Perfect Pitch winner TAP joins 9 brands in 2026 'Fast Casual Frontrunners'
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
There are plenty of restaurant brands trying to be the next big thing, but discovering those that could actually shape where fast casual goes next is a different challenge. That is the idea behind the 2026 Fast Casual Frontrunners, an initiative launched through Fast Casual Nation in partnership with Savor.fm.
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Webinar: Order accuracy as the next loyalty battleground
In this “Accuracy is the New Loyalty” webinar, Star Micronics’ Craig Kaliebe discusses how labeling, smart scales and other verification tools help operators reduce mistakes while improving food safety, efficiency and the guest experience across off-premises orders.
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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.
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Original ChopShop promotes Kyle Frederick to CEO, Jason Morgan moves to advisory role
Original ChopShop has named Kyle Frederick CEO as the fast-casual brand prepares for its next phase of growth.
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Accuracy is the New Loyalty
Order accuracy directly impacts restaurant profitability, customer trust and repeat business. In this webinar, Star Micronics explored where costly errors happen and how smarter labeling can improve item identification, modifiers, handoff, catering, food safety and traceability while working alongside POS and KDS platforms.
Why Dillas Quesadillas simplified its menu to prepare for growth
Dillas Quesadillas is simplifying its menu to improve speed, accuracy and the customer experience as it prepares for future growth. In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, co-founders Kyle and Maggie Gordon explain how listening to customers and focusing on the basics are helping to position the concept to scale.
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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.
