'Going Live with Fast Casual Nation and Shake Shack:' Inside 'Project Catalyst' and what comes next
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
We are not talking about transformation in theory. We are talking about what it looks like inside a brand that is actively doing the work.
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Tord Olav Dønnum on the future of autonomous foodservice
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Tord Olav Dønnum discusses how robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping foodservice operations and how autonomous kitchens can help operators improve profitability while preserving the human side of hospitality.
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Why the 'pizza party vs. raise' debate reveals a bigger catering opportunity
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
New data on workplace meals shows employees are more productive, more connected and more likely to return to the office when food is provided, creating a clear opportunity for restaurants to expand catering programs.
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Restaurant summer hiring soft again, projected to add 450K jobs
The number of 16- to 19-year-olds in the workforce totaled about 6 million in April, down 200,000 from the same period in 2024 and 2025. The labor force participation rate for 20- to 24-year-olds declined to 69.6% in April, down from 71% a year earlier.
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From kitchens to tech hubs: Inside fast casual’s digital revolution
In the latest episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, Cherryh Cansler, publisher of FastCasual.com, sits down with Luke Wilwerding, Vice President of North America Sales at Elo Touch Solutions, to unpack the highly anticipated FastCasual Top 100 Movers & Shakers list.
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.
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.
