FCES keynote: To go far, go together

by Valerie Gritton

Chicken Salad Chick’s story shows that scaling successfully isn’t necessarily about moving faster or constantly reinventing the brand. It’s about knowing what makes the concept work, protecting it and building the people and infrastructure necessary to replicate it.

Uber’s ezCater deal puts catering growth, margins and customer loyalty in focus

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Uber's agreement to buy ezCater could put workplace catering in front of a much larger audience. For restaurant operators, however, the announcement raises a variety of issues.

The people behind restaurants need care, too

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The deaths of Traveler’s Cart’s Thy and Matthew Mitchell and the loss of their two young children are a painful reminder that behind every restaurant are people carrying challenges we may never see.

I’m donut ? launches first-ever delivery service in New York City

Tokyo-based I'm donut ? has launched its first-ever delivery service, allowing New York City customers to order donuts and drinks from the brand's Times Square…

Bloomin’ leadership lessons with Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Outback Steakhouse co-Founder Tim Gannon shares how with only $37, a ripped-up $1 million check and two great partners, a legendary brand was built and the most iconic appetizer in the industry was developed.

HungerRush

HungerRush brings every part of your restaurant together — orders, guests, data — in one platform built for fast casual and quick-serve multi-location brands ready to grow.

Closing the gap between order ready and order in hand

Why the last mile costs operators more than they think. The gap between order ready and order in hand is part of the operation that affects labor efficiency, food quality, customer satisfaction and profitability.

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.