W hen hundreds of restaurant ex- ecs and trailblazing entrepre- neurs come together in a vibrant city like Nashville, you know it’s going to be a good time. We recently wrapped the 2024 CREATE: The Event for Emerging Restaurateurs in Music City, and the energy was off the charts. For three days, the leaders of the next big restaurant brands came togeth- er to network, learn and tackle their most pressing business challenges — together. They explored different funding paths and honed their pitches at the second annual Investment Summit. They learned critical branding and leadership lessons from top CEOs and iconic brand founders. They examined the latest digital tools in our curated restaurant technology show- case. They got exclusive data and insights
on consumer behavior, labor strategy, marketing trends, the economy, and more. And, most important, they connected with like-minded restaurateurs who are also looking to take their brands to the next level. Our team of veteran editors was there to bring you the best of CREATE — a great- est hits album, if you will. In the following pages, you’ll find the biggest takeaways and insights from CREATE speakers and at- tendees in videos, podcasts and features. Watch main stage sessions, get exclusive consumer data and hear one-on-one con- versations with industry giants and rising entrepreneurs alike. We hope this special issue helps you chart a growth path in the year ahead. We’ll see you back in Nashville for CREATE 2025.
SAM OCHES Editor-in-Chief, Nation’s Restaurant News
COVER PHOTO CREDIT: EDIN STUDIOS
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