Got the recipe for success? #QSRNext is looking for industry-leading speakers
#QSRNext, our half-day session designed specifically for the busy QSR exec, is seeking speakers for this year's virtual show.
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The return of the Unicorn Frappuccino: Can Starbucks avoid the headaches this time around?
by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media
When Starbucks created the drink nearly nine years ago, it generated significant consumer interest, leading to thousands of social media posts but also criticism from Starbucks baristas. As it prepares to reintroduce the beverage, one question remains: Will the Unicorn Frappuccino create the same operational headaches it did nearly a decade ago?
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Yelp's 2026 growth data: Fast casual brands, customization devouring the competition
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
Fast casual is dominating when it comes not only to specific brands — 7 Brews, Dave's Hot Chicken, Cava and Chipotle — but also to the culture it has helped cultivate: Drive-thru beverage concepts, bold chicken brands and customized menus. Consumers don't just want food and drinks anymore; they want their food and drinks built exactly to spec.
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Cheba Hut fires up new joint in Fort Worth
Cheba Hut, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, is opening its newest location in north Fort Worth, Texas. The counterculture toasted sub shop will open June 15 at…
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AI and the Future of Restaurants: From Foot Traffic to Predictive Insight
In this discussion, Azira’s CEO, Gladys Kong, will explore how AI-powered analytics and mobile location data are transforming the way restaurant brands approach site selection, marketing, and strategic decision-making.
70 years old and 'restarting': Shakey’s Pizza VP outlines fresh strategy for expansion
In this episode of the Pizza Marketplace podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace, chats with Sonia Barajas-Najera, vice president of franchise administration for Shakey's Pizza.
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The 1:1 Personalization Playbook: Using AI to send every guest their own offer
In this session, Hang CEO Matt Smolin, whose platform powers millions of AI-personalized offers a month for restaurant brands, will walk through the playbook to start personalizing your own offers right away.
Kalibrate offers best in location selection services, software
Charles Wetzel, CEO of Kalibrate, a location analytics and site selection platform, talks about his company in this video from ICSC 2026 in Las Vegas.
2026 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers
Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Each year, this report serves as a pulse check for the industry, celebrating the brands and leaders who aren’t just keeping pace with the market—they are redefining it.
