Honors include the “Signal to Noise Award,” “Emerging Fast Casual of the Year, “”Most-Loved Delivery Brand and “Fast Casual Woman of the Year.” Attendees will vote for the winners of the “Stacey Kane and Zack Oates Best Dressed” award.
The 10th annual Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers gala is approaching quickly, and we have a few special touches in the works to celebrate this milestone on May 18 (coinciding with the NRA Show) at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago.
1. Top 100 brands
First, we are recognizing 100 brands and 25 executives instead of only 75 brands as in years past. As the industry grows, it gets more challenging to narrow down the list, so this gives a few more brands a chance to be honored for their efforts.
2. That’s entertainment
Secondly, we have a top-secret surprise when it comes to our dinner entertainment, but let’s just say one of our industry friends has a secret talent to share. (No Spoilers!)
3. A few special awards
Thirdly, although we’ve already revealed that we worked with Loop this year to collect and analyze data to make the rankings less subjective, we have yet to reveal the four special awards that will be given to the most deserving brands. They include:
- The Signal to Noise Award: Presented by FastCasual and 858, this award goes to an operator using data and digital tools to not only collect information but to act on what the data reveals — focusing on signal over noise to drive meaningful outcomes.
- Emerging Fast Casual of the Year: The winner of this honor has a strong identity, a cohesive and memorable brand, a clear mission and potential for growth and scalability. It will be presented by FastCasual and Restroworks.
- Most-Loved Delivery Brand: Presented by FastCasual and Loop, the winner shows a commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction when it comes to offering third-party delivery.
- Fast Casual Woman of the Year: FastCasual and Norton will recognize a woman who has demonstrated excellence in strategic vision and innovation, operational excellence, community and brand building, financial performance, people leadership, a commitment to values and adaptability and resilience.
4. “You can never be over-educated or over-dressed” — Cherryh’s grandma
We refer to the gala as “The Academy Awards of the Fast Casual” for a reason, so you must dress to impress. Attendees will vote for the “Stacey Kane and Zack Oates Best Dressed Award.” One man and one woman will receive all the fashion glory.
We refer to the gala as “The Academy Awards of the Fast Casual” for a reason, so you must dress to impress. Attendees will vote for the “Stacey Kane and Zack Oates Best Dressed Award.” One man and one woman will receive all the fashion glory.
5. Let’s keep the party going!
Another first for the gala is an “after party,” kicking off as soon as the gala finishes at the hotel. Although we’ve always met for an unofficial celebratory post-drink toast, this year Prime Shrimp is treating us to not only a couple of cocktails but also a few hors d’oeuvres.(Must be a sponsor or attendee of the Top 100 gala to attend.)
About Networld Media Group
Founded in 2000, Networld Media Group is a leading media communications company specializing in digital media, events and associations in the technology, restaurant, banking, and retail industries. It’s media brands include ATMmarketplace.com, DigitalSignageToday.com, FastCasual.com, KioskMarketplace.com, QSRweb.com, RetailCustomerExperience.com and RewardsThatMatter.com. Events under the Networld umbrella include the Fast Casual Executive Summit, Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit and Restaurant Catering Workshop.
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