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February 5, 2026 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Because the writer of FastCasual.com and a proud Kansas Citian, I’ve at all times mentioned that a few of the greatest management within the restaurant trade is bred proper right here within the coronary heart of the nation.
That is why I’m completely thrilled to share that LEAD, a nonprofit platform devoted to creating the following technology of restaurant expertise, has formally set its 2026 occasion calendar. Even higher? They’re kicking issues off proper right here in my yard.
In partnership with the GLEAM Community, LEAD is tackling some of the persistent hurdles in our trade: the “teaching hole.” We have all seen it — managers and high-potential leaders are so slowed down by day by day shifts and operational fires that the very important work of mentorship and succession planning typically falls by the wayside.
LEAD was based in 2019 to bridge that hole, and the 2026 lineup is a powerhouse.
“Leaders are working shifts fairly than having the ability to step again and coach, impacting particular person profession paths from teaching and improvement, to succession planning,” Amy Hom, LEAD founder and sponsor, mentioned in an organization press launch. “The trade conferences many attend will not be accessible to rising leaders. LEAD opens the door to offer rising professionals entry to the C-Suite leaders who’re altering the tempo of tomorrow.”
Here’s a take a look at what’s coming:
Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, March 24, 2026
We’ll be gathering at Hen n Pickle in North Kansas Metropolis (one in all my private favourite spots for a fantastic vibe and even higher neighborhood). The speaker slate is a “who’s who” of trade veterans, together with:
- Dr. Emily Williams-Knight, President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Affiliation.
- Matt Rolfe, Hospitality Management Coach and Speaker.
- Eric Knott, CEO of Tiki Taco.
- Brad Clarke, CEO of Hen n Pickle.
Dallas, Texas, June 11, 2026
The momentum continues at Mexican Sugar in Plano with an equally spectacular roster:
- Jack Gibbons, CEO of FB Society
- Carin Stutz, Board Member and Former CEO..
- Adam Halberg, CEO of Barcelona Wine Bar.
- Sabrina Scully-Mason, VP of Operations at Sixty Vines.
- Robin Robison, president of Rising Manufacturers at Thrive Restaurant Group.
Why this issues
What I like most about LEAD is its mission of accessibility. Excessive-level government conferences are nice, however they’re typically priced out of attain for the very individuals who want them most: our rising leaders. As a nonprofit, LEAD focuses on hands-on competencies like monetary literacy, strategic pondering, and “GRIT” — the resilience that defines a long-term profession in hospitality.
As Amy Hom, LEAD founder and COO of Barcelona Wine Bar, places it: “LEAD opens the door to offer rising professionals entry to the C-Suite leaders which can be altering the tempo of tomorrow.”
Become involved
Whether or not you are a rising star trying to stage up or an government fascinated about supporting the mission via the LEAD Council or sponsorship, now’s the time to mark your calendars.
I am unable to wait to see a few of you right here in Kansas Metropolis this March. Let’s make 2026 the 12 months we actually put money into the people who find themselves the way forward for quick informal.
About Cherryh Cansler
