Fast Casual Executive Summit

FastCasual accepting nominations for 2020 Perfect Pitch

FastCasual is accepting nominations until July 31 for the annual Perfect Pitch.

Ryan Rogers (center) receives a check from Perfect Pitch sponsor Henny Penny, Senior Brand Manager Jason Moles (right) and Fast Casual Editor Cherryh Cansler (left) at Fast Casual Executive Summit Perfect Pitch competition.

July 2, 2020

In hopes of discovering up-and-coming fast casual brands, FastCasual is hosting its sixth annual Perfect Pitch contest Oct. 20 and is accepting nominations until July 31, said FastCasual Editor Cherryh Cansler." The online magazine will choose five brands to pitch their concepts to potential investors and franchisees during the Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 18-20 in Charlotte.

"We're also giving a $3,500 cash prize to the winning brand," said Cansler, who describes the contest as a friendlier version of "Shark Tank."

For a chance to be one of the five finalists chosen to pitch their concepts, brands must nominate themselves here by July 31 must meet the following three guidelines:

• Have at least one store open but no more than 10
• Must be no less than 6 months old and no more than 5 years old.
• Share revenue and average sales data.

By Aug. 15, FastCasual will notify the five finalists, who will receive two free passes to attend this year's Summit. They must cover their own costs for travel and accommodations.

After each brand gives a 5-minute pitch on Oct.18, attendees and judges will vote on the concept they believe is most likely to succeed in its expansion plans. The winner will receive bragging rights, the cash prize and complimentary hotel and registration for one at a summit in 2021. FastCasual will also publish a story about the winning concept along with several mentions on its social media sites.

"It's important to us as publishers to help the people from the industries we cover to connect with one another," said Kathy Doyle, publisher at Networld Media Group, the parent company of FastCasual. "We strongly believe that those attending the Perfect Pitch will have the first chance to see and even invest in tomorrow's fast casual leaders."

Last year's winner was Louisville, Kentucky-based Royals Hot Chicken, and the 2018 winner was GoPoke, a Seattle-based fast casual serving authentic Hawaiian poke and desserts. Street Shak Caribbean Kitchenof Toronto won in 2017; Los Angeles-based Rockfire Grill won in 2016, and the 2015 winner was Pincho, based in Miami.