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David Milne

Formerly of Inspire Brands
David is a result-focused design and construction executive with extensive domestic and international experience, specializing in building, developing and leading global creative teams in architecture and restaurant/retail design for signature US brands. This includes protecting and enhancing their global brand images in the eyes of the companies, franchisees and customers through engaging store designs, in conjunction with other visual enhancements and emotional connectors. Born in Wales, raised in Scotland, David graduated from the Charles Rennie Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow, Scotland. He has lived in a number of diverse cultures and countries including the UK, South Africa and Hong Kong, and has been responsible for retail projects in over 30 countries worldwide. Prior to his recent retirement, David held senior retail design and construction positions with Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, Burger King, Wendy’s, TGI Friday’s, Starbucks International and Limited Brands. A past Secretary of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Retail Design Institute and member of the Editorial Advisory Board of VM+SD magazine, David currently is a member of SCORE.org, an affiliate of the Small Business Administration, as a Business Mentor advising and assisting those in the retail/restaurant design arena starting or expanding their own businesses.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Thursday May 7

Fast Forward - Transforming the QSR Customer Experience

Quick-service restaurants are rapidly redefining what convenience, speed and experience look like for today’s customers. As expectations evolve, from digital ordering and seamless pickup to more welcoming dine-in environments, the design of QSR spaces must adapt to support new behaviors while maintaining operational efficiency. This high-impact panel brings together senior executives leading QSR brand evolutions and refreshes happening today. Through conversation and real-world examples, panelists will explore how changing customer preferences are influencing store layouts, service models, technology integration and brand expression inside the physical environment. Attendees will gain insight into how QSR brands are rethinking their spaces to balance speed, flexibility and experience, ensuring stores remain relevant as dining habits, ordering channels and customer expectations continue to shift. Takeaways:

  • Discover how evolving customer behaviors are reshaping QSR store design and service models
  • Understand ways technology, pickup formats and flexible layouts are influencing next-generation QSR spaces
  • Hear real-world insights from leading QSR executives on adapting stores to meet changing expectations