Cliff Cate, Vice President and General Manager of Restaurants at Yelp, will be speaking about consumer trends and the tools helping restaurants win more guests and drive revenue at the 2026 Bar & Restaurant Expo on Monday, March 23 at 1:30 pm.
The session, "What Yelp Data Reveals About Today's Diners," will dive into how top operators use reviews, the latest diner decision and booking behavior, and how AI is reshaping restaurant operations. Not registered yet? Grab a conference pass today!
We caught up with Cliff to learn more about him ahead of the show!
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by craftsmanship. People who obsess over details, who source great ingredients, who care about how something feels when it lands in front of you. I also love builders; founders and operators who take an idea and turn it into something real.
What’s your favorite place to eat & drink?
Les Petites Canailles in Paso Robles, California. It’s thoughtful without being fussy. Great ingredients, great wine list, and a sense that the team genuinely cares about your experience. It feels personal.
What's currently on your playlist?
Wilco
Fruit Bats
Gregory Alan Isakov
Bon Iver
What's an industry trend you're excited about?
AI, but specifically AI that enhances hospitality rather than replaces it. The operators who win will not be the ones who use AI to cut corners. They will be the ones who use it to elevate hospitality and bring more joy back into the room.
If you could spend a night in any restaurant or bar from history, which one would it be?
El Bulli, Spain, mid 2000s during peak experimentation. Not just dinner, but a reimagining of what dining could be.
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