Staffing

Who's the MVP of your restaurant? Nominate them for Workforce Warriors

Nominations are open through Nov. 10.

Photo: Instant Financial

October 7, 2026

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Anyone who has covered the restaurant industry knows who really keeps it running. It's the line cook who stays late to cover a shift, the cashier who remembers a regular's order and the server who turns a rough day into a great one for a guest. These hourly workers show up every day, and they rarely get the recognition they deserve.

That's why I'm excited to share that I'll be a judge for the second annual Workforce Warriors Awards, presented by Instant Financial.

What is Workforce Warriors?

Workforce Warriors is a national awards program that honors hourly workers who go above and beyond in their roles. Its first year drew more than 150 nominations, each highlighting someone whose dedication, compassion and commitment made a real impact on their workplace and community, according to a company press release. This year, three winners will each receive a $1,000 Visa gift card and will be celebrated across Instant's digital platforms.

The timing matters. Instant Financial's 2026 research found 75% of hourly workers are living paycheck to paycheck. For the people who keep restaurants, retail and hospitality running, the financial pressure is real, and $1,000 can make a meaningful difference.

How it works

The program runs in three rounds:

Round 1: Nominations are open through Nov. 10.
Round 2: 10 finalists will be announced Nov. 18.
Round 3: A judging panel will select three winners, who will be announced Dec. 9.

Nominees are evaluated on dedication, impact and the ways they go above and beyond. You can nominate a coworker, an employee or a community member. Hourly workers can nominate themselves, too.

Who's on the panel

The judging panel also includes leaders from business, human resources and media: Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial; Benjamin Elliott, U.S. CFO of Randstad; Laura McLand, vice president of human resources at Sun Holdings; and Brent Skinner, executive community lead at HR.com.

Why this matters

At Fast Casual, we spend a lot of time talking about menu innovation, technology and growth. None of it happens without the people on the front lines. Recognizing them is the right thing to do, and it's good for the industry. As Clark says, these workers are the backbone of the economy, and their hard work too often goes unnoticed.

If you know someone who deserves this, take a few minutes to nominate them and tell their story. Operators, managers, coworkers and regulars all see these people every day, and you know who they are.

Nominations are open here through Nov. 10.