Webinar/Podcast
in partnership with Coca-Cola
Consumers increasingly expect beverages to travel as well as meals. But which drinks are most likely to be added to a drive-thru order, bundled with takeout, or purchased through delivery? Hear from Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the National Restaurant Association, Emily Rogers, Vice President, Customer Strategic Insights for The Coca-Cola Company, as well as Chris Demery, Chief Technology Officer for Blaze Pizza, James Sanchez, Corporate Executive Chef, Whataburger – two operators who are successfully growing off-premises sales.
Together they'll talk through today's high-performing beverage categories, including specialty soft drinks, energy beverages, premium refreshers, alcohol-to-go, and emerging beverage trends.
Learn how successful operators increase beverage attachment rates, build profitable combo strategies, leverage limited-time offers, and use consumer insights to drive incremental revenue.
You'll leave with practical ideas to grow beverage sales across every off-premises occasion.
**Please note: After this webinar takes place, it will be available for on-demand viewing. Please register even if you cannot attend the live presentation. You will receive a link to the on-demand presentation where you can watch at your leisure.
Register Here to Watch Recorded Webinar
About the Presenters:
Chad Moutray
Senior Vice President, Industry Research And Knowledge, and Chief Economist, National Restaurant Association
Chad Moutray is chief economist and senior vice president for industry research and knowledge and chief economist at the National Restaurant Association. Previously, he served as chief economist at the National Association of Manufacturers (2011–2024) and at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy (2002–2010). He began his career as dean of the School of Business Administration at Robert Morris College in Chicago. Dr. Moutray holds a Ph.D. in economics from Southern Illinois University and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University. In addition to his role at the NRA, Dr. Moutray is an adjunct professor at George Washington University, where he teaches econometrics in the M.S. in the applied economics program.
Emily Rogers
Vice President, Customer Strategic Insights,
Coca-Cola North America
Emily Rogers leads Customer Strategic Insights for Coca-Cola’s North America Foodservice & On-Premise business, where she helps foodservice operators and industry partners uncover growth opportunities through consumer, customer, and marketplace insights. Leading a team of insights professionals and Coca-Cola’s Chief Economic Advisor, she specializes in translating data into actionable strategies that drive business performance and strengthen customer partnerships.
With over 15 years of experience spanning commercial strategy, category leadership, and insights development, Emily is recognized for connecting consumer behavior and industry trends to practical business solutions to drive growth. She is passionate about helping organizations navigate change, identify emerging opportunities, and create meaningful value for both consumers and operators.
Emily is an active member of NextUp and the Women’s Foodservice Forum and serves on Technomic’s Supplier Advisory Board. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two children.
Chris Demery
Chief Technology Officer, Blaze Pizza
An innovative and resourceful RESTAURANT & TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE with demonstrated expertise in all aspects of Restaurant Technology, Off Premises Dining, digital customer experience, application development, software integration, consumer/data insights, business development, implementations, troubleshooting, training/development, vendor management, data/network security, and retail operations. Proven aptitude in improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency while building high-performance teams to complete, troubleshoot, and implement key technology projects. An exceptional leader who delivers high-level strategic and “big picture” thinking, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and according to customer requirements to expand services and drive revenue growth. Currently CTO of Blaze Pizza LLC. Previously experience at PF Chang’s, CKE, Bloomin’ Brands, and Domino’s Pizza.
James Sanchez
Corporate Executive Chef, Whataburger
James Sanchez is Corporate Executive Chef and Director at Whataburger, where he leads menu innovation and product development for the iconic restaurant brand. A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Sanchez brings more than 30 years of experience spanning restaurant operations, culinary education, and multi-unit foodservice leadership, helping shape menu offerings that balance creativity, consumer appeal, and operational success.
