Finance, Tax & Internal Audit Expert Exchange

The National Restaurant Association's Finance, Tax & Internal Audit Expert Exchange delivers information essential to your daily workload and long-term career. Whether you need guidance on tax changes, controlling the costs of health benefits or structuring franchise financing, this group is your window into what fellow restaurant industry leaders are doing and which strategies work best.

Conference


The Table brings together finance, tax, and internal audit professionals in the restaurant industry for three days of collaboration, insight, and problem-solving. Designed to support both your daily priorities and long-term goals, this event offers tailored sessions, expert-led discussions, and dedicated networking opportunities. Whether you're tackling today’s challenges or preparing for the future, The Table is where meaningful connections and valuable knowledge come together. Join us July 8-10, 2025, in Louisville and take your seat among peers shaping the future of the industry.


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The National Restaurant Association Community Platform, Restaurants Connect

We’ve upgraded our Listserv to a robust community platform, Restaurants Connect. This platform provides our members with an exclusive opportunity to engage, network, and connect with other restaurant operators – all through a seamless and intuitive interface.

The platform gives you the opportunity to:

  • Tailor your experience and join multiple discipline groups to receive critical resources and knowledge that will help solve your most pressing challenges.
  • Share your expertise, learn from your peers, expand on best practices, and improve your personal knowledge and business operations.
  • Continue important conversations before, during and after events.
  • Stay up to date on the latest Association news, events, discounts, and products that impact your bottom line.

To access the platform, email community@restaurant.org.

*Note: this platform is open to National Restaurant Association Operator Members only.


Finance, Tax & Audit Steering Committee

Daniel Daugherty
Internal Audit Manager
Yum! Brands

Dennis Kreta
Director, Internal Audit
Rubio’s Restaurants, Inc.

Dan McRae
Vice President, Income & Property Tax
Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Peter Odman
Senior Director, Internal Audit
Panera, LLC

Jamie Pagnotta
Director, Internal Audit
Red Robin International, Inc.

Kate Sawyer
Internal Audit Manager
The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.

Michelle Schapiro
Tax Director
The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.

Eric Swanson
CFO & Treasurer
Pappas Restaurants

Barbara Wilson
Director, Corporate Tax
White Castle System, Inc.


Questions?

Contact at meetings@restaurant.org.