Reconnection was on full display as more than 50 of Shaner's food and beverage leaders gathered in Atlanta for the annual Shaner Food & Beverage Conference, June 15–17, at Le Méridien Atlanta Perimeter hotel. The three-day event combined collaboration, professional development, networking and celebration while reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
From the welcome reception on the pool deck to collaborative sessions, networking breaks and the Awards Dinner, attendees had countless opportunities to connect. The team at Le Méridien, led by General Manager Matt Munoz, provided exceptional hospitality, preparing the hotel for the conference and ensuring every detail contributed to a memorable experience.
The conference brought together executive chefs and mixologists—plus representatives from sponsoring brands including PepsiCo, Wasserstrom, TriMark USA, Jackson Family Wines and Meili Vodka—to exchange insights, strengthen operations and celebrate the F&B division’s successes over the previous year.
Presenters included the Corporate F&B Team, Revenue Strategist, Marketing, Human Resources, and Shaner's Group Purchasing Organization partner Avendra. Sessions focused on practical strategies to strengthen restaurant operations, elevate the guest experience, align standards across the portfolio and make better use of corporate resources to drive revenue and profitability.
One message echoed throughout the conference: team members across departments play important roles in revenue growth and cross-departmental collaboration is key.
Beyond the educational sessions, the conference created networking opportunities to strengthen relationships across the company and with industry vendors. Many attendees have worked together at different Shaner restaurants and bars throughout their careers, making the event a meaningful opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas and build new partnerships. Those conversations reinforced one of the conference's central messages: Shaner is strongest when our teams learn from one another and work together.
Award winners include:
- Heart & Hustle - Dakota Weeks
- Culinary Excellence - Toftrees Golf Resort
- Service Excellence - Buffalo Marriott at LECOM Harborcenter
- F&B Operation of the Year (select service) - Fairfield Inn & Suites Harrisburg International Airport
- F&B Operation of the Year (full service) - Art Ovation Hotel
Congratulations to all the winners!
The 2026 Shaner Food & Beverage Conference was made possible with support from ALSCO, Bon Chef, Cintas, Clark National Accounts, Corlby Hall, Deep Eddy Vodka, Edward Don & Company, Four Roses Bourbon, Garner Foods, Jackson Family Wines, La Colombe Coffee Roasters, Lavazza, Luneau USA, Meili Vodka, Melorosa, PepsiCo, Shaner, Steelite International, Torn Ranch, TriMark USA, True Story Whiskeys, US Foods and Wasserstrom.
