---
title: "Restaurant Leader Of the Year Award and Fireside Chat"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/52fca049-aa78-435a-8330-38358761bf50
source: "Restaurant Business"
original_url: https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/rlc-videos/restaurant-leader-year-award-fireside-chat
category: "Coffee & tea"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Coffee & tea"
published: 2026-10-30T17:43:04.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T14:57:57.130Z
image: https://cdn.informaconnect.com/platform/files/rb/images/share-img.jpg
---

# Restaurant Leader Of the Year Award and Fireside Chat

**TL;DR:** Christine Barone, CEO of Dutch Bros, is being honored as the 2026 Restaurant Leader of the Year. She has led Dutch Bros to significant growth and transformed the drive-thru experience.

*originally published in Restaurant Business on 2026-10-30. [Read the original](https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/rlc-videos/restaurant-leader-year-award-fireside-chat).*

## Story

Join us for a special Fireside Chat to honor Christine Barone, CEO of Dutch Bros, as the 2026 Restaurant Leader of the Year. In this inspiring session, we’ll celebrate her extraordinary leadership journey and explore the strategies, vision, and innovation that have propelled Dutch Bros to the forefront of the restaurant industry.

As the chief executive of the drive-thru coffee chain, Christine has played a pivotal role in kickstarting Dutch Bros’ impressive growth trajectory, transforming it into a powerhouse brand while establishing beverages as one of the industry’s hottest and fastest-growing sectors. Under her leadership, Dutch Bros has not only expanded its footprint but also redefined the drive-thru experience with a focus on speed, quality, and customer connection.

Celebrate her achievements and learn what it takes to lead with purpose, passion, and impact in today’s restaurant landscape.

## Entities

- QSR (sector)
- Restaurant Business (publication)
- Dutch Bros (company)
- company growth (topic)
- Christine Barone (person)
- restaurant leadership (topic)
- drive-thru experience (topic)
- industry award (topic)

---
Originally reported by Restaurant Business (https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/rlc-videos/restaurant-leader-year-award-fireside-chat). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/52fca049-aa78-435a-8330-38358761bf50).