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Restaurant Expo: January 27, 2025
The 3rd Annual Lake County Restaurant Expo will be held at the Lake Center of Woodland Community College in Clearlake on Monday, January 27th. A no-host lunch will be served at noon, and sessions will start at 1 p.m. Sessions will conclude at 5 p.m. and a networking mixer will follow.
This page will update with information as it becomes available.
This year's event has been generously sponsored by Sutter Lakeside Hospital.
If you are planning to attend the Expo, please sign up here.
NOON: LUNCH and REGISTRATION
Lunch will be prepared by the Guy Fieri Foundation. We are excited to announce that the Guy Fieri Foundation has agreed to prepare lunch for Expo participants!
Check back for menu and donation details.
EVENT OPENING AND KEYNOTE (1 P.M.):
Curating an Experience with Food and Wine: Joaquin Martinez of The Shannon Family's The Mercantile will share how they have created excellent customer experiences through the inclusion of food. This inspirational session will present a unique story of growth and partnerships, promising to unlock new possibilities for current and future industry leaders.
SESSION ONE:
During the 2:00 p.m. hour, attendees can attend one of the following:
What's New? Updates, Updates, Updates: This session provides a concise overview of new regulations and lending programs effective in 2025. Panelists include: Craig Weatherbee, Director LC Environmental Health, Clarissa Hernlund, SBDC Advisor and Owner of Hernlund Business Solutions and Hannah Joy, NorthEdge: Business Financing and Community Development.
Profitability vs. Popularity. US Foods representatives will share tools to help owners and managers distinguish between profitability and popularity, and strategies to grow both aspects of their business.
Culinary Career Pathways in Lake Co and Beyond: Chef Robert Cabreros, Woodland Culinary Program Instructor, will discuss training opportunities in Lake County, explore various culinary careers, and facilitate a panel featuring local culinary success stories.
SESSION TWO:
During the 3:00 p.m. hour, attendees can attend one of the following:
Trading Customer Service for True Hospitality. Michele Carson, Certified Tourism Ambassador Program and Raven Sprague with the Lake County Wine Association will discuss how hospitality is part of the dining experience and how it can bolster income (for both servers and owners) when done well and with consistency.
Capturing Gen Z Dollars. The younger customer has found Lake County. Learn how their preferences and habits differ from previous generations, and how to deliver what they like. This panel will include: social media tips from Karen Pavone, Ink Farm Creative, healthy food and drink ideas from the Blue Zones Project Team and Brittany Romanchik, Stein and Wein.
Diversification within Your Footprint: Learn how to boost foot traffic by creating unique dining experiences and fostering meaningful connections with your customers. This session will provide insights on diversifying your offerings, creating new revenue streams, and developing a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that attracts and retains diners. Presented by Keith Austin and Brooks Buchanan of Sysco Foods.
SESSION THREE:
During the 4:00 p.m. hour, attendees can attend one of the following:
How To Start Your Own Food Business in Lake County. In this session, Andy Lucas from Community Development Services, will guide attendees through the process of starting a business, and who to contact for compliance and assistance. Panel participants include: Craig Weatherbee, Director LC Environmental Health, and Julia Siderakis, SBDC Restaurant Advisor.
Make the Most of Restaurant Week. Weston Seifert, proprietor or Saw Shop Public House and Raven Sprague, Wine and Social Media Consultant, Brooks Buchanan of Sysco Foods and Chef Jay Marshall will help restauranteurs navigate the planning process for restaurant week. The session will include pricing, menu planning and utilizing social media tools to maximize traffic and sales.
Updates from Cinthya Cisneros: What’s new for Cinthya, La Cheve and Beyond. Cinthya Cisneros, spoke during the 2024 event and inspired us with her story of La Cheve in Napa, CA. We welcome Cinthya back to share what the past year has looked like at La Cheve and her exciting plans for 2025. Her talk will include business trends she has noticed at Le Cheve, her desire to stay creative, and how business planning has allowed new adventures to take root for 2025 expansions.
If you are planning to attend the EXPO, please sign up here.
NETWORKING MIXER:
The mixer will be hosted in the Woodland College's Aromas Cafe, with nibbles provided by the Lake County Blue Zones Project, and wine tasting provided by Lake County Winery Association.
Plan to stay and connect with the community supporting the food and wine industries!
Agencies confirmed to attend/table at the networking event include the following: US Foods, Sysco, Economic Development and Finance Corporation, NorthEdge Business Financing and Community Development, Community Development Services, Culinary Institute of America, CareerPoint North Bay, Management Connections, Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Blue Zones Project- Lake County, Lake County Winery Association, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, US Coast Guard- Culinary Programs, Lake County Environmental Health, Lake County Tourism Ambassador Program, Guy Fieri Foundation, and MORE!
Please email Lillian at LakeCountyCaEdc2@gmail dot com to inquire about tabling at this event.
Restaurant Week: February 24th through March 2nd.
Sign up to become a participating Restaurant Week location here.
Learn more about the Lake County Chamber of Commerce and the Lake County Restaurant Week!
What is restaurant week?
Restaurant Week is an event where participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus at reduced prices. It's designed to attract diners by providing an opportunity to experience a variety of dining options at a lower cost. Typically held during slower times of the year, Restaurant Week encourages locals and tourists to try new restaurants or revisit favorites. It's a great way to enjoy unique culinary experiences without breaking the bank!
After you have registered, you will receive:
- Window Poster- Let your customers to know you are participating!
- Table Tents- Remind customers and staff that you are participating, build excitement and talk it up!
- Access to the social media toolkit- coming soon!
- Training video of the Restaurant Expo sessions titled: Make the Most of Restaurant Week and Trading Customer Service for True Hospitality
