Speaker Spotlight: Liz Williams, CEO, El Pollo Loco
Liz Williams, CEO of El Pollo Loco, shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit 2026.
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Can Dave’s Hot Chicken leaders conjure magic from Mike's Red Tacos?
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Mike's Red Tacos, a beef birria concept born just four years ago, has deals in place to open more than 200 locations. While the rapid expansion is turning heads, the real story is the firepower behind the scenes. The brand's not-so-secret weapon is the executive powerhouse that led Dave's Hot Chicken to become a billion-dollar brand.
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Building unity through community
by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners
By fostering shared experiences and intentional connections, the restaurant industry serves as a vital "community connector" that accelerates growth for leaders and creates a sense of belonging for all.
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La Madeleine eyes accelerated growth following 'Ignite the Joy' turnaround
French-inspired bakery-cafe la Madeleine is entering 2026 with its strongest expansion pipeline in nearly a decade, following a year of operational…
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Powerhouse Dynamics
Powerhouse Dynamics is the leading provider of "internet of things" (IoT)-based solutions to connect, analyze and control equipment to deliver enterprise-wide operational efficiencies.
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25 Fast Casual Brands to Watch in 2026
FastCasual’s sixth annual report, “25 Brands to Watch,” identifies the trailblazers poised to become the next household names. These concepts are not just keeping pace with the industry; they are actively redefining it. Congratulations to the class of 2026!
2025 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers
This year, the exceptional caliber of leadership across the industry led to a slight adjustment in our numbers—we were compelled to recognize 100 brands and 25 executives instead of our usual 75- 25 split. We also added an extra executive, a testament to the fierce competition and outstanding contributions within the fast-casual arena.
