Unleashing the Power of AI in Restaurants: A Journey from Kitchen to Consumer

Simone Galante is the founder and CEO of GALUNION, a leading company specializing in innovation, content creation, and consultancy services for the foodservice industry, Simone brings over 30 years of expertise to the table. With a distinguished executive career, she has spearheaded more than 350 projects across the entire foodservice ecosystem, ranging from ingredient suppliers, food manufacturers, equipment providers, and distributors to restaurant chains and independent operators. Simone's leadership extends beyond GALUNION, having previously served as General Director of the Compass Group, where she managed over 4,400 professionals. Her extensive experience and strategic acumen have positioned her as a trusted advisor to numerous companies, while her insightful trend analysis and thought-provoking lectures contribute to industry discourse. Simone actively engages in industry associations such as the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF), leveraging partnerships with ANR ( Brazilian National Restaurant Association), ABIA (Brazilian Food Industry Association), and ABERC (Brazilian Non-Commercial Association) to advance market intelligence and knowledge dissemination within the sector.

I'm Deric Rosenbaum, and I currently serve as the president and a multiunit franchise owner at Groucho's Deli. With over two decades in the food service industry, my expertise spans from distribution logistics to managing franchise operations. Throughout my career, I've transitioned from a hands-on franchisee to leading the development of a central distribution commissary and successfully launching over 50 franchise units.

Colleagues recognize me as a proficient builder—not only of sandwiches and physical spaces but also of cohesive teams, a thriving brand, enriching customer experiences, and a robust tech infrastructure. As the resident CTO of Groucho's Deli, I champion the adoption of open, bi-directional APIs and industry-wide data standards, leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiencies. Strategic innovations have helped steer the company through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, bolstering its resilience and prosperity.

I firmly advocate for customer-centricity, prioritizing people, pride, and passion in every business endeavor. Inspired by Yoda's wisdom, I believe in full commitment to our goals: "Do or do not; there is no try."

Outside of work, I cherish my roles as a husband and father to two wonderful daughters and am a proud caretaker of two beloved dogs. I reside in Columbia, South Carolina, and enjoy tending to my yard, listening to soulful music, and staying active to recharge.