Heartland to Host CEO Roundtable with Rising Stars in Flourishing Fast Casual Industry

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

A quartet of C-suite executives from the burgeoning fast casual space will gather in Denver, Colorado on Tuesday, Oct. 14, to discuss how changes in fast casual are impacting all areas of the restaurant business. The roundtable, presented by Heartland Payment Systems, will focus on current trends and future opportunities in fast casual, an industry segment that has seen an 11% increase in sales with 8% restaurant growth over the past year.

The discussion, hosted by Heartland Payment Systems' Hospitality Group President David Gilbert, will feature panelists from major players in the fast casual industry. Roundtable participants are Peter Cancro, CEO and founder of Jersey Mike's Subs; Scott Crane, CEO of Smashburger; Randy Gier, CEO of Pizza Inn and Pie Five; and Amit Kleinberger, CEO of Menchie's Frozen Yogurt.

The CEO roundtable session, Fast Casual Executive Summit's 2014 grand finale, will focus on the challenges these top executives faced in distinguishing themselves in a crowded, familiar market, to push their brands to the front of the fast casual pack.

“We're going to do more than find out what these business leaders did to make their brands stand out,” Heartland's Gilbert said. “I want to pinpoint the trends and innovations that are pushing fast casual—and the restaurant industry as a whole—forward.”

Heartland Payment Systems, one of the nation's largest payment processors and restaurant solutions providers, is the session's sponsor.

The Fast Casual Summit is reserved for top-level restaurant executives, leaders, and innovators of the fast casual food service industry, bringing together an experienced group with common interests. Sessions will cover topics such as Customer Experience, Sustainability, Beverage Trends, Mobile CRM, Mobile Payments, Integrated Marketing, Digital Menu Boards, Getting Business on the Side, and more.

Gilbert is Heartland's point executive within hospitality, responsible for the growth and development of the company's hospitality portfolio. He has held leadership positions with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., Shoney's Inc., Applebee's International, Inc., and the National Restaurant Association. His background also includes operations, product development, and management experience in the quick service, casual dining, and family dining segments.

The grand finale Fast Casual Executive Summit CEO roundtable session will take place Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, from 12:30. – 2:00 p.m. (MDT) at the Four Seasons Denver.

About Heartland Payment Systems

Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. HPY, the fifth largest payments processor in the United States, delivers credit/debit/prepaid card processing, point of sale, mobile commerce, e-commerce, marketing solutions, security technology, payroll solutions, and related business solutions and services to more than 300,000 business and educational locations nationwide.

A FORTUNE 1000 company, Heartland is the founding supporter of The Merchant Bill of Rights, a public advocacy initiative that educates merchants about fair credit and debit card processing practices. Heartland also established The Sales Professional Bill of Rights to advocate for the rights of sales professionals everywhere. More detailed information can be found at HeartlandPaymentSystems.com. Follow the company on Twitter @HeartlandHPY and on Facebook at facebook.com/HeartlandHPY.