Fast Casual Executive Summit preview: Learn how a unified guest view spurs big rewards
by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media
Fast casual brands can break down the walls between tech systems to craft a unified customer view that can drive an immediate return-on-investment. Learn how at the Fast Casual Executive Summit taking place Oct. 4-6 in Arlington, Texas.
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Watching pizza's next wave of growth
From Texas to Tennessee and other fast-growing Sun Belt markets, pizza operators are targeting communities where people, businesses and new development are arriving — offering a glimpse at where the next generation of pizza growth could take shape.
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When and why to say ‘no’ in franchise development
The strongest franchise brands know that sustainable growth isn't about saying yes to every deal—it's about knowing when to say no. Marco's Pizza prioritizes market capacity, real estate analytics, franchisee readiness and cultural fit to avoid oversaturation and set operators up for long-term success.
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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.
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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.
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 Soriano of Goodway Group explored how AI and location intelligence can inform site selection, media strategy, audience engagement, and faster, more informed decisions.
Little Caesars brings back Detroit-style Slices-N-Stix
Little Caesars is bringing back its Detroit-style Slices-N-Stix for a limited time, led by a partnership between the chain and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared…
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2026 Pizza Marketplace Top 100 Movers & Shakers
This year’s Top 100 honors those who have mastered the "rare beast" of combining high-volume operations with artisanal quality. Whether it’s an independent shop utilizing AI to streamline inventory or a regional chain perfecting the 18-minute carryout window, these Movers & Shakers are the ones defining the future of the American slice.
