|
Our season runs September through May.
Date: January 14, 2026
Time: 17:30
Speaker: Noah Shibahaki-Ong, Jason Ellis, and Stephane Bowen
Topic: Emerging Brands, Emerging Markets: How Small Concepts Compete with Big Chains Using GIS
Abstract: Consumer preferences are shifting away from traditional QSR chains like McDonald's toward unique, chef-driven restaurant concepts with distinctive offerings and authentic experiences. These emerging brands, typically with fewer than 50 locations, are capturing market share and consumer enthusiasm, but face a critical barrier to scaling: they lack the historical data required to build the sophisticated statistical forecasting models that power growth decisions at major chains. Sitewise's Emerging Brands solution addresses this "data gap" by leveraging decades of geospatial modeling experience with over 100 national brands to create an innovative "aspirational brand" methodology.
Emerging brands select established concepts to emulate across target consumer profile, real estate selection, and market penetration strategy, then receive transparent site scoring across five spatial drivers (residential, workplace, retail fit, points of interest, and competition), whitespace analysis for market capacity estimation, and collaborative GIS tools. This solution enables data-starved but high-potential brands to make defensible, location-based growth decisions without requiring the massive datasets that traditional QSR models demand, effectively democratizing enterprise-level spatial analytics for the next generation of restaurant concepts. The product is delivered through Sitewise's comprehensive GIS SaaS platform, which includes custom reporting, mobile field tools, data management automation, and extensive location intelligence visualization. The Sitewise team not only builds the tools for clients, but we consult as industry experts to ensure our clients get the most out of our tools and grow the Wise way. Our solutions are trusted by hundreds of international national brands like Chipotle, McDonalds, Orange Theory, Lululemon, Popeyes, Burger King, and many more!
This presentation will demonstrate how GIS technology is integrated throughout the entire Emerging Brands workflow, from initial market analysis and trade area definition, through site scoring and opportunity identification, to final market planning and field validation, illustrating the spatial methodologies that transform raw location data into actionable growth strategies.
Bios: Noah Shibahaki-Ong and Jason Ellis both graduated from BCIT's advanced GIS program and joined Sitewise after a practicum with CBRE. They are both working on Sitewise's Client Solutions team. They are technical experts automating reports, data processing and ETL flows, and creatively configuring Sitewise's solutions to fit each client's unique needs. Post implementation, they both work directly with our clients providing front line support and educating them how to get the most out of our solutions.
Stephane Bowen is a graduate of the Center of Geographic Sciences in Nova Scotia's advanced GIS program and has been working for Sitewise for almost nine years. He's the Senior Vice President of Sitewise Analytics, leading the Client Services teams (Success, Analytics, Technical Solutions, and Support), and leads cross functional operations and strategy. He has led the design, direction, and methodology of the new Emerging Brands solution.
In Person Location: CBRE Limited - located in MNP Tower, 1021 West Hastings Street, Suite 2500, Vancouver
Online Location
Zoom Meeting ID: 952 3035 7327
Zoom Meeting Passcode: 082298
Eventbrite
details …
|
