The National Restaurant Association announced Billy Dec, CEO and founder of Rockit Ranch Productions, as the 2016 keynote speaker of BAR (Beverage Alcohol for Restaurants) at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show at 11 a.m. May 22 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Dec will discuss his successes and challenges in brand differentiation and creating leading beverage programs at his award-winning concepts, as well as how Rockit Ranch Productions increases profitability year-after-year. Dec also will explore current industry trends and topics, including:
- Forecasting industry trends
- Sustaining growth
- Building a trusted company culture
- Creating a brand value in a top-tier market
- Utilizing social media to drive traffic to individual concepts
Operators can hear firsthand the evolution of his six hospitality concepts and how the Rockit Ranch brand produces elevated entertainment experiences across the full spectrum of bar and restaurant concepts. Dec also will explore how brand differentiation plays a role in each of his concept’s distinctive beverage programs.
“Having Billy Dec present this year’s BAR keynote allows us to share with our attendees cutting edge tactics on creating and sustaining beverage operations in an ever-changing industry,” says Lisa Ingram, convention chair for NRA Show 2016 and CEO and president of White Castle System, Inc. “For over 12 years, Rockit Ranch has been a major player in Chicago’s hospitality scene and has maintained a curated beverage program, unique to each concept's individual brand. We look forward to Billy’s insight on how beverage innovation can drive successful programs and maximize profits.”
In addition to his role at Rockit Ranch Productions, Dec serves as Entertainment Contributor on ABC’s Windy City Live, and as a TODAY Food Contributor on NBC's TODAY Show.
Dec’s keynote speech begins at 11 a.m. on May 22 in the Lakeside Center, Room E350, and is open to all NRA Show and BAR attendees, exhibitors and press.
