A Better Table Conversations, At The Prosper Forum, Issue 1
Prosper Forum Spotlights Diversity and Leadership
The Prosper Forum, a driving force in uniting leaders to elevate the future of food service and hospitality, recently hosted a series of Savor.fm podcasts onsite at the event. With a mission centered around fostering a "Better Table" for all in the industry, the conversations dived deep into critical topics - Leadership, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Reflecting Prosper's belief that "the more diverse perspectives there are at the proverbial table, the stronger our businesses will be and the more our communities will flourish," these podcasts were a testament to the power of diverse voices and collaborative leadership.
Diversity Data Highlights:
In keeping with the forum's focus on diversity, recent statistics from Zippia provide a snapshot of the current landscape in restaurant worker demographics in the U.S.:
Gender Dynamics: Women make up 38.7% of all restaurant workers, while men comprise 61.3%. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift, with the percentage of male workers increasing from 55.93% in 2010 to 61.35% in 2021. Concurrently, the female worker percentage saw a decline from 44.07% to 38.65%.
Ethnic Breakdown: White workers constitute 57.5% of the industry. They're followed by Hispanic or Latino at 18.6%, Black or African American at 9.6%, and an unspecified category at 6.9%.
These figures underscore the significance of Prosper Forum's commitment to curate a diverse community, ensuring that the industry remains adaptive, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse clientele it serves. The podcasts from the Prosper Forum not only underscore the importance of these numbers but also illuminate pathways for enhanced diversity and leadership in the future.
A Better Table Conversations, At the Prosper Forum 2023 Issue 1
In this episode of "The Turning Tables" podcast, host Kathleen Wood dives into a conversation with Big Chicken CEO, Josh Halpern, during the Prosper Forum conference in Amelia Island, Florida. Big Chicken, launched in 2018 and backed by powerhouses like JRS Hospitality, Authentic Brands Group, and NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, offers a fusion of O'Neal's cherished childhood dishes with modern culinary twists. Halpern details the brand's recent expansions, notably in Rosemont, Illinois, and its debut casino location in Baton Rouge. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes Big Chicken's commitment to franchisees, innovative collaborations like that with Stan's Donuts, and their groundbreaking use of drone lights at their Baton Rouge launch.
"The Restaurant Report,” live from the Prosper Forum, listeners get an inside look at the fast-casual titans Velvet Taco and Starbird. Founded in Dallas in 2011, Velvet Taco's rapid growth, led by CEO Clay Dover, stems from its innovative taco creations and millennial appeal. On the other hand, Aaron Noveshen, CEO of Starbird, a brand established in 2016, is redefining the classic fried chicken experience. With fresh investments and a focus on quality ingredients, both brands have positioned themselves at the forefront of the fast-casual surge. Dive in to learn about their secrets to success, innovative strategies, and visions for the future.
In this episode of "Hospitality Hangout" from Prosper Forum, hosts Michael "The Restaurant Guy" Schatzberg and Jimmy "The Finance Guy" Frischling sit with G.J. Hart, the driving force behind Red Robin's recent resurgence. Delving deep into Hart's remarkable journey from a Dutch immigrant to the CEO of an iconic American food brand, the conversation touches on leadership, authenticity, and the importance of maintaining a people-first approach amidst technological advancements. As Hart reminisces about his beginnings and shares his vision for Red Robin, listeners get a candid glimpse into the essence of brand revitalization and the timeless values at the heart of the restaurant business
In this conversation on "Turning Tables,” hosted by Kathleen Wood at Prosper Forum in Amelia Island, Florida, listeners delve into the vibrant world of Daniella Senior, the force behind Colada Shop. Detailing a journey fueled by her passion for authentic Cuban flavors and the art of hospitality, Senior emphasizes the concept of "Cubanism" - treating guests like family. Beyond the culinary tales, she touches on merging professional and personal realms, promoting the idea of work-life "incorporation." For Senior, empowering her team to innovate—even through mistakes—is pivotal. This episode serves as an inspiring blend of authenticity, determination, and the essence of human connection in the hospitality industry.