Ask the Experts Roundtable


Attendees will sit down with a few of the experts for a rapid-fire Q&A session on sales, marketing, operations and catering program growth.

Presenters
Leah Gasparovic
Director of Catering
Steak 'n Shake
With 15 years of operations and strategic leadership experience in the food service industry, Leah Gasparovic is a seasoned catering, off-premises, and operations support expert that drives revenue, growth, team development, and operational excellence. Leah began her career at Panera learning the ins & outs of catering and helping to expand and develop the catering program. Expanding her operational and off-premise experience at CAVA gave her the ideal perspective to join Steak 'n Shake and build a catering program that will make an impact for years to come.
Brittany Mercer
Director of Marketing
Cowboy Chicken
Brittany Mercer is a results-driven marketing executive with over 16 years of experience leading high-impact strategies across the restaurant industry. She specializes in local store marketing, off-premise growth, and brand development that drives both top-line sales and long-term brand equity. With a background rooted in operations and catering sales, Brittany brings a deep understanding of what matters most to restaurant operators: practical, actionable marketing that moves the needle. Known for blending creative storytelling with data-informed decisions, she’s passionate about building loyal guest relationships, supporting field teams, and creating marketing programs that feel as authentic as they are effective.
Amanda Quinn
Director of Catering
VIVA Chicken
Amanda Quinn is the Director of Catering at VIVA Chicken, where she leads the brand’s fast-growing catering program from strategy to flawless execution. Known for building high-performing teams and seamless guest experiences, Amanda partners closely with operations, marketing, and community groups to deliver fresh, Peruvian-inspired meals at scale. She focuses on streamlined processes, reliable logistics, and long-term client relationships—ensuring every event reflects VIVA Chicken’s quality and hospitality.
Host
Kelly Grogan
Founder & CEO
CRUMBS
Kelly Grogan is a highly successful executive in the hospitality industry with extensive experience and achievements in driving revenue growth in both B2B and B2C settings. With a keen understanding of market dynamics and consumer preferences, she has consistently devised and executed innovative sales strategies that have propelled her employers and clients to new heights of success. Her tenure in the restaurant space has been marked by a series of notable accomplishments. Through strategic partnerships, targeted marketing initiatives, and an ability to build from the ground up, Kelly has grown both new and established departments to achieve significant incremental revenue growth. By leveraging her expertise in identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends, as well as her ability to work cross-functionally across all departments, she has seen great success at both the corporate and local store levels.