How Affordable is the Affordable Care Act?

Come join our panelist session at the Western Food Service Show on Monday, August 19th at 2:45-3:30 PM, in Theater 2, Booth #1055, and learn how you can provide ACA without hurting your bottom line. Our panelist of restaurant professionals and owners will discuss and share their strategies for implementing the ACA.

Panel Moderator:

Gregory Kniss
Shareholder — KROST
Greg has been involved in the firm’s tax and business consulting practice for over 29 years and is currently the Managing Partner. Over his career, Greg developed his expertise in the restaurant industry and has been an integral part in the expansion of the firm’s niche in the industry. Working with other professionals, he has developed a “team approach” to identify problems and facilitate change for clients while regularly consulting and educating restaurant companies and restaurant industry groups. Greg is the practice leader for the firm’s largest concentration of clientele – the foodservice industry. He is involved with every aspect of the industry including operational consulting, tax consulting & compliance, financial consulting, accounting & auditing, and bookkeeping/business management services. As an active member on the LA board of the California Restaurant Association, Greg has become the “tax hotline” for the state, consulting with restaurant companies regarding tax and financial related issues.

Panel Participants:

Tom Holt
Owner — Urbane Café
Tom is the creator, owner, and operator of the Urbane Café Company. With locations in San Diego, Valencia, Ventura, Oxnard, Agoura Hills, San Luis Obispo and the newest unit in Camarillo. Tom’s path to the restaurant industry came from a desire to create a caring and comforting atmosphere within his cafés. The café’s menu consists of handmade sandwiches, salads, soups, and vegetarian items in a quick casual environment.

Mike Simms a.k.a little simmzy
Owner — Simms Restaurant Group: Simmzy’s; Tin Roof Bistro, mbpost and Fishing with Dynamite
Mike is the creator, owner, and operator of some of Manhattan Beach’s most beloved restaurants. From one of the best-known family restaurants in Southern California and a graduate of the Cornell Hotel School, Mike worked in Napa Valley managing Tra Vigne before starting his collection of local restaurants in Manhattan Beach, where he resides.

Tiffany Stith MBA, SPHR
Vice President, Human Resources — Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc.
Tiffany heads the Human Resources group for Lawry’s Restaurant division which includes Lawry’s Prime Rib, The Tam O’Shanter, Five Crowns, Lawry’s Cavery and the Side Door. Tiffany is a graduate of Graziadio School of Business and management at Pepperdine University.

Bob Spivak
Founder/President — Grill Concepts: The Grill on the Alley, The Daily Grill, Public School and In Short Order
Bob is back steering Grill Concepts with new ventures and concepts. A legend in the restaurant industry he is as active as ever in providing guests with a superior experience in food, beverages, and service. His vast experience and knowledge of the industry afford him a unique view on how the ACA will impact his company as well as the industry.

Panel Resources:

Beth Schroeder
Partner — Lathrop & Gage LLP
Beth Schroeder represents employers from all aspects of employment and labor law, including the defense of employment-related lawsuits involving wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, wage and hour issues, and related claims. Beth’s practice also includes conducting employee training classes, drafting employee handbooks and other personnel forms and documentation, preparing employment-related agreements and auditing wage and hour compliance. In addition to these services, Beth provides extensive day-to-day counseling to help employers in the prevention of employment-related claims. She also works closely with many Employment Practices Liability (EPL) carriers and administers several risk management programs. Beth also works closely with several trade associations, including the California Restaurant Association and sits on the Board of the LA Chapter of the California Restaurant Association. Her articles on employment law have appeared in several local and national publications.

Tim Milaney
Chief Executive Officer — ISU Peterson Milaney Insurance Associates CPCU, CLU, CIC, RHU, CWCA, ChFC
Tim heads the Peterson Milaney Insurance Services with a specialty in the restaurant industry. Tim’s experience with the industry has allowed him to assist operators in many different areas of insurance including workers comp, liability, health care and EPLI. Tim’s knowledge of the restaurant industry issues in regards to insurance coverage and exposures is truly unique which allows him to service his clients on an exceptional level. Peterson Milaney has developed an individual department to assist clients with the upcoming ACA requirements.

» Register for the Western Food Service at the Los Angeles Convention Center