How Velvet Taco CEO Chris Schultz scales a cult brand without losing its soul
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media
During his keynote at the Fast Casual Executive Summit in Texas, Chris Schultz will discuss restaurant growth, brand culture, leadership, international expansion and why protecting a fast-casual brand's identity matters more than opening the next location.
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Next-gen pizza and play: Inside Peter Piper Pizza’s massive brand evolution
by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media
Peter Piper Pizza CMO Genaro Perez discusses how the brand's new next-generation prototype in Mesquite, Texas, balances a 50-year nostalgic legacy with modern digital upgrades, enhanced adult-friendly amenities and deep community roots to deliver frictionless value for today's families.
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The Power of the Rearview Mirror and the Windshield: An activity of reflection and projection
by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners
Using the metaphor of a vehicle's small rearview mirror and large windshield, columnist Kathleen Wood shares a structured framework designed to briefly reflect on past lessons and proactively plan for future personal and professional success.
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From kitchens to tech hubs: Inside fast casual’s digital revolution
In the latest episode of the Restaurant Operator Podcast, Cherryh Cansler, publisher of FastCasual.com, sits down with Luke Wilwerding, Vice President of North America Sales at Elo Touch Solutions, to unpack the highly anticipated FastCasual Top 100 Movers & Shakers list.
The 1:1 Personalization Playbook: Using AI to send every guest their own offer
In this session, Hang CEO Matt Smolin, whose platform powers millions of AI-personalized offers a month for restaurant brands, will walk through the playbook to start personalizing your own offers right away.
Stoner's Pizza Joint brings back Pickle Pizza, launches July 4th deals
Stoner's Pizza Joint is bringing back its Pickle Pizza for a limited time through Aug. 31, according to a company press release.
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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.
