'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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How Starbucks’ new leadership role could help more women advance in the restaurant industry
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
The coffee chain will hire over 300 coffeehouse coaches over the next month, with thousands more by the end of the calendar year. It could be a huge step to getting more women into restaurant leadership.
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Houston TX Hot Chicken flies to UK with PizzaExpress franchise deal
Houston TX Hot Chicken has signed a master franchise agreement with PizzaExpress to bring its fast-casual chicken concept to the United Kingdom. Under the…
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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.
