What Now Media Group‘s Accelerate event in San Antonio brought together restaurant operators, franchise leaders, and hospitality solution providers on Tuesday, July 14, for an afternoon focused on networking, relationship-building, and industry growth. Hosted at Outlaw Pickle and moderated by Marian Ebhamen, What Now’s Event Host, the occasion offered attendees a chance to connect with peers and explore opportunities shaping the future of the restaurant industry.
The event featured representatives from seven restaurant concepts and eight partner brands, bringing together 29 attendees across operations, ownership, franchise development, technology, foodservice, construction, marketing, and other hospitality-focused sectors. Restaurant attendees included emerging concepts and established national brands, while partner companies showcased resources designed to help operators improve efficiency, expand their businesses, and navigate the evolving restaurant landscape.
Hospitality Attendees
Outlaw Pickle – 618 NW Loop 410 #202, San Antonio, TX 78216
Jonathan Bricklin, Operating Partner of Outlaw Pickle, attended alongside Ross K, Event Sales Director, and Partner Jason Stier. The San Antonio social sports destination combines pickleball, food, drinks, and entertainment through a Western-themed venue featuring indoor courts, event space, and hospitality-focused experiences. The concept aims to bring a more social and immersive approach to pickleball with tournaments, gatherings, and community events.
Firehouse Subs – 1375 S Main St., Boerne, TX 78006
William Ellis, Franchise Owner of Firehouse Subs, attended with Clay Ellis, who works in wealth management. Ellis is helping lead the brand’s multi-unit expansion plans throughout San Antonio, bringing the firefighter-founded sandwich franchise’s specialty subs and community-focused mission to additional neighborhoods.
Smoothie King – 15489 Culebra Rd #209, San Antonio, TX 78253
Liz Rodriguez and Rey Rodriguez, Co-Franchisees of Smoothie King, attended representing the growing smoothie and wellness brand. The franchise partners are expanding their footprint in San Antonio with additional locations, offering Smoothie King’s menu of blended smoothies, fitness-focused options, and better-for-you beverages.
Squeeze In – 2230 TPC Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78259
Kiersten Smyth, Co-Franchise Owner of Squeeze In, attended with Nathan Pyeatt, Kitchen Manager, and Roger Morales, General Manager. Founded in California, the breakfast and lunch concept is bringing its signature omelets, burgers, sandwiches, and brunch offerings to San Antonio with a planned TPC Parkway location.
Tim Hortons – 2919 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, TX 78232
Eduardo Castilleja, VP of Franchise Development for CO3 Companies, attended alongside Veronica Castilleja. The team is helping introduce Tim Hortons to the San Antonio market with a new Redland Plaza location featuring the brand’s signature coffee, baked goods, breakfast items, and Canadian-inspired favorites.
Dunkin’ / Baskin-Robbins / Jimmy John’s – 2246 SE Military Dr., San Antonio, TX 78223
Andy Ali, Franchisee of Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, and Jimmy John’s, attended representing a portfolio of nationally recognized restaurant brands. Ali’s franchise operations span coffee, frozen desserts, and sandwich concepts, reflecting the continued growth opportunities for multi-brand operators in the San Antonio market.
Captain D’s – 7531 Bandera Rd #101, San Antonio, TX 78238
Ruben Cardenas, Business Partner at Captain D’s, attended alongside Jolene Cardenas. They are spearheading the Nashville-based seafood chain’s planned entry into San Antonio, preparing its first local franchise expansion. The concept’s menu of seafood platters, grilled selections, and Southern-style favorites will be a hit with a new Texas audience.
Partner Attendees
Auris
Nelson Labrador, SPA; Jamie Christensen, Division Manager for Houston & South Texas; and Melinda Mansfield, VP Sales North Central, represented Auris’ workforce management solutions. Auris provides HR, payroll, and compliance technology designed to help businesses simplify employee administration, streamline payroll processes, and improve workforce operations.
Contreras Building Group, LLC
Crystal Contreras, Project Manager of Contreras Building Group, LLC, attended alongside Daniel Contreras, Owner. The construction company specializes in commercial and residential building services, supporting clients through project planning, construction management, and development. The family-owned company focuses on delivering quality craftsmanship and customized construction solutions.
Global Payments – Genius Point of Sale
Rebecca Luna, SRM of Global Payments – Genius Point of Sale, attended representing the technology provider’s restaurant and hospitality payment solutions. Genius Point of Sale offers integrated systems designed to help restaurants manage payments, operations, customer experiences, and business analytics through streamlined technology platforms.
Prudential Overall Supply
Albert Garcia and Jeuel Medina, Corporate Sales representatives of Prudential Overall Supply, attended on behalf of the company. Prudential Overall Supply provides industrial laundering, uniform rental, facility services, and workplace supply solutions for businesses across multiple industries, including hospitality and food service.
R Public Relations
Michael Trice, Publicist of R Public Relations, attended representing the communications agency. The firm specializes in public relations, media strategy, branding, and promotional campaigns designed to help businesses increase visibility and strengthen their public presence.
Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
Jeremy Reyes, Sales Executive of Restaurant Technologies, Inc., attended representing the company’s foodservice solutions. Restaurant Technologies provides automated cooking oil management systems that help restaurants improve safety, efficiency, sustainability, and operational consistency.
SpotOn
Chris Espinoza of SpotOn attended alongside Miles Coburn, Hospitality Specialist. SpotOn provides restaurant technology solutions including point-of-sale systems, online ordering, payments, marketing tools, and customer engagement platforms designed to help hospitality businesses operate more efficiently.
US Foods Inc.
Eddie Martinez and Doc Shockley, District Managers of US Foods Inc., attended, representing one of the nation’s largest foodservice distributors. US Foods supplies restaurants and foodservice operators with ingredients, products, culinary resources, and business solutions designed to support daily operations and long-term growth.
What Now Media Group shares restaurant opening news in 33 cities across North America, breaking news, and provides timely insight into yet-to-open brick-and-mortar businesses. The platform shares news of thousands of openings across all 33 cities annually.
Stay tuned for future Accelerate events from What Now Media Group in 2026. For more details, see the Accelerate page here.
Click here for a complete list of our partners. To learn more about becoming a preferred partner, click here.
