CREATE Conference 2025: Restaurant Growth and Funding Insights

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Growth for the restaurant industry isn’t stopping — and that message was clear last month at the CREATE Conference for Emerging Restaurateurs in Nashville. Restaurant owners, franchise operators, and investors gathered to discuss what’s next in food service growth, franchising, and funding. We were thrilled to attend and share our insights, in case you couldn’t make it.

Investment Summit: 3 Growth Ingredients

During the Investment Summit, three ingredients for success in 2025 and beyond stood out:

  • Brand Strength – Strong, recognizable brands help restaurants navigate volatile markets.

  • Responsible Growth – Transparent communication and alignment with franchise partners ensure sustainable expansion.

  • Flexible Capital – Non-dilutive, founder-friendly financing allows operators to innovate without giving up equity.

Nation’s Restaurant News, a leading source of business intelligence for the restaurant industry, highlights how providers like VOX Funding reflect these key themes with flexible funding solutions.

Feature Article: Brand Strength, Responsible Growth, and Flexible Capital


For full coverage, check out the article,“Investment Summit: Brand strength, Responsible Growth, and Flexible Capital Are On the Menu.”

Photo Coverage of CREATE Conference 2025

Nashville delivered more than insights. Legends like John Oates and the Bacon Brothers (yes, Kevin Bacon!) performed in the Music City for franchise owners and investors.

Create fall conference performance
Attendees of CREATE 2025 enjoyed live performances in Nashville

Attendees also enjoyed foods from the Johnsonville sausage challenge,  Texas Pete Cookoff, and local specialties like Nashville Hot Chicken, with plenty of insta-worthy moments captured here:

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VOX Funding and Restaurant Financing

Best of yet, valuable relationships came from the event. Only weeks later, we’ve been able to help restaurant owners we met at the event fund their businesses. We look forward to long lasting partnerships to power the ecosystem.

If you’re interested in learning more about restaurant funding, check out How to Fund Your Restaurant and Manage Cashflow.

Also, check out VOX’s restaurant, franchise, and food services industry expertise here.

Need to fund your restaurant or hospitality business?

Whether it’s to finish construction this winter, support staff, or open new locations, just fill out a quick application.