Datassential Welcomes Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D. to Its Board of Directors for Enhanced Insights

Datassential Announces New Board Member

Datassential, a leader in food and beverage intelligence, has made a significant addition to its Board of Directors with the appointment of Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D. Knight serves as the President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association and is noted for her extensive impact within the restaurant and foodservice sectors. Her experience and insight will prove invaluable as Datassential continues to evolve its data, AI, and analytical capabilities.

A Voice for Change

Knight is recognized nationally for her influence in the food industry, especially in addressing the needs of operators and understanding various industry dynamics. Her leadership in Texas, which encompasses over 58,000 restaurants, equips her with a robust perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the sector. With several decades in hospitality education and workforce training, Knight brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Strategic Insight for Future Growth

Jim Emling, CEO of Datassential, expressed confidence in Knight’s strategic vision, highlighting her unique ability to align current operator needs with industry trends. According to Emling, her contributions will be critical in enabling Datassential to proactively address future challenges in the food and beverage landscape.

Embracing Data as a Tool for Innovation

Emily Knight articulates a strong belief in the power of data and intelligence to navigate change. She emphasizes that Datassential serves as an essential partner for operators looking to adapt to a fast-evolving market. As Knight joins the board, her focus will be on pushing the boundaries of actionable intelligence to enhance growth, foster innovation, and improve the overall customer experience.

A Legacy of Leadership

Notably, Knight made history by being the first woman to lead the Texas Restaurant Association in its 89 years. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in orchestrating pivotal policy reforms and spearheading crisis-response initiatives, particularly those that helped stabilize the restaurant sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her expertise includes shaping global education programs, structuring workforce models suited for the industry, and forming valuable partnerships across various sectors, including government and academia.

Datassential: Powering Decisions with Intelligence

Founded in 2001, Datassential has established itself as a trusted resource in the food and beverage industry. The company has evolved its offerings significantly and launched Datassential One, an integrated platform that combines insights on menu trends, consumer preferences, and sales analytics. This comprehensive approach allows over 90% of leading foodservice brands, such as Starbucks and Burger King, to stay ahead in a competitive market.

Knight’s appointment is anticipated to strengthen Datassential’s mission to provide indispensable insights that enable companies to thrive in an era characterized by rapid change. Moving forward, both Datassential and its clients can expect further innovations driven by the insights Knight will bring to the board.

Conclusion

The addition of Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D. promises to enhance Datassential’s capabilities as it continues to serve as a vital resource for brands navigating the complexities of the food and beverage industry. With her knowledge and leadership, Datassential is well-positioned to push forward in providing actionable intelligence critical for growth and improvement in this dynamic sector.