Toast expands AI tools for labor management, marketing

October 13, 2026

Boston-based tech platformToast has introduced AI-powered labor management tools and expanded its digital marketing capabilities. The tech and upgrades are…

How Skyline Chili's purchasing co-op put 20 AI 'direct reports' to work

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Sky Co-op founder Tom Hannon explains how AI that monitors the business, rather than just answering questions, is helping catch margin leaks in weeks instead…

Kutlerri.ai raises $4M to expand AI agents for restaurant sales, costs

September 30, 2026

Kutlerri.ai has raised $4 million from Houston-based Narahari Investments to accelerate development of its AI-powered agents, which are designed to increase…

How Nekter's CTO is using AI to turn more guests into regulars

Nékter Juice Bar CTO Jon Asher joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to break down how AI is reshaping guest personalization, loyalty…

Wonder debuts automated bowl-assembly system, plans Northeast and Texas expansion

September 14, 2026

Wonder has launched a fully automated bowl assembly system called the Infinite Makeline as it looks to scale its chef-led, made-to-order food model, the…

Why most AI-powered drive-thru displays fail — And how to fix yours

by Tom Bingham — Senior Director, LG Electronics USA

Integration, not automation alone, is what separates effective menu boards from expensive screens.

Jason's Deli, Omnirev leaders talk guest data, AI for driving repeat catering business

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

AI and guest data can drive retention and turn guest data into revenue. Learn how during a panel talk at the Restaurant Catering Workshop, taking place Oct.

AI, location data reshaping how restaurant brands chase foot traffic

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Azira's Gladys Kong and Good Way Group's Isabel Soriano break down how predictive analytics, privacy shifts and hyper-local targeting are changing site…

Shipley Donuts launches online catering program

August 26, 2026

Shipley Donuts launched an online catering platform powered by Olo Catering, giving customers and franchisees a dedicated platform for large orders.

Dillas Quesadillas to open 1st nontraditional location

August 26, 2026

Dillas Quesadillas will launch its first nontraditional location inside Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, Louisiana.

From the boardroom to the prep line: How Stonefire Grill's CEO is fueling legacy growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Stonefire Grill CEO David Youngberg joins the Restaurant Operator Podcast to share how his hands-on leadership, people-first culture and strategic use of guest…

3 in 4 diners open to restaurant AI, PAR survey finds

August 24, 2026

Consumer discomfort with AI in restaurants is rapidly declining, dropping from 41% in 2025 to 27% today, according to a survey from PAR Technology Corp.

Bounteous, Deliverect team up to enhance 1st-party digital ordering

August 24, 2026

Deliverect, a global restaurant technology company, and Bounteous, an AI services firm, are partnering to integrate their platforms, aiming to help restaurant…

AI and the Future of Restaurants: From Foot Traffic to Predictive Insight

As consumer behavior and privacy expectations evolve, restaurants need smarter ways to understand diners and drive growth. Gladys Kong of Azira and Isabelle…

Presented by Azira

How Bonchon is using AI to enhance operations, increase profit

Bonchon CEO Suzie Tsai joins Fast Casual Nation hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh Cansler to talk candidly about the Korean fried chicken brand's AI journey.

Restaurant catering doesn't need more tech. It needs better tech

Catering companies have plenty of tech options. The key is selecting the right ones for maximum efficiency.

AI is rewriting the rules of restaurant strategy — here's how to keep up

July 27, 2026

Consumer behavior is shifting. Privacy expectations are tightening. Data regulations are evolving by the month. For restaurant leaders trying to make smart…

Deliverect and SoundHound AI Partner to Turn Voice Into a Fully Automated Ordering Channel for Restaurants

The integration creates a seamless, automated path from a customer's first voice interaction to kitchen fulfilment, across drive-thru, phone, kiosk, and in-car…

4 ways AI-using restaurants are cutting food, labor costs to outpace competitors

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Restaurant365's mid-year survey of nearly 10,000 U.S. locations shows exactly how AI adopters are pulling ahead — creating what the company calls the…

The 1:1 Personalization Playbook: Using AI to send every guest their own offer

In this session, Hang CEO Matt Smolin, whose platform powers millions of AI-personalized offers a month for restaurant brands, and Rev Ciancio, CMO of Salad…

Presented by Hang