Founders of Crumbl, Sweetgreen, more to share insights in new CREATE: The Experience sessionFounders of Crumbl, Sweetgreen, more to share insights in new CREATE: The Experience session

Founders of some of the nation’s most exciting up-and-coming restaurant concepts will share their perspectives on pursuing growth opportunities and overcoming challenges during a new Founders Forum session debuting this year at CREATE: The Experience, scheduled for Palm Springs, Calif., Oct. 1-3.

The inaugural Founders Forum, held Oct. 2 on CREATE’s main stage, will feature Lauren Bailey, cofounder and CEO of Phoenix-based Upward Projects, which owns Postino Wine Café; Tim McEnery, founder and CEO of Downers Grove, Ill.-based Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants; Jason McGowan, cofounder and CEO of Lindon, Utah-based Crumbl Cookies; and Nathaniel Ru, cofounder and chief brand officer of Los Angeles-based Sweetgreen.

“The CREATE Experience is designed to meet the needs of leaders of growth-minded restaurant companies who are facing numerous challenges as they strive to scale their concepts,” said Sam Oches, editor-in-chief of Nation’s Restaurant News, which produces the event.

“We developed the Founders Forum session as an opportunity for those leaders to hear directly from founders who have conquered the same challenges,” Oches said. “The four leaders featured on the Founders Forum this year are leading some of the most exciting restaurants growing across the U.S. today, and this fun — yet educational — conversation will offer attendees a glimpse at how they’ve managed to capture lightning in a bottle in building their successful restaurant businesses.”

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The Founders Forum, featuring concepts ranging from fast-casual and snacks to full-service casual dining, will be from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. PDT on Oct. 2. CREATE: The Experience is held this year at the Margaritaville Resort in Palm Springs.

The restaurant founders will discuss their pathways to success and field questions from the audience members, as well.

The CREATE Experience is the destination for growth-minded restaurateurs ready to take their businesses to the next level. It will feature area tours, an investment summit, and roundtable discussions on hot-button issues. Keynote sessions will feature Jack Li, founder of Datassential, and Danny Trejo, actor, restaurateur and cookbook author.

Restaurant operators can register here for the event.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

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