Meet the 35+ Restaurant Industry MVPs Leading the Conversation at Ops Summit 2026

As we gear up for Crunchtime’s customer conference, Ops Summit 2026, we’re more excited than ever to showcase the breadth of expertise and operational excellence coming straight from the Crunchtime community. This annual event is a cornerstone for learning, networking, and shaping the future of restaurant operations, and this year’s customer presenters are helping make it one of our most inspiring lineups yet.

Taking place from March 16 to 18, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, Ops Summit brings together operators, technologists, and training leaders for focused conversations on inventory, labor, kitchen management, task execution, restaurant technology, and more.

What sets Ops Summit apart is the opportunity to learn directly from peers. Customer-led sessions showcase how leading brands are solving challenges, scaling best practices, and driving operational excellence.

This year’s presenters represent a diverse mix of restaurant, hospitality, and cruise brands, each bringing hands-on insights and firsthand experiences that attendees can apply in their own operations.

Meet the 2026 Customer Presenters

Here’s a look at the customer speakers presenting across the two-day event:

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

• Dennis Ogaard, Senior Manager, Operations Services

Ascent Hospitality Management

• Craig Story, Director of Training

Buffalo Wild Wings

• Chad Steves, Director, Technology Operations

Caffè Nero

• Adam Tekiela, Senior Systems Analyst

Chili’s (Brinker International)

• Craig Moore, Product Owner, POS & KDS

Dave & Buster’s, Inc.

• Barry Milinsky, Sr. Director of Operations Strategy & NSOs
• Matt Patridge, Program Manager

Dave’s Hot Chicken

• Leon Davoyan, Chief Technology Officer

DMCP Group LLC (Dunkin’ Franchisee)

• Danielle Neal, Assistant Director, Business Systems

Dunkin’

• Peter McDonough, Sr. Manager, Technology Operations

Fazoli’s

• Logan Middleton, Point of Sale Administrator

Fox Restaurant Concepts

• Lance Hoiby, Vice President of Information Technology

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

• Brian Wise, Chief Operating Officer

Golden Corral

• Kimberly Johnson, Senior Instructional Designer

Gong cha

• Gabriella Parck, Franchise Business Consultant
• Rebecca Kahn, Senior Director of Master Franchising Operations for North America

GoTo Foods

• Geoff Herrera, Sr. Director of Strategic Ops Services

Lazy Dog Restaurants, LLC

• Jarrod East, Chief Technology Officer

Miguel’s Jr.

• Christopher Hatt, Director of Learning & Development

MSC Cruises

• Andrea Sgueglia, IT Procurement and Logistics Manager
• Patrick Apostolo, Business Transformation Director
• Tiziana Capponi, Head of IT Services Support Functions

OTG Management

• Chris White, Senior Director of Inventory and Menu Systems

P.F. Chang’s

• Edward Kulik, Food & Beverage Systems Manager
• Sara Sorg, Director of Restaurant Technology
• Scott Burton, Director of Operations Services

Panini Kabob Grill

• Ali Kazemi, Vice President of Operations
• Harry Lopez, Vice President of HR and Director of Operations

Pizza Ranch

• Jason Lechner, Director of Training & Development

Princess Cruises

• Allan Edwards, Manager, Fleet Inventory and Newbuild

Royal Caribbean Group

• Brenda Almengor, Director, Global Inventory

Silver Diner

• Andrea Viorel, Director of Training

Smoothie King

• Jyoti Lynch, Chief Information Officer

Tacala Companies

• Ken Guardino-Lucatero, Ops Services Director

Torchy’s Tacos

• Kevin Truong, Director of IT, New Store Openings (NSO)

Wingstop Restaurants, Inc.

• Ian Davis, Brand Standards Analyst

Zaxby’s

• Krista Mitchell, Operations Systems Manager

Plus, attendees will hear from top operators who have harnessed the power of Crunchtime to achieve outstanding results during the Ops Excellence Awards, celebrating innovation, impact, and operational leadership across the industry.

It’s Not Too Late to Join the Action at Ops Summit 2026

If you’re looking to learn from industry peers, gain actionable insights, and connect with leaders shaping the future of restaurant operations, Ops Summit 2026 is the place to be. Register today to secure your spot and be part of the conversations driving operational excellence forward.