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.

2026 Dates

Food Sustainability in Hospitality

June 22 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
How can the hospitality industry create a more sustainable future while strengthening local communities and businesses? Join leaders from food access, local agriculture, and sustainability innovation as they explore practical solutions for reducing waste, supporting regional food networks, and creating meaningful impact across Charlotte’s culinary ecosystem.

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

Managing Personal Finances as a Hospitality Worker

July 27 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Speakers: To be announced

Making Moves Towards Leadership

September 8 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Speakers: To be announced

Mastering Marketing and Branding

October 28 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Speakers: To be announced

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

Email *

Phone number (if you prefer text follow-ups)

Which best describes you?

• Restaurant owner
• Management
• Hospitality employee

Where are you currently employed? *

follow-ups) interested prefer

Which breakfast are you most interested in attending? *

• June 22: Food Sustainability
• July 27: Personal Finances in the Industry
• Sept. 8: Stepping into Leadership
• Oct. 28: Marketing & Branding

Submit

Thank you to our 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.