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Recipes for Restaurant Risk Management Success

In this episode of Alliance Insights, hosts Mitch Dunford and Dr. Lisa Gardner talk with Jay Gates, Managing Director of Gallagher’s National Restaurant Practice, to explore the unique world of restaurant risk management. Jay shares his journey from EEOC investigator to claims leader to building an enterprise risk management program for more than 165 Applebee’s locations. He breaks down the most pressing challenges facing restaurants today—including labor shortages, cyber exposures, liquor liability, and product recalls—and explains how Gallagher helps clients reduce their total cost of risk through proactive service, innovative insurance solutions, and data-driven strategies. Jay also highlights the rising role of artificial intelligence in restaurant operations, from table‑turn tracking to drive‑through optimization, and the new risks that come with rapid adoption. Packed with real-world stories, leadership insights, and future-focused perspective, this episode is a must‑listen for anyone serving clients in the foodservice and hospitality sectors.

Episode 145 of the Alliance NOW! Risk & Insurance Podcast Series podcast, hosted by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, titled "Recipes for Restaurant Risk Management Success" was published on February 26, 2026 and runs 31 minutes.

February 26, 2026 ·31m · Alliance NOW! Risk & Insurance Podcast Series

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Summary

In this episode of Alliance Insights, hosts Mitch Dunford and Dr. Lisa Gardner talk with Jay Gates, Managing Director of Gallagher’s National Restaurant Practice, to explore the unique world of restaurant risk management. Jay shares his journey from EEOC investigator to claims leader to building an enterprise risk management program for more than 165 Applebee’s locations. He breaks down the most pressing challenges facing restaurants today—including labor shortages, cyber exposures, liquor liability, and product recalls—and explains how Gallagher helps clients reduce their total cost of risk through proactive service, innovative insurance solutions, and data-driven strategies. Jay also highlights the rising role of artificial intelligence in restaurant operations, from table‑turn tracking to drive‑through optimization, and the new risks that come with rapid adoption. Packed with real-world stories, leadership insights, and future-focused perspective, this episode is a must‑listen for anyone serving clients in the foodservice and hospitality sectors.

Episode Description

Featured Guest

Jay Gates
Managing Director, Gallagher National Restaurant Practice
20+ years in insurance, former Applebee’s risk leader, RIMS committee member, and Kids Chance Nebraska board member.

What We Cover

  • Jay’s unexpected path into risk and insurance
  • Lessons learned investigating EEOC claims early in his career
  • Leadership principles developed while managing large claims teams
  • Building a full ERM program for 165+ Applebee’s locations
  • The most surprising and severe claims in restaurant operations
  • How Gallagher reduces the total cost of risk for restaurant clients
  • Innovative approaches including captives and proprietary analytics
  • Underestimated risks: cyber breaches + product recalls
  • The growing impact of AI on restaurant ops and risk
  • Privacy + liability concerns tied to AI adoption
  • The future of restaurant risk management over the next decade

Key Takeaways

  • Restaurant risks are broader than most expect. From contaminated produce to liquor liability fatalities, claims can escalate fast.
  • Cyber and product recall coverages are essential, despite being commonly undervalued.
  • AI will reshape restaurant risk—from customer service to operations tracking—creating both efficiencies and new exposures.
  • Gallagher’s differentiator is proactive service, deep data analysis, and tailoring insurance strategy to each client's risk tolerance.
  • Risk leaders benefit from diverse career experiences, which Jay draws on daily.

Resources & Links

  • Learn more about the Restaurant Risk Professional (RRP) certification:
    riskeducation.org/restaurant-RiskPro
  • Explore additional Alliance Insights episodes at riskeducation.org

Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.

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