Fast Casual Hall of Fame honoring Geoff Alexander, Mark Brezinski, Darden Coors at Executive Summit
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
The 2026 Fast Casual Hall of Fame will recognize three restaurant executives whose leadership has shaped innovation, technology adoption and growth across the fast casual industry during the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Arlington, Texas.
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How to deliver fast casual quality at 'QSR speeds'
by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media
Customers expect QSR speeds with fast casual quality. A panel at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will share how restaurants can keep up.
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Why franchises must rethink growth in a digital-first world
Somia Farid Silber, CEO of Edible Brands, discusses how success in franchising is no longer equated growth only unit expansion. Territory optimization is emerging as a more disciplined approach. Instead of asking how many stores can be opened, systems are asking how many a market can actually support.
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CaterZen, Star Micronics integrate workflow tools to reduce catering errors
Nashville, Tennessee-based CaterZen Catering Software has partnered with Star Micronics to help restaurant operators integrate kitchen display and labeling…
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Why Taco Cabana is expanding its franchise beyond the Lone Star State
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media
In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, host Mandy Detwiler chats with Taco Cabana's director of franchise sales and development, John Ramsay, about the brand's growth and operations as it competes in the crowded fast casual market.
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AI and the Future of Restaurants: From Foot Traffic to Predictive Insight
As consumer behavior and privacy expectations evolve, restaurants need smarter ways to understand diners and drive growth. Gladys Kong of Azira and Isabelle Soriano of Goodway Group explore how AI and location intelligence can inform site selection, media strategy, audience engagement, and faster, more informed decisions.
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.
