Operations

Nominations open for 25 Fast Casual Brands to Watch

Photo: NMG

November 19, 2025

Nominations are open for the 25 Fast Casual Brands to Watch special report, which highlights the most promising new concepts in the restaurant industry.

Brands poised to become major players are invited to submit entries for consideration. To be eligible, concepts must:

• Be less than five years old.
• Operate at least one brick-and-mortar location, food truck or ghost kitchen.
• Not have made past editions of the list.

The nomination period is now open.

All submissions for the 2026 Fast Casual Brands to Watch report must be received by Dec. 21, 2025.