*By Invitation Only

Is your restaurant looking to expand in Mexico and the United States? With the shifting political landscape in both countries, many restaurant companies are exploring expansion opportunities South of the U.S. Border. Mexico’s rich culinary traditions, dynamic consumer market, and growing economy, presents a compelling destination for businesses looking to grow their footprint.

This panel will explore how operations differ in Mexico in key areas important to restaurants, as well as questions relating to tariffs and immigration. This interactive panel will also explore the unique challenges for restaurant groups seeking to expand their operations into Mexico in light of the rapidly changing geo-political landscape in 2025.

Our most populous state is home to some of world’s best restaurateurs and brands, yet it is also producing the most legislation and policies impacting restaurant operators—often stretching beyond the Golden state.  This session will cover current and prospective legislation (the FAST Act, Prop 65, PAGA, SB 1524, “Trap and Trace”, etc.), policies and legal trends shaping the industry through the eyes of restaurant counsel.

Open to all Attendees

Enjoy drinks and dinner as you reconnect with industry friends and network with your peers.

Open to all Attendees

Companies, including many restaurant chains, are facing privacy litigation and mass arbitration. Claims focus on data breaches, the use of technology tools such as the Meta Pixel and session replay, inaccurate “cookie consents,” and the alleged sharing of video data.

Skadden will lead a discussion of the current environment for data breach actions, “wiretapping” claims, and Video Privacy Protection Act cases.  They will focus on risk mitigation measures as well as strategic ways to approach these types of claims when they surface.  Many actions businesses and outside counsel take early jeopardize the companies’ position in litigation that follows.  We will cover these topics to ensure attendees are apprised of best practices.

Employer inclusion, equity and diversity (IE&D) programs, policies, and initiatives have come under fire in recent years, and are facing increased scrutiny from the new administration.  Various executive orders, directives, agency actions, and lawsuits have challenged IE&D schemes in both the private and public sectors, leaving employers uncertain as they attempt to navigate this landscape.  Panelists will address the current state of the law; which business practices are most vulnerable to challenges; how can employers maintain legally compliant and inclusive workplaces; and more.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion that will dive into the trends and developments in wage and hour issues affecting the restaurant industry. With a new DOL and energized wage and hour division, restaurants are facing new enforcement priorities. The panel will break down what employers can expect from the DOL and highlight the wage and hour issues that may be flying under your radar but gaining momentum (like predictive scheduling laws and service charge practices). Gain practical strategies for compliance and learn how to navigate the complex patchwork of wage and hour laws across the nation, which will help you prepare for potential audits and lawsuits.

Open to all Attendees

Join us for a compelling conversation with two small business owners as they share firsthand how tariffs have impacted their operations. They’ll be joined by their public interest attorney, from Pacific Legal Foundation, who will delve into the constitutional questions surrounding tariff authority—questions that will soon be addressed by the U.S. Supreme Court. This panel will explore the legal arguments at stake and their broader implications for economic freedom, separation of powers, and the role of the judiciary in shaping the rules of trade policy.

When governments overreach, trade groups and their members must be able to obtain injunctive relief to protect their rights. But in Trump v. Casa, the Supreme Court held that courts lack authority to issue universal injunctions. This panel will explore that decision, discuss alternative avenues for obtaining injunctive relief going forward, and address growing concern about whether organizations may obtain injunctive relief on behalf of members.

How can restaurant operators and employers best prepare to comply with changing immigration regulations? This session will cover key impacts of Executive Order 14165, including increased ICE enforcement actions such as I-9 investigations, employer site visits and workplace raids. We will detail the difference between a raid and an I-9 audit and highlight protocols to follow to prepare for potential audits, investigations and worksite enforcement actions.

When ICE knocks, it is important to understand the rules, such as the distinction between public and private areas and the necessity of a judicial warrant for entry into private areas. We will discuss various worksite enforcement actions under the Trump administration, including judicial search warrants, administrative arrest warrants and FDNS investigations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with knowledge and strategies to handle ICE enforcement actions effectively and to proactively ensure your workforce eligibility status complies with federal regulations.

Emerging chemical concerns—like microplastics, the “health halo” effect and bisphenol S (BPS) are increasingly at the forefront of litigation impacting the food and restaurant industries. Businesses and legal professionals should stay ahead of these evolving issues to mitigate risks and seize opportunities. In this session, speakers will discuss:

• The latest health and litigation trends involving microplastics and their impact on businesses and consumers.
• How the health halo effect has led to increased legal exposure.
• Insights and best practices related to the new wave of California Proposition 65 litigation regarding the chemical Bisphenol S (BPS) in thermal receipt paper.
• Review of recent court case finding Prop 65 claims for dietary acrylamide unconstitutional and the impact on companies who previously settled and are currently warning customers.
• Proactive strategies to navigate these risks and prepare for future developments.

All Attendees who registered with a Law Firm Partner promo code will receive e-communications from their respective law firm contacts regarding dinner details. For Attendees who registered without a promo code, the RLC will look for firms that have extra seats and are able to invite additional guests.

Open to all Attendees

As climate policy continues to evolve, so do the legal and regulatory frameworks shaping energy choices, corporate responsibility, and public perception. This session brings together expert voices to explore the shifting attitudes toward climate-related issues and the legal and practical consequences that flow from them. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how these dynamics intersect across sectors and how they can impact the restaurant industry.