Fast Casual Executive Summit News & Media

Cartwheel expands ezCater integration to streamline catering deliveries

May 6, 2026

Cartwheel, a delivery management platform, has expanded its partnership with workplace food technology platform ezCater to provide restaurant operators with…

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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 Jeff's Bagel Run, HungerRush

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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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Speaker Spotlight: Claudia Lezcano, Fuku CEO

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

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 — Publisher, 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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Celebrating the 2025 Fast Casual Hall of Fame inductees

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Registration is open!

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Speaker Spotlight: Filippo Fiori, Due Cucini Italiana head chef, CEO

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

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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Innovate, don't react: 12 reasons your competitors are heading to Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Your competition will be there; will you?

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Velvet Taco, Salad House, &pizza, Erik's DeliCafe leaders talk online engagement, smart promotions

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Top restaurant leaders share insight on fueling growth through online engagement and smart promotions at the upcoming Fast Casual Executive Summit.

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Speaker Spotlight: Andy Huang, VP/COO, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Andy Huang, VP/COO, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is one of dozens of panelists participating in the upcoming Fast Casual Executive Summit.

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How Starbird, Dillas Quesadillas founders rely on AI

by Sandra Carpenter — Editor, Networld Media Group

Two of this year's Fast Casual Executive Summit panelists, Aaron Noveshen, founder and CEO of Starbird Chicken, and Kyle Gordon, co-founder and CEO of Dillas…

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Speaker Spotlight: Susan Taylor, Juice It Up CEO and president

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Susan Taylor, CEO and president of Juice It Up, shares a look at her career, achievements and industry trends ahead of her appearance at Fast Casual Executive…

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