How Velvet Taco CEO Chris Schultz scales a cult brand without losing its soul
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media
During his keynote at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Texas, Chris Schultz will discuss restaurant growth, brand culture, leadership, international expansion and why protecting a fast-casual brand's identity matters more than opening the next location.
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Improving restaurant food cost margins: Benchmarks, tips and expert insights
by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media
Running restaurants is costly, but effective food cost reduction strategies can help operators protect their margins and cut their expenses.
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Why Slim Chickens Ranch Remix is arriving at the perfect time
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
Most of us are familiar with Gen Z's obsession with sauces, but the latest dipping craze is catching fire globally, thanks in part to international visitors…
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Earl of Sandwich opens permanent Downtown Disney location
Earl of Sandwich has opened a permanent restaurant in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort after operating from temporary locations for…
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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.
Deliverect
Our API-first platform empowers brands to own their digital ecosystem and scale profitably from end-to-end. By providing a flexible foundation for first-party digital experiences and seamless operational flow, we ensure every order, from web, mobile, or third-party, is fulfilled reliably.
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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.
