Unpretentious Palate’s Industry Breakfasts

Join Unpretentious Palate’s industry brunch series, an invite-only event where hospitality professionals will gather to discuss the industry’s most pressing issues and find ways to move forward together. Each breakfast will feature networking and a panel discussion geared at strengthening relationships and the businesses that make up Charlotte’s culinary scene. Events are free to attend and include breakfast.

If you are interested in being on the invite list, please fill out our request form below.

Please note that filling this form out does not confirm your attendance. If room allows, we will reach out with a personal invite.

Name *

First

Last

(if most employed?

Email *

Phone number (if you prefer text follow-ups)

Which best describes you?

• Restaurant owner
• Management
• Hospitality employee

Where are you currently employed? *

Which breakfast are you most interested in attending? *

• Sept. 8: Stepping into Leadership
• Oct. 28: Marketing & Branding

Submit

2026 Dates

September 8 – Making Moves Towards Leadership

Moving into leadership takes more than being great at your job. This candid conversation explores what it takes to step into a leadership role, build and manage strong teams, navigate new responsibilities, and grow with confidence.

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Speakers: Nori Schmidt of Dot Dot Dot, Tim Buchanan of Rare Roots Hospitality, and Bruce Moffett of Moffett Restaurant Group.

October 28 – Mastering Marketing and Branding

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Speakers: To be announced

Past Events:
June 22 – Food Sustainability in Hospitality – Read Recap Here.

Speakers: Amy Aussieker of Envision Charlotte, Kenya Joseph of The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council, and Matt Martin of Freshlist.

July 27 Managing Personal Finances as a Hospitality Worker – Read Recap Here.

Speakers: Jason Ackerman, CPA, CFP®, CGMA at BNA CPA, Thais Baldovinos, Financial Center Manager at Bank of America, and Martha Rivas, Financial Center Manager at Bank of America.

Thank you, sponsors!

Interested in sponsoring? Email Kristen@unpretentiouspalate.com

See last year’s recaps below.

Margin Makers: Creative Strategies to Expand Restaurant Revenue

Speakers: Meghan Hurst of Vulcan, Laura White of CRVA, and Cat Carter of L’Ostrica. Read the recap here.

Shifting the Focus from Hustle to Health

Speakers: Sam Diminich of Your Farms Your Table, Juliet Kuehnle of Sun Counseling & Wellness and Dr. Melissa Jones of Priority Care, PC. Read the recap here.

Feast or Famine: How to Stay Financially Fit in Food Service

Speakers: Gayle Cabrera of Truist, Kory Jeter of Cultura Properties, and Jon Dressler of Rare Roots Hospitality. Read the recap here.