In this episode of Powered by Authenticity, I’m joined by Kaeli Kleinbach LaFrance, the driving force behind Batavia’s very first Restaurant Week — happening April 27 through May 2.
We sat down to talk about what it really takes to bring something like this to life, from coordinating local restaurants to building excitement across the community. Kaeli shares how this event came together, the incredible lineup of participating restaurants, and what this means not just for the food scene, but for Batavia as a whole.
We also get into the bigger picture — the impact Restaurant Week can have on the local Economy, how it introduces people to new businesses, and why events like this create lasting momentum well beyond a single week.
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing about the collaboration between local restaurant owners. It’s not about competition — it’s about coming together to create something bigger for the community.
Here on the podcast, we always say food is a great connector. And with Batavia Restaurant Week, that connection goes even further — bringing people together, supporting local businesses, and creating a shared experience across the community.
And if you’re not local to Batavia, this is your reminder to think about what something like this could look like in your own community. The impact is real — and it starts with people willing to bring others to the table.
Thank you, Kaeli, for joining us on the podcast and sharing the exciting details of Batavia’s first restaurant week.
Below are details regarding the event and local restaurants:
Batavia Restaurant Week | What to do in Batavia, NY
Home – Roman’s
Alex’s Place | Fine Dining Steakhouse | Ribs & Seafood
Center Street Smokehouse – western new york, Batavia, NY
Fortunes Restaurant – Fine Dining | Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, NY
34 Rush Restaurant – Sports Bar | Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, NY
O’Lacy’s Irish Pub
Eli Fish Brewing Company | Brewery | 109 Main St, Batavia, NY 14020
Home – Bourbon & Burger Co. – Burger Joint in Batavia, NY
Bar Olo
EDEN Café & Bakeshop
Sunny’s – Batavia, NY
Everybody Eats
The Coffee Press
Matty’s Pizza – Pizza Passion in Batavia New York
Batavia’s Original – Batavia, NY
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Emily Carlson is a trailblazing executive, mentor, and international #1 best-selling author in the Healthcare IT and technology consulting industry. With a 30-year career spanning Information Technology, Project Management, and Digital Transformation, Emily has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to drive innovation, optimize healthcare operations, and enhance patient outcomes. She is recognized for her expertise in leading complex IT initiatives, delivering best-in-class solutions, and helping organizations achieve strategic growth through technology-driven transformation.
Beyond her executive leadership, Emily is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion in technology. She is the creator and host of Powered by Authenticity, a podcast on a mission to elevate equity and inclusion for women everywhere. Each episode delivers insightful, inspiring conversations with remarkable individuals who are redefining success on their own terms. The show dives into their stories, shares valuable resources for those ready to start or re-start their professional journeys, and explores the unique challenges and triumphs they’ve encountered along the way. Join us for empowering stories and actionable insights that remind you that your path forward is as bold as you make it.
Emily’s thought leadership extends beyond the microphone—she is a highly sought-after keynote speaker at national and international technology and leadership conferences. Her keynote topics address not only emerging tech trends, digital transformation, and mentorship, but also the broader needs for leaders in every career vertical. She provides valuable insights into adaptive leadership, workplace innovation, and strategies for driving inclusion, engagement, and long-term success across industries. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and inspire action makes her a transformative voice in leadership conversations.
Among her many accolades, Emily was honored as one of Consulting Magazine’s Top Women Leaders in Technology, Excellence, and Innovation in 2021. In 2022, she was named Mentor of the Year, recognizing her unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting women in technology. She is also an international #1 best-selling author, further solidifying her role as a thought leader and advocate for meaningful change.
When she’s not leading in the tech space, Emily channels her creative innovation into crafting wildly inventive cocktails, extreme charcuterie boards, and outlandish pies. A lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, she cherishes every moment spent with her family.
