Phil Friedman (Past Speaker)

Philip Friedman, a highly regarded C-level executive, is Chief Executive Officer of Salsarita's Franchising, LLC, a rapidly growing franchise chain of fresh Mexican grills he acquired along with a group of investors in 2011. 

Prior to Salsarita's Fresh Mexican Grill, Phil was President and Chief Executive Officer of McAlister's Corporation. Operating and franchising restaurants in 22 states, McAlister's grew from 27 to 300 restaurants during his leadership. 

In 2008, Phil received The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association Silver Plate award for his enduring and outstanding achievement in the Chain Restaurant Full-Service category and his contribution to the advancement of the foodservice industry. In 2009, the Editorial Board of Nation's Restaurant News chose him to be a Golden Chain Award honoree for his success with McAlister's.