RESTAURANT HIGH…

Vann Russell

Bill Kraus

John Goldasich

Perry Still

…AND THE ARLINGTON TEAM HAS NEVER BEEN TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL! TODAY, WE’RE FORTUNATE TO BE investment bankers TO SOME OF THE BEST BRANDS AND MOST DYNAMIC ENTREPRENEURS IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY. look forward to the next time class is in session!

www.arlingtoncapitaladvisors.com

Thank you for a great conference, Restaurant High!

Looking forward to next year!

CLASS OF 2017

Consumer Investment Banking San Francisco 50 California Street Suite 3100 San Francisco, CA 94111 Minneapolis 800 Nicollet Mall Suite 1000 Minneapolis, MN 55402 New York 345 Park Avenue Suite 1200 New York, NY 10154

Damon Chandik Tosh Dhanalal Melissa French Michael Hoffman Kevin Krouse

Janica Lane Scott LaRue Dan Oxenham Thomas Ragsdale Matt Roghair

Carlos Sanchez Brian Smith Abe Thomas Kim Tung Wasley John Twichell

Thank you from DWT’s Restaurant High 2017 Faculty & Team: Riley Lagesen, Melanie Broome, Ashley Brown, Diane Butler, Aaron Colby, Alli Condra, Allison Davis, Cliff DeGroot, Chip English, Dave Ernst, Knute Gregg, Janet Grumer, William Helmuth, Amy Hwang, Matt LeMaster, Jesse Lyon, Jenna Mooney, Sheila Fox Morrison, Gillian Murphy, Christin McMeley, Alexander Reynolds, Erica Rosales, Roy Salins, Michelle Salter, Andrew Schultheis, Landes Taylor, Sarah Tune, Laura Warf, Michael Zahn, Emily Compagno, Tara de Borja, Henny Damian, Hallie Terrell, Nicole Stoffels, Jessica Kutz, Audrey Lamb, Kate Boronkay, and Karen Dieter

DWT.COM/RESTAURANTS Anchorage | Bellevue | Los Angeles | New York | Portland San Francisco | Seattle | Shanghai | Washington, D.C.