Fast Casual Executive Summit preview: Learn how a unified guest view spurs big rewards
by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media
Fast casual brands can break down the walls between tech systems to craft a unified customer view that can drive an immediate return-on-investment. Learn how at the Fast Casual Executive Summit taking place Oct. 4-6 in Arlington, Texas.
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Why Chain’s ‘pop cuisine’ concept is testing food hall format
by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media
The American pop-cuisine food brand is launching its newest dining format to determine the viability of different, experiential locations.
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Me, Ted Lasso and something in common
Twenty years ago, I started my career in restaurant journalism. Now, I’m back where it all began as the editor of QSRWeb and Pizza Marketplace.
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Chicken Salad Chick opens in West Virginia, expands to 26 states
Atlanta-based Chicken Salad Chick will open its first West Virginia restaurant Sept. 16 in Barboursville, expanding its footprint to 26 states.
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Accuracy is the New Loyalty
Order accuracy directly impacts restaurant profitability, customer trust and repeat business. In this webinar, Star Micronics explores where costly errors happen and how smarter labeling can improve item identification, modifiers, handoff, catering, food safety and traceability while working alongside POS and KDS platforms.
How Steele Smiley sold a fitness empire to bet on healthy fast food
by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners
Steele Smiley spent 15 years building a fitness empire with more than 900 U.S. franchisees and locations in more than 35 countries, sold it, and founded CRISP & GREEN in Wayzata, Minnesota. Nearly a decade later, he is back in the CEO seat; the brand stands at 53 locations, and he has been called the modern-day Ray Kroc of healthy fast casual.
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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 explored 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.
