Pizza Expo 2026 to Discuss Common Legal Pitfalls

Attorney Thomas Reinhard to share insights on navigating employment, insurance, and leasing issues for pizzeria operators.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:23am

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The upcoming International Pizza Expo in 2026 will feature an education session led by Seattle-based attorney and pizzeria co-owner Thomas Reinhard, who will discuss common legal pitfalls that restaurant operators face. The session will cover topics such as employee gratuity, employment law, insurance coverage, liquor liability, intellectual property, and navigating commercial leases.

Why it matters

Navigating the legal landscape is crucial for pizzeria owners, as missteps can lead to costly penalties, lawsuits, and negative publicity. Reinhard's session aims to arm operators with the knowledge to proactively protect their businesses and avoid common legal pitfalls in the industry.

The details

Reinhard's session at Pizza Expo 2026 will cover a range of legal topics relevant to pizzeria owners. On the employee front, he'll discuss regulations around gratuity and tip pooling, as well as the importance of having a comprehensive employee handbook. The session will also delve into insurance coverage, helping operators ensure they have the right policies in place to protect against potential disasters and liabilities. For restaurants that serve alcohol, Reinhard will address liquor liability and steps to mitigate risk. He'll also cover intellectual property concerns, such as protecting branding and trademarks, as well as the complexities of commercial leases.

  • The Pizza Expo 2026 education session led by Thomas Reinhard will take place on Tuesday, March 24, at 4 p.m.

The players

Thomas Reinhard

A Seattle-based business attorney and co-owner of Cascadia Pizza Co.

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What they’re saying

“While I know legal issues are not the most 'fun' topics, my goal is to protect the industry from costly mistakes. As both a pizzeria operator and an attorney, my unique insight into these issues can help you run a profitable and successful pizzeria.”

— Thomas Reinhard (pizzatoday.com)

What’s next

Attendees can find the full Pizza Expo 2026 education schedule on the event's website to plan their conference experience.

The takeaway

Proactively addressing legal considerations, from employment policies to insurance coverage and intellectual property, can help pizzeria owners avoid costly pitfalls and run their businesses more successfully in the long run.