Rockford Area Restaurant Forum 2026

Train, Round Tables & Helpful Tips

We invite you to join fellow local restaurateurs and food service professionals for a dedicated Restaurant Community Forum. This is a collaborative space designed specifically for your industry to share insights, discuss common challenges, and explore new ways to thrive.

We have developed 2 sessions for yourself and your teams to come together and become better equipped for navigating the restaurant industry. This is free of charge for Chamber restaurants so please register any and all staff to take advantage of this great info!

Session I: Wait Staff & Front-of-House Training


June 15, 2026 at Rockford Ambulance Center

Time: 10am – 11:15am


Description: Relationship building Customer service and how it builds a brand What good service means & how to give the best experience to each and every guest.
Session I: RSVP HERE

Session II: Owners, Managers & Operations Staff Round-Table


June 15, 2026 at Rockford Ambulance Center

Time: 2:30-4pm


Description: Hiring & labor Community & local marketing Trends in the industry: What works, what doesn’t.
Session II: RSVP HERE

Why Attend?

  • Voice Your Needs: Share your feedback on local business conditions and let us know how we can better support your growth.
  • Network & Collaborate: Connect with peer owners and managers to share best practices, from marketing ideas to operational efficiencies.
  • Stay Informed: Get updates on upcoming community initiatives, marketing campaigns, and events that can drive foot traffic directly to your doors.
  • Resource Sharing: Access information on local grants, promotional programs (like community currency initiatives), and business resources.


Meet the Facilitators

Barry Neal

House of Flavors Restaurant - Ludington

The Parlor by House of Flavors - Zeeland

Owner


Barry's career has been a mix of hospitality & marketing for over 50 years.  Starting at House of Flavors Restaurant (then Park Dairy) at 11 years of age - Barry's work journey has included positions as Advertising Director & Niche Publishing Director of The Holland Sentinel, Promotions Director at JOY99, Lanser Broadcasting and several iconic restaurants.  In addition, Barry is a worship leader, Bubba (grandfather), runner & triathlete.  Barry's focus in business & life are "Love others." "Everything matters."  "Get the prize."

Dan Nagelkerke


Dan has a long history of being in sales and sales management. Starting in 1981 at age 21 as a customer service rep for Sysco Grand Rapids. From there he went on to sales and sales management. 

Dan has always had a passion for servant leadership and taking care of his employees and the customer. 

As a service to his restaurant customers, he has conducted wait staff training to over 100 restaurants throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana. He does so with an angle of what is the difference between “service and hospitality.” That you can get service from a vending machine. Hospitality is personal. 

Not an expert. Just someone who will speak from his heart a passion for great service and more importantly, Hospitality. 

On a personal note, Dan lives in Hudsonville Michigan with his wife of 44 years. Jenni. He has 5 married children and 13 grandchildren.