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.
2026 Dates
October 28 – Mastering Marketing and Branding
Building a memorable brand takes more than a great logo or social media presence. It’s about creating a clear identity, telling a compelling story, and delivering an experience that keeps people coming back. This conversation brings together leaders in hospitality, marketing, and visual storytelling to explore how restaurants and food and beverage brands can stand out, connect with their audience, and build a brand that lasts.
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Speakers: Allie Papajohn of eatdrinkclt, Katy Kindred of Kindred Hospitality and food photographer Jonathan Cooper.
Breakfast: By Hannah Riley, Gather Dinners
Thank you, sponsors!
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.
September 8 – Making Moves Towards Leadership – Read Recap Here.
Speakers: Nori Schmidt of Dot Dot Dot, Tim Buchanan of Rare Roots Hospitality, and Bruce Moffett of Moffett Restaurant Group.
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.
