Restaurant Trends

2024

On May 13th, we gathered over one hundred industry professionals at Boston’s City Winery in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Restaurant Trends. Restaurant operators, lawyers, bankers, brokers, and more packed the Haymarket Lounge and were treated to two hours of valuable insights on topics such as innovation, development, and expansion trends driving success in the restaurant and hospitality space. Highlights included a macroeconomic and restaurant outlook presentation by Christopher Shaker, CPA (RSM US LLP), a dynamic panel conversation moderated by Nicole Estaphan (WCVB Channel 5’s Chronicle) and featuring Kristin Clough Canty (Woods Hill Table, Woods Hill Pier 4, Adelita), Eli Feldman (Shy Bird and Branch Line), Jonathan Martin (Newmark), and Jordan Warshaw (The Noannet Group), who discussed everything from AI in the restaurant world, to the benefits and challenges of sustainability, and some of the biggest challenges that come up in developing a hotel.

We rounded out the programming portion with a local industry report from Boston Restaurant Group’s Charlie Parker and closing remarks by Andy Rosenbloom at Buyers Edge Platform. Most notably, the event raised $5,000 for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Education Foundation, which Jennifer Almeida and Payton Liddell graciously accepted.

We were delighted to see so many industry professionals come together to learn more about the latest trends and engage in meaningful discussions. This event provided a unique platform for networking and sharing thoughts on the challenges owners and operators face in a competitive market.

Thanks again to our generous sponsors, whose support made this possible: RSM US LLP, Buyers Edge Platform, Boston Magazine, Marcum LLP, TriMark USA, Cambridge Savings Bank, Cafco Construction Management, LLC, and USI Insurance Services.

Read the full recap here

2021

Welcoming Remarks
Michael Dorf, Founder & CEO, City Winery
Bob Luz, President of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association

Operator Panel

  • Moderator: Scott Kearnan, Food & Entertainment Editor, Boston Magazine
  • Eric Papachristos, Co-Owner of Trade, Porto, and Saloniki Greek
  • Peter Ungár, Chef and Owner, Tasting Counter
  • Rebecca Kean, CFO/Operations Manager, Brassica Kitchen

Current Trends in the Boston Restaurant Industry

  • Charlie Perkins, Founder, Boston Restaurant Group

Macroeconomic Trends Which Impact the Restaurant Sector

  • Chris Shaker, Partner, Retail & Restaurant, RSM

Government Panel

  • Moderator: Joe Piantedosi, Radio Talk Show Host “Breaking Bread” on NorthShore 104.9FM. WBOQ, and Executive Vice President & Co-Owner, Piantedosi Baking Company, Inc.
  • Dr. Yvonne M. Spicer, Mayor, City of Framingham
  • Kimberley Driscoll,  Mayor, City of Salem
  • Jean M. Lorizio, Esq., Chair, Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission

A portion of the proceeds from the event went to Lovin’ Spoonfuls, a non-profit food rescue.

Video Links:

Click here to view full program

2019

Session 1
Annual Restaurant Trends update of the current trends in the Boston restaurant area – Charlie Perkins of Boston Restaurant Group

Session 2
Radio program and panel discussion: The Next Great Generation – Millennials as Customers and Employees

Session 3
Panel Discussion: Sailing Through Unchartered Waters with Captains of the Local Restaurant Industry

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2018

Special Restaurant Trends event, a tasting event to benefit 826 Boston, a non-profit youth writing and publishing organization.

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2017

25 Years of New England Restaurant Trends

  • What’s Next? Tracking a Quarter Century of Consumer Behaviors & What to Expect Next
  • Ingredients for Success: The Legal Sea Foods Story
  • Panel: Lessons Learned from Local Industry Leaders

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2016

  • The Greater Boston/Cambridge Restaurant Scene
  • Current Restaurant Trends – National Outlook
  • The Lettuce Entertain You Story – Corporate Culture Matters

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2015

  • Current Restaurant Trends
  • Growth Strategies for Your Restaurant Group
  • Looking Back on Ten Years: The ES Case Study

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2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009