A Better Table Conversations, At The Prosper Forum, Issue 2

Prosper Forum Spotlights Diversity and Leadership

The Power of Unity in Foodservice & Hospitality

The Prosper Forum, an intentional community dedicated to elevating the future of foodservice and hospitality, recently hosted a series of transformative podcasts. As part of its mission to "Unite Leaders to Elevate the Future of Foodservice & Hospitality," the podcasts gathered a myriad of diverse voices, including top-tier influencers in the industry.

Focused on topics like leadership, diversity, and inclusion, these podcasts are not just conversations; they're actionable outcomes that resonate with the vision of a "More Prosperous and Just World."

Leadership at the Forefront

The Prosper Forum underscores the collective responsibility leaders in foodservice and hospitality hold in ensuring long-term industry success. The podcasts amplify this message by highlighting innovative leadership strategies, managerial best practices, and sustainable growth models.

Diversity Data Spotlight:

According to research by Zippia, which analyzed a database of 30 million profiles, over 8,892 restaurant workers are currently employed in the United States.

• 38.7% of restaurant workers are women; 61.3% are men.

• The most common ethnicity is White (57.5%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (18.6%), Black or African American (9.6%), and Unknown (6.9%).

• In 2022, women earned 101% of what men earned.

• 8% of all restaurant workers are LGBT.

Inclusion: A Collective Commitment

The podcasts at Prosper Forum reiterate the importance of inclusion, emphasizing how a "Better Table" leads to better business and, consequently, a better world. With an open dialogue on the challenges and opportunities presented by diversity, the Prosper Forum serves as a catalyst for meaningful change.

By uniting under the banner of Prosper, industry leaders can curate a "diverse and impactful community" that not only addresses the immediate needs but also lays the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future.

A Better Table Conversations, At The Prosper Forum, Issue 2

In this conversation on "The Restaurant Report" host Paul Barron, takes you inside Prosper Forum to sit down with leaders from two trailblazing fast-casual brands: Big Chicken and Dog Haus. Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern reveals the secrets behind the brand's remarkable growth and its mission to cater to next-gen consumer demands. Meanwhile, the team from Dog Haus talks about their innovative approach to gourmet hot dogs and sausages, featuring plant-based options and unique flavor combinations. Tune in to discover how these two brands are shaping the future of foodservice and hospitality through adaptability, innovation, and a keen understanding of evolving consumer preferences.

In this episode of "Fast Casual Nation" with host Paul Barron, we delve into the fast-rising success of Craveworthy Brands, a multi-concept restaurant group founded just last year by industry veteran Gregg Majewski. Recorded at the Prosper Forum, the episode features Majewski sharing insights into the group's rapid growth, recent acquisition of Mongolian Concepts, and a sneak peek into new brand acquisitions for 2023. With a portfolio ranging from Wing It On! to Genghis Grill, Craveworthy Brands is redefining fast casual dining through innovative concepts, targeted market segments, and experienced leadership. Tune in to learn how this restaurant group is set to make even more waves in the fast casual sector.

In this episode of "Hospitality Hangout," hosts Michael Schatzberg, known as "The Restaurant Guy," and Jimmy Frischling, "The Finance Guy," sit down with industry legend Don Fox, Chairman of Firehouse Subs. Recorded with the backdrop of a bustling restaurant industry, this conversation spans Fox's inspiring journey from dishwashing to leading a chain of over 1,200 Firehouse Subs locations. The episode not only delves into hard-won lessons from five decades in the restaurant business but also features lighthearted banter about celebrity influence, namely NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal, and insights into the role of technology in modern hospitality. Tune in for a rich blend of industry wisdom, humor, and a forward-looking perspective on the evolving restaurant landscape.

On "The Restaurant Report" hosted by Paul Barron, Stefanie Miller, President, Away From Home at Kellogg Company, dives into the transformative changes reshaping how we eat when we're not at home. Recorded at the Prosper Forum, Miller unpacks the evolving trends in C-Stores, military dining, and college cafeterias, focusing on the rise of snacking and the growing demand for healthier options. Backed by data that shows 69% of consumers are increasing their snacking occasions and the surge in sales for healthier snacks, Miller offers key insights into the future of food service. Tune in to hear what lies ahead as consumers increasingly opt for convenient, yet balanced, eating choices.