Wednesday, October 25, 2023 (Local Time)

Restaurant Law Center Board Meeting & Luncheon

*By Invitation Only


Attendee Check-In & Information Desk (Lunch Bites Provided from 12:00PM - 2:00PM)


Welcome to Scottsdale – Event Kickoff & Opening Remarks

Speakers: Lisa V. Gressel, Chair | Restaurant Law Center Board of Directors • General Counsel, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro


Unique ADA Accommodation Issues for Restaurant Employers

Speakers: Melisa Panagakos, Principal | Jackson Lewis P.C., Stephanie M. Cerasano, Office Managing Principal | Jackson Lewis P.C., Benjamin A. Tulis, Principal | Jackson Lewis P.C., Elizabeth Pitre, Vice President of Legal, P.F. Chang's China Bistro

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Presented by Jackson Lewis P.C.

Speakers will address uniquely challenging ADA issues for restaurant employers on the federal, state, and local levels. For example, we will discuss best practices for accommodating service animals in the workplace, handling reduced-schedule requests, and addressing pregnancy-related limitations. We will highlight the latest EEOC guidance and caselaw in these areas.


Business Break


Food Contact and Consumer Class Actions

Speakers: Anthony G. Hopp, Partner | Steptoe LLP, Vicente Tome, Vice President of Legal I Restaurant Brands International

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Presented by Steptoe & Johnson LLP

The panel will discuss legal issues and recent related claims surrounding chemicals used in food packaging at restaurants that resist grease, oil, water, and heat, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS for short. This presentation will include a discussion on what is working as far as defense strategies and what is the future of food contact claims in the United States.


Business Break


But Can They Do That?: An Update on the Limits of Legislative and Regulatory Power

Speakers: Gabriel K. Gillett, Partner, Jenner & Block LLP, Andrew Merrick, Partner | Jenner & Block LLP, Stacy Howard, Senior Counsel, Commercial Litigation | McDonald's

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Presented by Jenner & Block LLP

As state and federal governments seemingly expand their reach with new laws and regulations, many in the restaurant industry may be wondering whether there are limits. Indeed, the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts have been wrestling recently with that same question. Gabriel Gillett will lead a discussion with industry leaders covering some of those recent cases, the scope of regulatory and legislative authority in various contexts, and opportunities for challenging government overreach. Among other things, the presenters will spotlight developments related to the major questions doctrine; interlocutory challenges to agency enforcement actions; the dormant commerce clause; and federal preemption of ordinances relating to the use of natural gas. They will also discuss potential challenges on the horizon—including related to California’s attempt to create a Fast Food Council, the SEC’s attempt to require disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, and more.

 


On-site

2023 Opening & Welcome Reception

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*Open to all Attendees

Enjoy some live music, margaritas, and light fare as you reconnect with industry friends and network with your peers

Thursday, October 26, 2023 (Local Time)

Attendee Check-In & Information Desk


Breakfast

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*Open to all Attendees


Lions, Tigers, and the California Bear, Oh My!: PAGA, The FAST Act, and IWC Wage Orders

Speakers: Alden J. Parker, Regional Managing Partner, Fisher Phillips LLP / Co-Chair, Hospitality Industry Group, Anita Adams, Chief Executive Officer | Black Bear Diner, Jot Condie, President & Chief Executive Officer | California Restaurant Association

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Presented by Fisher & Phillips LLP

California has long sent shock waves through the restaurant industry and monopolized legal departments’ litigation budgets. In the past few years, the issues facing restaurants have intensified with increased PAGA litigation and a hostile California Legislature’s targeting of restaurants.  This program will provide attendees with the latest updates regarding California’s Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), the FAST Act, and California’s IWC Wage Orders. 


Business Break


Tackling Wage and Hour Challenges in Restaurants: Key Focus Areas and Compliance Tips

Speakers: Paul DeCamp, Member of the Firm, Epstein Becker Green P.C., Kathleen A. Barrett, Member of the Firm, Epstein Becker Green P.C., Ethan Samson, EVP & Deputy General Counsel, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

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Presented by Epstein, Becker & Green P.C.

The panel will identify the wage and hour hotspots that restaurants should have on their radar right now, including the 80/20/30 tip credit, tip pools, off-the-clock work, and misclassification risks, and offer practical compliance considerations.


Ballroom Foyer

Business Break


New Labor Laws in Gotham City Spreading Like Wildfire

Speakers: Eli Freedberg, Shareholder | Littler Mendelson P.C., Michael Paglialonga, Of Counsel, Littler Mendelson P.C., Alex Williams, Chief Operations Officer I Denny's Corporation, Ashley Coneff, VP, Government Affairs & Impact I Inspire Brands

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Presented by Littler Mendelson P.C.

The panel will discuss recent labor and employment developments in New York City, New York state and beyond. The presentation will address recent New York City and New York state laws, including requirements to identify salary ranges on job applications and restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence tools in the hiring process. In addition, the panel will discuss NYC’s fair workweek laws and the spread of these “predictive scheduling” and “just cause” restrictions outside NYC as well as the status of the Restaurant Law Center’s challenge to portions of these NYC laws.

 

 


Lunch

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*Open to all Attendees


Special Keynote Address: Denny Marie Post

Speakers: Denny Marie Post, Restaurant Industry Leader | Former CEO, Red Robin

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*Open to all Attendees

A creative leader and consumer-driven marketing and product expert, Denny Post specializes in food service business models and market entry strategies. She served as President and CEO at Red Robin, a chain of casual dining restaurants, and was the interim CEO of the Women’s FoodService Forum, an organization dedicated to advancing women leaders in the food industry.

She conceived, developed, and marketed best-selling products for a variety of restaurant enterprises including Pike Place Roast at Starbucks, Red’s Tavern Double and Finest Lines at Red Robin, Popcorn Chicken at KFC, and Chicken Fries at Burger King. Denny currently serves on four Boards of Directors: Travel + Leisure Co., Vital Farms, Bluestone Lane, and Libbey. In addition, she is Executive In Residence at GXG, and Senior Advisor for US Foodservice at plant-based The LiveKindly Collective.


Business Break


Knowing Your Supply Chain – Due Diligence Obligations for Environmental Marketing Claims Involving Externally Sourced Ingredients

Speakers: Neil A.F. Popović, Partner | Sheppard Mullin LLP, Michael Formica, Chief Legal Strategist | National Pork Producers Council

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Presented by Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

Many food and beverage companies rely on third party suppliers (who may in turn rely on third party suppliers) for ingredients they include in products they market based on representations made by the suppliers. What happens if the ingredients turn out not to be as represented? And more importantly, what can you do to protect your restaurant from claims based on the attributes of externally sourced ingredients.  


Business Break


Developing Strategically through Licensing, Franchising, Joint Ventures and other Contractual Structures

Speakers: Riley Lagesen, Shareholder | Greenberg Traurig LLP, Hans Schmidt, Vice President & Associate General Counsel

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Presented by Greenberg Traurig LLP

The panel will discuss various growth contractual structures available to operators for brand expansion domestically and internationally.  Session will cover key legal and business considerations associated with the structures, in addition to real time market insights. 

 


On-site

Happy Hour Reception

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*Open to All Attendees

Share in some light hors d’oeuvres and libations before heading out to dinner for the evening.

 


Off-site

Free Night/"Dine-Out" Dinners hosted by Law Firm Partners

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.

 

 

Friday, October 27, 2023 (Local Time)

Breakfast

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*Open to all Attendees


Latest Trends in Consumer Class Actions and Mass Arbitrations Facing the Industry

Speakers: Meredith C. Slawe, Partner, Complex Litigation and Trials; Mass Torts, Insurance and Consumer Litigation | Skadden LLP, Michael W. McTigue, Jr., Partner, Complex Litigation and Trials; Mass Torts, Insurance and Consumer Litigation | Skadden LLP, Chantel Cheatham, Director of Legal of Pizza Hut, LLC

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Presented by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

This program will address emerging litigation and mass arbitrations involving consumer privacy, pricing and fees, marketing and promotions, labeling, and alleged consumer fraud.  The speakers will also address the increased coordination among the private plaintiffs’ bar and regulators, including state Attorneys General around pricing, fees, and privacy issues.  They will share practical tips on how to mitigate against the risk of significant threats and key defense strategies.


Closing Remarks - Site Announcement for 2024 Restaurant Legal Summit

Speakers: Angelo I. Amador, Executive Director, Restaurant Law Center


Offsite

Pickleball (Optional) - Lunch will be provided.

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*Pre-registration required. Event is full!

Reserve your spot for some play, P.F. Chang’s catered lunch, and available instruction, at the nearby Orchard Indoor Pickleball Club!


Group Golf (Optional)

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*Open to all Attendees

Take some time and enjoy the courses at McCormick Ranch Golf Club!