Fast Casual Executive Summit
Your competition will be there; will you?
Photo: NMG
August 6, 2025 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
The 20th annual Fast Casual Executive Summit is just two months away, and it’s not just another event; it’s a strategic necessity. The agenda is built for leaders who are ready to stop reacting and start innovating. Register here.
Don’t spend the next year wondering what you missed. Here are 12 reasons why this is the one event you can’t afford to skip.
1. The Food Tour: We’ll bus you to three regional fast casuals, where you’ll get to sample the cuisine and get a firsthand look at how the most successful brands are winning. This isn’t a theory session — it’s a deep dive into the operations, menus and customer experiences that are setting the standard. You’ll also check out how some of the brands Atmosphere’s entertainment channel. Tour stops include:
- Cooper’s BBQ.
- Hopdoddy Burger BarLoro Asian Smoke House & Bar.
- Tacodeli.
- Torchy’s Tacos.
- Velvet Taco.
- Via 313.
2. The Perfect Pitch: The future of fast casual is on this stage. See the next groundbreaking ideas and technologies before they hit the market, and get an exclusive look at what’s coming next. The winning brand will also be featured on The Fast Casual Frontrunners, a series produced by Fast Casual Nation.
3. Opening Keynote: Learn from the unscripted story of Chef Baul and Daniella Williams. Their journey from adversity to building a culinary empire is a masterclass in resilience and business savvy.
4. Fast Casual Hall of Fame: This is where we honor the best. Listen to the legends of our industry, including Jim Mizes, Robin Robison, and Jeff Sinelli, as they share the lessons that built their empires.
5. Data-Driven Guest Experience: Stop guessing what your customers want. Learn how to use data to create a personalized experience that builds true loyalty and keeps them coming back.
6. 2 Rounds of Prove Your Case: Don’t get sold on a new solution — see it work. These real-world case studies will show you exactly what technologies are delivering results for operators just like you.
7. Party at Bull and Bowl: The most valuable connections are often made outside the conference room. This networking event is designed to help you build relationships with the people who will shape your business’s future. And you’ll get to ride a bull!
8. The Breakfast Wrap: This is your final chance to synthesize key takeaways and connect with your peers. Don’t leave without solidifying the ideas that will drive your business forward.
9. Happy Hour with CEOs: This is an exclusive opportunity to engage in a candid, off-the-record conversation with some of the most influential CEOs in the industry. The insights you’ll gain here are priceless.
10. Networking at the Welcome Reception: Mingle with speakers, sponsors and your fellow attendees over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at the Welcome Reception.
11. Check out the latest tech:
Spend some time in our “Meet the Vendors” suppliers pavilion, where you’ll learn about products and services dedicated to improving your restaurant’s operations.
12. The next best thing to TED Talks:Check out “Executive Perspectives: Inspiration for Today’s Restaurant Leaders,”
to see four 15-minute thought-provoking talks about menu trends, developing leaders and more!
If you’re serious about the future of your brand, you need to be in Austin. The competition will be there — will you?
