Savory CEO to detail ‘Savory System’ growth strategy at Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Shauna Smith, Savory co-founder, and CEO Clay Dover, will share insight on the company’s “Savory System,” which is a roadmap on building a management infrastructure that handles growth at the upcoming Fast Casual Executive Summit, taking place October 4-6 in Arlington, Texas.

Restaurant Catering Workshop keynote to reveal the 'hidden' drivers of catering growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The keynote opens a full day of education focused on helping restaurant operators build stronger catering businesses. Throughout the workshop, attendees will hear practical strategies from operators and industry experts, exchange ideas with peers and leave with tactics they can implement immediately.

Why more women are turning to restaurant franchising

by Carla McLean — Marketing Executive, IFA World Franchise Show

For women looking to build a business with long-term scalability, franchising presents an opportunity to combine independence with the support of an established network.

Palmer Digital Group launches standalone digital order confirmation board for QSR drive-thrus

Palmer Digital Group has launched the PDG 22OCBSM Order Confirmation Enclosure, offering a standalone solution that adds digital order confirmation to…

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, and Rev Ciancio, CMO of Salad House & Handcraft Burgers and Brew, will walk through the playbook to start personalizing your own offers right away.

Moe's Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky's execs discuss AI usage, new prototypes, growth plans

GoTo Foods CBOs Mike Smith (Moe's Southwest Grill) and Donna Varner (Schlotzsky's) join Fast Casual Nation host Cherryh Cansler to discuss how a shared brand platform drives menu innovation, prototype design, loyalty data, and cautious AI adoption without eroding individual brand identity.

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.