Christina Tosi to Headline Restaurant365 Transform 2026

Tosi, who launched the first Milk Bar location in New York City in 2008, plans to draw on her experience scaling the brand while maintaining its core identity. Her address will focus on the tension between creative culinary vision and the disciplined operational structures required for sustainable growth. This perspective arrives as restaurant operators grapple with persistent inflation, shifting consumer preferences, and the pressure to integrate new technology without alienating their guest base.

Tony Smith, CEO and co-founder of Restaurant365, noted that the industry is currently seeking a balance between innovation and bottom-line stability. The conference agenda reflects this, with a heavy emphasis on the practical application of artificial intelligence. According to the company's mid-year industry report, the divide in profitability is widening: 62% of operators utilizing AI report reduced labor costs, while 61% see improvements in food costs. The three-day event will feature over 30 sessions designed to provide operators with concrete strategies for managing performance metrics and leveraging data to improve margins.