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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Survey: Restaurant operators are optimistic, but equipment costs squeeze cash flow
by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media
A survey reveals that a percentage of restaurant owner/operators are optimistic, even in the face of rising costs and concerns over replacing equipment.
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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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Cava names John Ludeke chief marketing officer
Cava has named John Ludeke chief marketing officer. He will lead the fast-casual chain's marketing organization as it continues to expand.
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Fuku CEO chats about real estate decisions that can make or break a brand
On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler talk with Claudia Lezcano, CEO of Fuku, about how the David Chang chicken brand is growing through stadiums, airports and college campuses before it franchises.
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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.
