Rick Federico, chairman at P.F. Chang's China Bistro, left, speaks with John Nealon, owner of Fortina.

Attendees mingle over dinner.

Bret Schulman, CEO of Cava Grill

Industry executives from both large chains and emerging brands gathered in New York last month to discuss the intersection of business and politics with Fox Business pundit Charles Gasparino ahead of next week’s Presidential election. 

The event, which attracted close to 200 executives, was hosted by The Elliot Group, an executive search and strategic consulting firm serving the foodservice, retail and service industries. Co-hosts to the evening were Elliot Group’s new strategic investor Lockton Companies, a privately held insurance broker and risk management consulting firm. In June, Lockton made an undisclosed equity investment in the Elliot Group to further advance both firm’s growth. 

Additional co-hosts were Pepsico, fishbowl, Ecolab and Ste. Michelle Wines. Dinner was held at Hunt & Fish Club.

John Miller, CEO of Denny's

Oliver Kremer, right, co-founder of Dos Toros, speaks with Matt Perelman, managing partner at Garnett Station Partners.

Rakesh Chandiramani, left, of Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bars, speaks with Jeff Carcara, CEO of Barteca Holdings.

Sally Smith, CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings, (center) speaks with Jack Quinn of Ecolab (right) and Jon Luther (left), former CEO of Dunkin' Brands and chairman of the board at the Culinary Institute of America.

Charles Gasparino, senior correspondent at Fox News, spoke to attendees about the intersection of politics and business.