Perfect Pitch winner TAP joins 9 brands in 2026 'Fast Casual Frontrunners'
by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com
There are plenty of restaurant brands trying to be the next big thing, but discovering those that could actually shape where fast casual goes next is a different challenge. That is the idea behind the 2026 Fast Casual Frontrunners, an initiative launched through Fast Casual Nation in partnership with Savor.fm.
read nowMore Event NewsValentina Ellison brings airport restaurant experience to automated vending
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Valentina Ellison, CEO and co-founder of Evolvending, is drawing on nearly two decades in airport concessions and nontraditional restaurants to expand automated food vending.
read nowMore FeaturesVerifran launches platform to streamline franchisee qualification
Verifran has launched a franchise intelligence platform designed to help franchisors evaluate prospective franchisees earlier in the development process, the…
read nowMore NewsWhy Dillas Quesadillas simplified its menu to prepare for growth
Dillas Quesadillas is simplifying its menu to improve speed, accuracy and the customer experience as it prepares for future growth. In this episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, co-founders Kyle and Maggie Gordon explain how listening to customers and focusing on the basics are helping to position the concept to scale.
listen nowMore PodcastsLife, leadership and restaurants: ‘Ted Lasso’ strikes again
* Please note, this post does contain spoilers for the Ted Lasso episode, "Mae Rides the Bus."
read nowMore CommentaryClosing the gap between order ready and order in hand
Why the last mile costs operators more than they think. The gap between order ready and order in hand is part of the operation that affects labor efficiency, food quality, customer satisfaction and profitability.









