Chain Restaurant Operator Panel
9:55 am - 10:40 am MT  

Senior executives from Brinker International, Jason's Deli, and Robeks sit down with CRC's Foodservice Team to discuss hot topics impacting today's chain restaurant operators.

From demand trends, menu changes, off-premise, unit growth, and more, join James, Todd and Gracie when they share their valuable perspectives across different functions and concept types during this unique panel discussion.

Panelists 

James Butler
Chief Supply Chain Officer 
Brinker
James Butler is Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer for Brinker International, Inc., one of the world’s leading casual dining companies and home of Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®.

In this role, he oversees all supply chain functions including procurement, food safety and quality assurance, distribution and logistics, brand program management and supply chain systems for Brinker’s corporate-owned restaurants. James also ensures supply chain initiatives are consistent and support Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy® brand visions and objectives.

Before joining Brinker, James was senior vice president of supply chain at Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, LLC (RSCS) – a Yum! Brands Co-Op. While there he led and transformed the supply chain management organization supporting Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants. Before RSCS, James served as vice president of strategy and integrated business planning at Georgia Pacific and spent several years as a leader and management consultant with Deloitte Consulting, LLC. He has a strong track record of linking operational strategies with commercial objectives to deliver lasting value and inspiring a shared vision that transforms organizations.

Earlier in his career, James held various roles in sales and marketing with AT&T, International Paper and Verizon Wireless. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Kentucky and an MBA from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management.

Outside of work, James sits on the alumni boards for his alma maters and serves as a coach and mentor, providing career guidance for young men and women entering college. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Catalina, and their three children, Mateo, Mia and Tomas. They love traveling together, especially to South America to visit Catalina’s family. When they’re home, they can be found following their favorite college football and basketball teams or dancing around the living room to their favorite music.

His favorite Chili’s dish? Bacon Rancher, the Classic Sirloin, Fajitas – and sharing a Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie or a Molten Chocolate Cake with his kids!

His favorite Maggiano’s dish? Calamari, Wedge Salad and Our Famous Rigatoni “D”®
 
 

Todd Peterson
Chief Development Officer 
Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies
Todd Peterson has more than 25 years of experience directing domestic and international franchise restaurant development for both full-service and limited-service brands. He joined Robeks Fresh Juices and Smoothies in April of 2022 and as Chief Development Officer, where he is responsible for all aspects of franchise and company restaurant development for the 100+ unit juice and smoothie chain. Prior to Robeks, he served for more than 3 years as the Vice President of Franchise Development for Wingstop Restaurants, a leading 2,000 unit publicly traded global fast casual restaurant brand.

Todd's extensive background also includes development leadership roles at brands such as Twin Peaks Restaurants, Togo’s Sandwiches, CiCi’s Pizza, Sizzler Restaurants, and Damon’s Restaurants. Todd currently resides in the Dallas, TX area with his wife and two children and two dogs.  
 

Gracie Prasanson  
VP of Sales 
Jason's Deli
Gracie Prasanson is the VP of Sales for Jason's Deli where she has served for the last 25 years developing and expanding off premises channels for the brand. Gracie has over 40 years of experience in sales management, off premises and operations  She has worked for other large national chains such as Denny's, Cracker Barrel and IHOP. Gracie has served on the Off Premises Industry Council and achieved Ranger level in Salesforce Trailhead in 2022