Fast Casual Executive Summit News & Media

Meet the 6 brands taking the stage at the 2026 Perfect Pitch

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Bronx Burger Co., Dizzy Bird, PLOMO Quesadillas, Griller Bros, Redhead Burger and Tiki Bagel will compete in the 2026 competition.

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4 reasons (and a raccoon) why you can't miss the Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Keynoters, Perfect Pitch contestants and a trash panda walk into Arlington; here's your Fast Casual Executive Summit October 4–6 game plan.

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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…

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Fast-casual brand collabs: Making partnership pay off

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Kelly Gray (Hot Head Burritos) Stacey Kane (chief marketing officer) Lori Primavera (Smoothie King) and Traci Graziani (Kraft Heinz) will present their…

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Restaurant turnover isn't a hiring issue — It's a culture problem, say Fast Casual Executive Summit panelists

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Tiki Taco's Eric Knott and Training Simplified's Sam Worobec preview their session at the 2026 Fast Casual Executive Summit, Oct. 4–6 in Arlington, Texas.

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Fast Casual Hall of Fame honoring Geoff Alexander, Mark Brezinski, Darden Coors at Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The 2026 Fast Casual Hall of Fame will recognize three restaurant executives whose leadership has shaped innovation, technology adoption and growth across the…

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How to deliver fast casual quality at 'QSR speeds'

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Customers expect QSR speeds with fast casual quality. A panel at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will share how restaurants can keep up.

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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…

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How Velvet Taco CEO Chris Schultz scales a cult brand without losing its soul

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

During his keynote at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Texas, Chris Schultz will discuss restaurant growth, brand culture, leadership, international…

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'Going Live with Fast Casual Nation and Shake Shack:' Inside 'Project Catalyst' and what comes next

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

We are not talking about transformation in theory. We are talking about what it looks like inside a brand that is actively doing the work.

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FastCasual opens nominations for 2026 'Perfect Pitch'

March 31, 2026

Nominations close June 8.

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Chicken Salad Chick, Main Squeeze Juice Co, Original ChopShop, Dog Haus leaders talk marketing on a limited dime

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

A panel of fast casual executives shared that maximizing social media ROI with limited budgets is best achieved through deep community involvement, leveraging…

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Crust Pizza Co., L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Gong cha, Juice It Up execs talk the future of franchising

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Executive insights from the Fast Casual Executive Summit reveal that the franchising model is rapidly evolving due to technology, changing consumer and…

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Farmer Boys, Taco Cabana, Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill execs talk high-tech drive-thrus

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

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, Connect Media

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, Connect Media

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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Jeff's Bagel Run, HugerRush talk tech, strategy on Restaurant Operator Podcast

In this episode of Restaurant Operator Podcast, Cherryh Canlser, publisher of FastCasual, offers an exclusive preview of the heavy-hitting CEO panel, moderated…

Presented by HungerRush, Jeff's Bagel Run

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Speaker Spotlight: Aaron Noveshen, CEO, Starbird Chicken

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

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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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, Connect Media

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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