Fast Casual Executive Summit News & Media

Breaking bread and biases: Why restaurants (still) need more female voices

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The Fast Casual Executive Summit is hosting the panel "Breaking Bread and Biases: Empowering Women for Fast Casual Leadership," featuring women leaders…

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FastCasual producing restaurant catering workshop with Erle Dardick’s OPGA

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The Restaurant Catering Workshop will provide a blueprint for restaurant operators focused on catapulting catering sales.

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Dave's Hot Chicken, Biscuit Belly leaders share operations advice

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

Top restaurant brand leaders at Dave’s Hot Chicken and Biscuit Belly provide insight on everything from growing a brand to smart hiring approaches during a…

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Assessing restaurant tech stack saves money, reduces management tasks

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

Restaurant technology is great but sometimes a brand can amass a tech stack that’s proving to be expensive and hard to manage. Learn how minimization and…

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Embracing AI without killing the restaurant budget

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

Leaders from Five Guys, BurgerFi, Papa Johns and Primanti Bros. shared how their brands are embracing AI without breaking the bank in a Fast Casual Executive…

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Rethinking restaurant customer engagement, loyalty strategies

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

A panel talk on loyalty programs at the recent Fast Casual Executive Summit featured Bob Andersen, president of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill; Jon Asher…

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WOWorks, Craveworthy Brands, Cousins Maine Lobster execs talk menu optimization, strategy

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Adam Terranova, senior director of growth for WOWorks, Jeremy Theisen, chief growth and development officer at Craveworthy Brands and Annie Tselikis, director…

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Capriotti’s, Wing Zone, Swamp Dawg, Goodcents execs talk growth with lean teams

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Restaurant labor shortages have become a pervasive issue, affecting both corporate and store-level operations. Three restaurant executives discussed labor…

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Haven Hot Chicken wins The Perfect Pitch at the Fast Casual Executive Summit 2023

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Haven Hot Chicken won The Perfect Pitch concept competition at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Louisville, Kentucky on Oct. 9.

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How diversity became Shake Shack's key ingredient

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

Shake Shack set big goals for diversity. At the Fast Casual Executive Summit, Idris Stover, director of diversity, equity inclusion and engagement, discussed…

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Scooter's Coffee exec: 'The whole point of innovation is growth'

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Nathan Lester, senior director, drive-thru innovations for Scooter’s Coffee, spoke about pairing innovation and growth during the keynote address kicking off…

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Introducing FastCasual's 2023 Perfect Pitchers

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Founders of Haven Hot Chicken, Mahana Fresh, Pizzawala, Pucci Brothers Fresh Italian and Sankranti Indian Kitchen will take the stage on Oct. 9 to pitch their…

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FastCasual to honor 2023 Hall of Famers

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Each leader will attend the summit to accept an award and share leadership experience, strategies and a few lessons learned along the way.

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Can a restaurant have 'too much tech?'

June 19, 2023

Restaurants of all sizes have spent the past few years investing in a variety of technologies to help them understand the health of their brands, gain…

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2023 Fast Casual Perfect Pitch open for nominations

May 18, 2023

As part of its commitment to spotlighting up-and-coming fast casual brands, FastCasual is hosting its ninth annual Perfect Pitch contest Oct. 8 and is…

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Capriotti's, Original ChopShop, Sweetfin leaders talk extending hospitality to digital customers

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

Technology is playing a big role in providing a robust digital customer experience.

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Chipotle, Fazoli's, Smokey Bones share drive-thru, AI insight

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

Top fast casual brand leaders offer valuable insight on how AI is driving a more robust digital drive-thru experience.

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Chipotle, Jason's Deli, Ampex Brands talk AI role in customer experience

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

Artificial intelligence, from data gathering efforts to robot creation, is gaining ground with restaurant brands. Top leaders share insight on AI innovation…

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Starbird, Fuku, Atomic Wings leaders talk love-hate relationship with delivery apps

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

Brand leaders offer insight on managing third-party delivery apps and the brand app and hurdling challenges.

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Mooyah Burgers, Jersey Mike's leaders share loyalty program tips

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

As food prices continue to climb so does the value of a restaurant loyalty program, for both the customer and the brand.

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