Got the recipe for success? #QSRNext is looking for industry-leading speakers

#QSRNext, our half-day session designed specifically for the busy QSR exec, is seeking speakers for this year's virtual show.

GOOOOOOOALLLLLLL: Fast casual restaurants capitalizing on World Cup fever

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Along with national pride and fan excitement, this year's FIFA World Cup provides restaurants with an opportunity to increase their customer base. Experts tell FastCasual how this works.

Why restaurants are treating rebates like a profitability tool

Operators are paying closer attention to procurement oversight and existing spend optimization as traditional margin levers become harder to control.

Spread Bagelry promotes John Gonzalez to chief operating officer

Spread Bagelry, a Montreal-style bagel chain based in Philadelphia, has promoted John Gonzalez to chief operating officer.

AI and the Future of Restaurants: From Foot Traffic to Predictive Insight

In this discussion, Azira’s CEO, Gladys Kong, will explore how AI-powered analytics and mobile location data are transforming the way restaurant brands approach site selection, marketing, and strategic decision-making.

70 years old and 'restarting': Shakey’s Pizza VP outlines fresh strategy for expansion

In this episode of the Pizza Marketplace podcast, host Mandy Detwiler, editor of Pizza Marketplace, chats with Sonia Barajas-Najera, vice president of franchise administration for Shakey's Pizza.

HungerRush

HungerRush brings every part of your restaurant together — orders, guests, data — in one platform built for fast casual and quick-serve multi-location brands ready to grow.

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.

Kalibrate offers best in location selection services, software

Charles Wetzel, CEO of Kalibrate, a location analytics and site selection platform, talks about his company in this video from ICSC 2026 in Las Vegas.

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.