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Ask an Expert: Live Panel for Arizona Restaurant Owners

Monday, October 6th 2PM to 4PM

Get answers. Get clarity. Get ahead.

Whether you run an independent kitchen or manage multiple locations, running a restaurant comes with constant questions about financing, leases, operations, risk, and staying profitable. We have gathered a panel of experts who work directly with restaurant owners. This is your chance to get real-world advice, ask your specific questions, and walk away with practical answers you can use right away.

Event Details: 

Location: The Gladly, 2201 E Camelback Rd Suite 106 Phoenix, AZ 85016
(We will be in The Whiskey Room)

Date: Monday, October 6th

Time: 2PM to 4 PM

Free to Attend!

Enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers while you learn and network.

Why Attend?

✓ Get expert advice on the real issues that affect your restaurant, from financing and leases to insurance, build-outs, and business growth.

✓ Hear directly from professionals who work with restaurant owners every day.

✓ Ask the questions you rarely get to ask and get real-world answers.

✓ Connect with other restaurant owners facing similar challenges.

This is not a sales presentation. It is a chance to ask the questions you often do not get to ask until a problem arises.

Speaker Panel

Michael Mormando-1-1

Michael Mormando

Insurance Producer
Concklin Insurance Agency

Michael brings firsthand experience to the table. As a former restaurant owner and operator, he understands the challenges independent restaurant owners, franchisees, pizza shops, and delis face every day. Whether you manage one location or many, Michael works closely with you to protect what you have built.  Michael combines industry knowledge with a strong customer service mindset to create insurance solutions tailored to the fast-paced, high-risk world of food service. His goal is to ensure you have the right coverage at a competitive price.

justin

Justin Ramsey, CPCU, ARE, AIM, CRIS, AINS

Sales, Assistant Vice President - expansion & Development
Pekin Insurance

With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry on both agency and carrier sides, Justin combines deep expertise with a passion for the restaurant scene. A self-confessed foodie and Arizona resident since 2018, he has witnessed firsthand the Valley’s restaurant boom following the Covid year. At Pekin Insurance, a specialized restaurant carrier, Justin focuses on ensuring proper coverage while helping clients navigate daily liability and property risks unique to the industry.

Get Expert Answers for Every Stage of Your Restaurant Business

Whether you are expanding into new markets, or looking for ways to strengthen your current operations, our expert panel is here to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

You will hear insights and have the chance to ask questions directly to professionals who work with restaurant owners every day, including:

✓  A General Contractor who specializes in restaurant build-outs and renovations

✓  An SBA Loan Officer with experience financing restaurant startups and expansions

✓  A Leasing Agent who understands the ins and outs of restaurant leases

✓  An ARA Representative who tracks industry trends and local issues impacting Arizona restaurants

✓  An Insurance Agent who helps restaurant owners protect their businesses at every stage

✓  An Insurance Carrier Representative who underwrites restaurant risks and knows what insurers look for

✓  Additional experts covering restaurant operations, compliance, and risk management

No matter where you are in your restaurant journey, you will leave with practical insights you can apply to protect your business and set it up for long-term success.

What to Expect

2:00 PM: Kick off with beverages and appetizers. Mingle and network with fellow restaurant professionals.

2:30 PM: Hear from each panel expert as they share insights about their role and tips for restaurant success. Each expert will speak for 5 to 10 minutes.

3:00 PM: Get personalized answers during an informal question and answer session. Rotate among experts at high-top cocktail tables for one-on-one conversations with no rush.

3:30 PM: Wrap up with relaxed socializing. Build connections and discuss what you learned.

backpack

Bonus Giveaway

All attendees will have the chance to enter a drawing for a North Face Backpack. Simply drop a business card or fill out a raffle form at the event to enter. Join us for valuable insights, great food, and a little extra fun.