Dished Live 2025 brought together more than 100 restaurant operators, QSR brands, partners, and industry leaders at London’s Ham Yard Hotel for a full day of insights, innovation, and real-world success stories. Hosted by Flipdish, the event explored the future of restaurant growth, efficiency, leadership, and technology, with a strong focus on how AI is already transforming the sector.
The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. As one operator shared afterwards:
“The venue, layout and catering was excellent. We really enjoyed the content and meeting everyone face to face. We all had an excellent day.”
From high-impact sessions to hands-on demos, operator panels, and the Flipdish Awards, Dished Live delivered practical insights that operators can take straight back to their businesses.
Celebrating 10 years of Flipdish
The day opened with a high-energy welcome and a milestone moment, celebrating Flipdish’s ten-year anniversary.
Co-Founder and CRO, James McCarthy, reflected on the company’s journey from a small startup to one of Europe’s fastest-growing restaurant technology platforms. He shared stories of how operators have grown using Flipdish to stay independent, digital-first, and competitive.
Operator panels packed with real-world insights
One of the biggest strengths of Dished Live is the opportunity for operators to learn directly from each other. This year’s agenda featured powerful discussions on growth, leadership, delivery, menu optimisation, and operational efficiency.
1. The growth formula: How leading operators drive more orders
Hosted by Flipdish’s VP of People and Legal, Máire Neary, this panel explored digital ordering strategies, smarter fulfilment, and customer insights that help operators increase repeat orders across the UK.
2. Inside the success of IRO Sushi
Flipdish VP of Commercial, John Descalzi, hosted a fireside chat with leaders from IRO Sushi, Uber Direct, and Flipdish, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how IRO scaled rapidly through partnerships, data, and strong operational systems.
3. Leading with purpose with Kieron Bailey
A dynamic session led by Kieron Bailey from People on Purpose, featuring operators from Brother Marcus, Blacklock, and Pizzarova, focused on team culture, trust, and leadership in hospitality.
4. The efficiency edge
Hosted by VP of Marketing, David Miller, this panel showcased how efficiency evolves as businesses grow, featuring operators from Gourmet Burger Club, WingTrapp, and Super Pizza.
The panel discussed:
Staff empowerment and local ownership
Consolidating systems such as SMS and guest communication
Using data for loyalty and repeat business
Achieving consistency across multiple sites
5. From menu to mindset with Annica Wainwright
Annica, known as the Menu Geek, delivered an energetic session that covered menu psychology, data-backed decision-making, and the “Magic Questions” operators can use to unlock hidden opportunities.
AI takes centre stage with the launch of Flipdish AI Phone Agent
One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the reveal of Flipdish AI Phone Agent, a new AI-powered solution designed to reduce missed orders, improve call handling, and increase conversions during busy service periods.
Flipdish’s co-founder and CEO, Conor McCarthy, introduced the product through a high-impact launch video and live demo, showing exactly how the AI Phone Agent works and why it matters for modern restaurants.
👉 Learn more about Flipdish AI Phone Agent
Celebrating excellence at the Flipdish Awards 2025
Seven awards were presented to operators who demonstrated outstanding performance and creativity in 2025. Winners included:
Best newcomer: Legends Desserts & Burger Bar
Customers’ favourite: The Souvlaki
Growth champion: Eskimo Pizza and Lams
Digital innovation: Gather & Gather at University College Dublin
Menu mastery: IRO Sushi
Social media superstar: The Scran Man
Community hero: Chicken Cottage
Another attendee shared a highlight of the event:
“I came today not knowing anyone but left knowing friends thanks to Flipdish.”
A day of community, inspiration, and meaningful takeaways
Across every session, one theme was clear. When hospitality teams combine strong leadership, efficiency, and the right technology, they can deliver exceptional guest experiences and sustainable growth.
Join us for Dished Live 2026
Inspired by this year’s event? You can now secure your place at next year’s Dished Live. For a limited time, early bird tickets are available at a 2025 price freeze of £49, valid until 31 December 2025.
Tickets will increase in price in 2026, so now is the ideal time to secure your spot.
