Revealed: The 2026 Top 30 Movers & Shakers: Catering

In 2026, catering has become one of the fastest-growing engines of brand loyalty and scale in the restaurant industry, and a new class of leaders is rewriting the playbook for what off-premise dining can be.

New SNAP bill puts restaurant meals program in spotlight

by Valerie Gritton

A new House bill would eliminate the ability of certain SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals at restaurants, putting a relatively small but increasingly important restaurant program in the spotlight.

Arby’s taps ‘Love Island’ star Caleb McDaniel to promote Steak Nuggets

Reality TV personality, model and influencer Caleb McDaniel is teaming up with Arby's to promote the return of Steak Nuggets, according to a news announcement.

How Steele Smiley sold a fitness empire to bet on healthy fast food

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Steele Smiley spent 15 years building a fitness empire with more than 900 U.S. franchisees and locations in more than 35 countries, sold it, and founded CRISP & GREEN in Wayzata, Minnesota. Nearly a decade later, he is back in the CEO seat; the brand stands at 53 locations, and he has been called the modern-day Ray Kroc of healthy fast casual.

Me, Ted Lasso and something in common

by Valerie Gritton

Twenty years ago, I started my career in restaurant journalism. Now, I’m back where it all began as the editor of QSRWeb and Pizza Marketplace.

Iconex

Iconex is a leading label provider that improves productivity, streamlines operations, enhances customer satisfaction, and advances sustainability. Trusted by many of the world's largest food, beverage, retail, grocery, pharmacy, distribution, and quick-service restaurant brands.

Accuracy is the New Loyalty

Order accuracy directly impacts restaurant profitability, customer trust and repeat business. In this webinar, Star Micronics explores where costly errors happen and how smarter labeling can improve item identification, modifiers, handoff, catering, food safety and traceability while working alongside POS and KDS platforms.

Top 30 Movers & Shakers in Catering 2026

This annual initiative shines a spotlight on the visionary leaders, innovators, and brands redefining off-premise dining. From pioneering game-changing operational strategies and overhauling kitchen logistics to introducing bold menu lines and smart fulfillment technology, this year’s honorees represent the very best in industry excellence.