American Express Restaurant Trade Program

American Express is proud to present the 35th annual Restaurant Trade Program at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen from Thursday, June 19th through Saturday, June 21st, 2025.

Developed by and for the professionals who shape the world of hospitality, the American Express Restaurant Trade Program brings together chefs, restaurant operators and leading industry professionals for a three-day program featuring intimate networking events and dynamic panel discussions with some of the industry’s brightest stars.

The American Express Restaurant Trade Program is an exclusive feature of the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and it provides attendees a forum to share strategies, discuss best practices, and exchange ideas for achieving growth and spurring innovation in the restaurant industry.

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and help you build business success. American Express has supported efforts to enhance the growth of the restaurant industry for more than 40 years by creating and implementing programs designed to benefit restauranteurs. American Express also supports the restaurant community through sponsorships and commitments to a diverse range of industry organizations. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

2025 SEMINAR SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

Amex Trade Kick-off Party: 8:00PM – 10:00PM | The Patio at Ajax Tavern
Amex Trade Presents an Evening of Reggaeton, Vibes and Mariscos with chefs Ana Castro, Valerie Chang and Isabel Coss

Join us for a vibrant evening at the Amex Trade Kick-off Party on the Ajax Tavern Patio. Chefs Ana Castro, Valerie Chang and Isabel Coss can’t wait to welcome you for fresh seafood, live music, hand-crafted cocktails, and stellar wines curated by an all-star team of sommeliers. Please RSVP by 6/16 to amextradekickoff@baltzco.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

T100: 10:00AM – 11:00PM | St. Regis Courtyard
The Art of the Pivot: How to Know When It’s Time to Make a Change
Panelists: Katie Button, Ana Castro, Zach Pollack & Eli Sussman. Moderated by Chris Shepherd.

While operators have become remarkably adept at handling a growing variety of challenges, sometimes there can be value in knowing when it’s time to pivot. Join an amazing lineup of restaurant owners as they remove the stigma of moving on and share when it made sense for them, and how they were able to reinvent their role in the restaurant industry after closing one restaurant and opening a new one. Hear directly from these industry leaders about their real-world lessons, the circumstances behind their high-profile moves, and the transformative opportunities that existed on the other side.

PT1: 11:00AM – 11:30AM | Wagner Park
Amex Private Trade Tasting

T200: 3:00PM – 4:00PM | St. Regis Courtyard
Lessons from the Line – What’s the Secret to Success?
Panelists: Mashama Bailey, Sarah Grueneberg, Valerie Chang & Kwame Onwuachi. Moderated by Andrew Zimmern.

Run (don’t walk!) to this candid, no holds barred discussion led by beloved Emmy-winning, four-time James Beard Award winning TV personality and world-renowned chef and entrepreneur, Andrew Zimmern. Join Zimmern and a collection of today’s most innovative chefs and restaurateurs as they unlock the secrets to their success. Listen in as Andrew leads a discussion with our panel on what led to their early hits and lasting victories.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

T300: 10:00AM – 11:00AM | St.Regis Courtyard
Taking Care of Business by Taking Care of Your Team
Panelist: Josh Harris & Liz Murray. Moderated by Andrew Zimmern.

Recruiting, training, and retaining a top team looks very different than it did just a few short years ago. With increasing pressures impacting employee mental and physical wellbeing, it’s critical for restaurateurs to invest in themselves and their teams to minimize staff burnout and turnover. Hear from some of the industry’s leaders on how they created sustainable environments for employees to help them thrive personally and professionally.

PT2: 11:00AM – 11:30AM | Wagner Park
Amex Private Trade Tasting 2

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

PT3: 12:00AM – 12:30AM | Wagner Park
Amex Private Trade Tasting 3