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."

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.

5 training tips for restaurant employees

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

To combat high turnover and rising labor costs in the demanding hospitality industry, restaurants should view employee training as a core investment and adopt…

The human touch: How kiosks are transforming retail, restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Self-service kiosks have evolved from a novelty to an essential tool in retail and restaurants, streamlining operations and improving customer experience by…

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…

Lion’s Choice refuses to compromise despite rising beef costs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Despite rising beef prices, Lion's Choice, a St. Louis-based QSR, is refusing to compromise on the quality or portion size of its signature roast beef, instead…

High tech meets high touch at Woworks, powered by Qu

Check out this fast-moving collaboration that blends high tech with high touch.

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.

GoTo Foods takes to skies with multi-brand drone delivery in partnership with DoorDash, Wing

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

GoTo Foods is partnering with DoorDash and Wing on a multi-brand drone delivery pilot in three Texas markets to explore how the technology can improve…

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.

How AI turning labor from cost center into growth driver for QSRs

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

In a free webinar titled "Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI" viewers will learn how AI is powering…

Former Marine turns Wetzel's Pretzels into a mall powerhouse

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Tyler Dutton went from a teenage pretzel maker to a Marine and now a thriving Wetzel’s Pretzels franchise owner at the Mall of America, driven by years of hard…

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.

Star Micronics leads the way in smart labeling for growing restaurants

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Smart labeling is a necessity in today's restaurants. Learn how Star Micronics is leading the charge in labeling technology.

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.

Driven by taste: Saroki's rapid rise in the QSR gas station market

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Saroki's Crispy Chicken & Pizza, a Michigan-based QSR chain, has rapidly expanded to 19 locations since 2012 by focusing on quality ingredients, consistent…

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.

Beyond the food court: Auntie Anne's doubles down on non-traditional growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Auntie Anne's is expanding its presence beyond mall settings into high-traffic locations like airports, train stations and stadiums, optimizing for convenience…

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…

How to navigate the drive-thru landscape

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

How can drive-thrus navigate long waits, order accuracy and innovative tech? A panel at the Fast Casual Executive Summit will take a deep dive into the…