Features
Farmer Boys, Taco Cabana, Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill execs talk high-tech drive-thrus
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
A Fast Casual Executive Summit session highlighted the drive-thru's post-pandemic evolution, moving beyond just speed to prioritize accuracy, hospitality and…
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Brazilian concept TAP wins The Perfect Pitch contest at the Fast Casual Executive Summit 2025
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
Eight fledgling brands competed in the event, billed as a nicer version of "Shark Tank."
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Reality star Karlie Redd talks good food, service, location at Fast Casual Executive Summit
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
Love and Hip Hop Atlanta star Karlie Redd shared brand success insight with attendees at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.
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Fast casual brands putting loyalty first on National Coffee Day
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
The day, which celebrates the popular caffeinated beverage, is also becoming a showcase for how coffee shops as well as other types of fast casual concepts are…
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The human touch: How kiosks are transforming retail, restaurants
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
Self-service kiosks have evolved from a novelty to an essential tool in retail and restaurants, streamlining operations and improving customer experience by…
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Speaker Spotlight: Aaron Noveshen, CEO, Starbird Chicken
by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator
Aaron Noveshen, founder and CEO of Starbird Chicken, is participating in a Fast Casual Executive Summit panel on AI. Learn all about him in today's speaker…
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Drinkable wellness: Why Juice It Up is betting on Aloe Vera
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
The global market for aloe vera juice was valued at $13 billion in 2022 and is on track to hit $24.1 billion by 2032
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High tech meets high touch at Woworks, powered by Qu
Check out this fast-moving collaboration that blends high tech with high touch.
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Lean, smart, scalable: Fast Casual Executive Summit panel explores the future of self-service
by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group
This panel will explore cost-effective self-service options, menu optimization, staff training and strategies for guest adoption, all with a focus on keeping…
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Gong cha, Crust Pizza leaders talk franchising in today's modern restaurant world
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
A session at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will look at franchising dos and don'ts as well as the latest trends and innovations in franchising.
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Why Tacomasa's founder built a debt-free company
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Editor's note: This is the first in a series featuring founders of restaurant concepts answering five questions about building their companies.
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GoTo Foods takes to skies with multi-brand drone delivery in partnership with DoorDash, Wing
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
GoTo Foods is partnering with DoorDash and Wing on a multi-brand drone delivery pilot in three Texas markets to explore how the technology can improve…
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Speaker Spotlight: Claudia Lezcano, Fuku CEO
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
Claudia Lezcano, CEO of Fuku, shares a look at her career, her achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at Fast Casual Executive Summit 2025.
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Speaker Spotlight: Sawsan Abublan, CEO and co-founder, Shawarma Press
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
As CEO of Shawarma Press, Sawsan Abublan discusses her journey from pharmacist to fast casual leader, sharing insights on the power of hands-on experience and…
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Noodles CEO leaves 3-step turnaround plan with successor
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
As part of the broader turnaround, the company is closing up to 32 underperforming restaurants by year's end and 12 to 17 in 2026.
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From Nigeria to DC: A founder's quest to take African food mainstream
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Nigerian-native Ada Osakwe, an angel investor and former banker, is bringing her African fast casual concept, Nuli, to Washington, D.C.
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How AI turning labor from cost center into growth driver for QSRs
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group
In a free webinar titled "Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI" viewers will learn how AI is powering…
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Speaker Spotlight: Filippo Fiori, Due Cucini Italiana head chef, CEO
by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator
From Italy to China to the U.S., Filippo Fiori has gained a lot of wisdom from his travels, which he plans to share at the Fast Casual Executive Summit.
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Scaling fast casual: Cava's depth vs. Sweetgreen's breadth in Q2 2025
by Shira Petrack — Content Manager, Placer.ai
Cava's overall visits grew year-over-year n Q2 '25 while average visits per location remained relatively stable (-1.0%). Sweetgreen also experienced overall…
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Innovate, don't react: 12 reasons your competitors are heading to Fast Casual Executive Summit
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Your competition will be there; will you?
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