Operations
Aloha, Innovation: Why L&L’s Eddie Flores Jr is a must-see at RFIS 2026
Anyone who knows Eddie knows he brings a witty, frank and refreshingly honest perspective to the table. He's going to talk about the "unconventional" strategies — the ones they don't always teach you in B-school — that led L&L to eight consecutive #1 Asian food franchise rankings.
January 9, 2026 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
If you've been in the restaurant industry for more than five minutes, you know the "American Dream" isn't just a catchy phrase — it's the fuel that keeps us opening doors at 5 a.m. and perfecting recipes at midnight. But how do you take a single, unique concept from a local favorite to a global powerhouse?
That is exactly why I am so excited about our opening keynote at the 2026 Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, being held March 16-18, in San Diego.
We are welcoming Eddie Flores Jr., the co-founder of the legendary L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, to the stage to share his journey. If you aren't familiar with the L&L story (though your taste buds probably are!), Eddie took a Hawaii-based brand and scaled it into the largest chain of its kind in the U.S.
His session, "Franchising the American Dream," isn't going to be your typical "corporate-speak" keynote. Anyone who knows Eddie knows he brings a witty, frank and refreshingly honest perspective to the table. He's going to talk about the "unconventional" strategies — the ones they don't always teach you in B-school — that led L&L to eight consecutive No. 1 Asian food franchise rankings.
Why should you be in the room?
Whether you are a founder looking to franchise your first unit, a multi-unit operator searching for your next big investment or a veteran looking to spark some new marketing magic, Eddie's insights are pure gold. We're going to dive into:
- Identifying the "Big Idea": How to know if your concept is truly "franchise-able."
- Navigating risk: The frank reality of scaling and how to protect your brand.
- Community impact: Why fostering a local connection is the secret sauce to long-term success.
But that's just the start of the week.
From March 16–18, we'll be soaking up the San Diego sun and diving into sessions about profit, AI, tech roadmaps, marketing, menu trends and the future of real estate — all while networking with the brightest minds in the business.
Speakers include:
- Erin Amadeo – Chief Marketing Officer, R&R Brands.
- Brian Bailey – Founder & CEO, Old Carolina Barbecue Co.
- Chris Bremer – Chief Development Officer, Smoothie King.
- Chris Cheek – Chief Development Officer, Newk's Eatery.
- Chris Demery – Chief Technology Officer, Blaze Pizza.
- Alicia DiStefano – VP, Practice Lead, QSR & Dining, InMarket.
- Craig Dunaway – Chief Operating Officer, Penn Station East Coast Subs.
- Stacey Gelber – Vice President of Human Resources, Blaze Pizza.
- Brittney Wilganowski Harrison – Head of Revenue, HigherMe.
- Kenny Hom – SVP Operations, Supply Chain & Development, Bushfire Kitchen.
- Troy Hooper – CEO, Hot Palette Holdings.
- Jay Jhun – Senior Director, Loyalty and Digital, Church's Texas Chicken.
- Stacey Kane – Chief Marketing Officer, Multiple Brands.
- Basil Kazepis – VP of Real Estate and Construction, Little Caesars Pizza.
- Seth Larsen – Chief Relationship Officer, Cheba Hut.
- Mike LaRue – Vice President of Franchise Development, Angry Chickz.
- Kerry Leo – Vice President of Technology, Shipley Do-Nuts.
- John Lucas – VP of Brand & Franchise Development, Farmer Boys.
- Craig Miller – Co-Author of "Bricks and Clicks," Forbes Books.
- Chris Noffze – Director of Direct Franchising, Operations, Gong cha Americas.
- Joseph Ortiz – President & COO, Farmer Boys.
- Josh Patrick – VP of Culinary & Procurement, Rock N Roll Sushi.
- Jeff Perera – Co-Founder & Vice President, Jeff's Bagel Run.
- Robin Robison – President of Emerging Brands, Thrive Restaurant Group (Modern Market Eatery & HomeGrown Daytime Eatery).
- James Roussos – Franchise Business Consultant, Chicken Salad Chick.
- Jennifer Schuler – CEO, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream.
- Brian Simowitz – President, Houston TX Hot Chicken.
- Paul Sinowitz – Chief Supply Chain Officer, QDOBA Mexican Eats.
- Dan Smith – President, Rusty Taco.
- Shak Turner – Director of Franchise Expansion, Wienerschnitzel.
- Carlo Verdugo – VP of Franchise Operations & Development, Juice It Up!
- Matthew Walls – President and Chief Stores Officer, Edible Brands.
- Liz Williams – CEO, El Pollo Loco.
The restaurant industry is changing faster than ever, and if you aren't innovating, you're standing still. Come for the inspiration from legends like Eddie Flores Jr., and stay for the actionable strategies that will help you build your own version of the American Dream.
I can't wait to see you in San Diego! 🌴🌊
About Cherryh Cansler
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