Restaurant Trends 2026

Ruberto, Israel & Weiner is thrilled to present the industry's premier education and networking event, now in its 32nd year!
About this Event

For more than 30 years, Restaurant Trends has been RIW’s signature event, bringing Boston's restaurant and hospitality community together to celebrate, connect, and catch up on developments in the space.

The format and feel have evolved since the first seminar in 1993, but our goal hasn't: deliver substantive programming that sharpens industry professionalism and gives owners and operators the information they need to succeed in a competitive market.

Please join us on Monday, September 28th, at The Exchange in the Seaport for an event built around three expert panels covering government affairs, construction, and expansion—with insights on the innovation, development, and growth strategies shaping the industry's future.

Government Affairs: Navigating Policy in Boston & Massachusetts
From licensing and permitting to labor law and economic development, municipal and state policies shape every corner of the restaurant business. RIW's Restaurant and Hospitality Chair, Adam Barnosky, leads a candid conversation on the current regulatory landscape in Boston and across Massachusetts—and what operators need to know to stay ahead of upcoming changes.

Panelists:

• Kathleen Joyce - Chairwoman, Boston Licensing Board
• Steve Clark - President, Massachusetts Restaurant Association
• Jean Lorizio - Commissioner, Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC)

Expansion: Scaling Your Concept the Right Way
Growing a restaurant brand—whether to a second location or a multi-unit footprint — takes more than a great concept. Join panelists in conversation with RIW's Franchise Group Chair, Eric Sigman, as they break down what it really takes to scale successfully: financing, site selection, maintaining brand and culture across locations, and knowing when (and when not) to grow.

Panelists:

• Kal Gullapalli - CEO, Built Different Brands
• Brian Piccini - Owner and CEO, Boston Urban Hospitality
• Mark Cimino - President, Consolidated Concepts

Construction: Building for the Restaurant Industry
Opening or renovating a restaurant presents a unique set of challenges, from tenant improvement negotiations to construction delays, municipal inspection issues, coordination of specialized equipment and trades, cost escalation, and unexpected budget overruns. RIW President Bradley Croft joins Eric Gelfond (VP of Development & Construction, Sally's Apizza) and Ryan Little (Owner, RECOR Development) to share firsthand insight from the build-out process, with practical takeaways on timelines, budgeting, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Panelists:

• Eric Gelfond - VP of Development & Construction, Sally's Apizza
• Ryan Little - Owner, RECOR Development

We're proud to partner again this year with Spoonfuls, a local food recovery organization that has distributed over 35 million pounds of good food since 2010.

Questions, comments, or interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact RIW Marketing Director, Kate Greene: [email protected].

Thank you to our sponsors!

Signature Sponsor


Supporting Sponsors



Trade Organization Sponsor