CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2026) - “Built to Last: What Winning Restaurants Do Differently,” an in-person program featuring restaurant industry leader Ed Rensi, will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 23, 2026, at the Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda. Presented by SCORE Port Charlotte and hosted in partnership with the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and the Charlotte County Economic Development Office, the program will examine leadership, operational discipline and long-term decision-making in the restaurant industry. The event is sponsored by Cheney Brothers.
Ed Rensi is the former president and CEO of McDonald’s USA and is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in modern foodservice history. Rising from grill cook to leading more than 12,000 restaurants nationwide, Rensi helped guide McDonald’s through a period of record growth and operational transformation. Rensi currently serves as an executive advisor to FAT Brands and sits on multiple restaurant and hospitality company boards, where he focuses on governance, leadership and long-term operational performance.
The event is designed for independent restaurant owners, general managers and hospitality professionals seeking practical insight into sustainable business operations. Registration is $20 for Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce members and $30 for non-members. Seating is limited.
Registration information is available at https://tinyurl.com/66bz4acm.
For information, contact Maria Vastola at 941-764-4942 or maria.vastola@charlottecountyfl.gov.
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