2026 Education Program

Join Gardy Desrouleaux, Managing Partner and Owner of Craft Food Halls as he details on how choosing the right location has always been one of the most important decisions in restaurant development. But in today’s market, success is driven by more than just foot traffic and demographics. It is increasingly about the relationships behind the real estate.

Explore the difference between restaurant site selection and landlord selection, and why Triple A relationships often matter more than Triple A retail sites. Through real world experience, Gardy shares how strong partnerships can protect operators during challenging times and create long term opportunities for sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Rethinking Site Selection - Understanding that a great address alone does not guarantee success. Evaluating locations through the lens of flexibility, shared goals, and long-term viability.
• The Power of the Right Landlord - How choosing the right landlord can lead to better outcomes through collaboration, transparency, and mutual investment in success.
• Triple A Relationships Over Triple A Retail - Why strong relationships can outperform premium locations, especially during market shifts, economic pressure, and operational challenges.
• The Bottom Line - Restaurants are not built on location alone. When operators prioritize relationships alongside real estate, they create stronger foundations, more resilient businesses, and partnerships that support growth well beyond opening day.