Geoff Alexander (Past Speaker)

Geoff Alexander joined Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE) just 9 days after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1993. After becoming one of LEYE’s Managing Partners in 2006, he took charge of Wow Bao in 2009 and quickly expanded the concept into NFL & MLB stadiums, university campuses and airports. He also introduced a frozen product line now available at more than 200 grocers in the Midwest.  

Under his leadership, Wow Bao became a pioneer in technology innovation. Recent locations have a fully automated interface for diners, who place orders via their smartphones and pick up meals through personalized cubbies, making the process faster and more seamless than ever. More than a decade ago, Alexander introduced self-service kiosks (now commonplace in fast-casual eateries), mobile and desktop online ordering; bicycle delivery and domestic shipping; a mobile gift card and loyalty platform; and turned Wow Bao into a standout “personality” in the social media space.  

A widely sought-after speaker on the subject of restaurant technologies and social media, Alexander has presented at the Foodservice Technology, Conference and Showcase (FSTEC), The Multi-Unit Food Service Operators (MUFSO) Conference, The Restaurant Leadership Conference (RLC), and annually at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.

Keen foresight and acumen have also made Alexander a highly regarded addition to industry and civic boards. He’s the Chairman of the National Restaurant Association’s Fast Casual Industry Council (FCIC), an Executive Board Member for Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Association, an Advisory Board Member to Social Media Week Chicago, a member of the Board of Directors of the Lynn Sage Foundation, and has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Fast Casual Executives by Fastcasual.com in 2017, 2018 and 2019. 

Alexander resides in Chicago with his family.