Nominations are now open but close June 1.
Over the past decade, FastCasual’s Perfect Pitch has propelled emerging restaurant brands onto the global stage, offering a platform to showcase their concepts. Held annually during the Fast Casual Executive Summit, the competition has facilitated crucial partnerships and investments, enabling small businesses to expand.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Perfect Pitch, Oct. 5-7 in Austin, is expanding its reach through a partnership with “Fast Casual Frontrunners,” a series from “Fast Casual Nation” hosted by yours truly and Paul Barron.
As in past years, the winner of this year’s Perfect Pitch will receive a $3,500 cash prize and a year of free service from customer feedback provider Ovation. What’s new is that, the winner will also be featured in the second season of “Fast Casual Frontrunners, alongside five other promising concepts, competing for a $200,000 investment from Barron’s investment company, Savor Holdings.
“The show is a multi-platform exploration of the most innovative and successful fast-casual concepts shaping the future of dining,” said host Paul Barron, who will serve as an adviser for the Perfect Pitch. “Through in-depth podcast interviews and on-location brand documentaries, we bring you face-to-face with the visionaries behind these game-changing restaurants.”
Summit attendees will get a sneak preview of the brands featured in “Fast Casual Frontrunners” season 1, chosen by Savor and its advisory team.
“We base our selections for the 2025 class on brand innovation, category uniqueness, and the team behing the brand,” said Barron, who is excited to help energize the fast-casual startup community. “With my over 20 years in the segment, it was only fitting that we give back to the sector that has changed the restaurant business for decades to come. After interviewing thousands of founders, I have realized that innovation is always part of a great brand DNA, and that is what Frontrunners is set to discover.
Choosing the winner
Up to four founders will pitch their concepts during Round 1 (Oct. 5) with the audience selecting a winner. During round 2, (Oct. 6) up to four more will pitch their business plans, and the audience will vote for a winner. During round 3, those two winners will go head-to-head answering audience and adviser questions. The audience will vote for a final winner.
How to nominate your brand for the Perfect Pitch
For a chance to be one of eight finalists chosen to pitch their concepts toFast Casual Executive Summit attendees and a panel of advisers, fast casual brands must nominate themselves by June 1 and meet the following guidelines:
- Have at least one store open — but no more than 20.
- Must be no less than 6 months old and no more than 6 years old.
- Must share revenue and average sales data.
By Aug.21, FastCasual will notify the finalists, who will receive two free passes to attend this year’s summit. Finalists must cover their costs for travel and accommodations.
“We have always been passionate about providing a platform for emerging fast casual brands, so partnering with Paul’s team will allow us to give those brands an even larger reach,” said Kathy Doyle, CEO of Networld Media Group, the parent company of FastCasual. “We strongly believe those attending the Perfect Pitch will have the first chance to see and even invest in tomorrow’s fast-casual leaders.”
Meet the 2025 Perfect Pitch advisers
The 2025 Perfect Pitch advisers include Barron, Ovation founder Zack Oates; Cassie Ghaffar and Sandy Nguyen, the co-founders of Saigon Hustle, who won last year’s Perfect Pitch.
Past winners include:
- 2024: Saigon Hustle (based in Houston, Texas).
- 2023: Haven Hot Chicken (based in Connecticut).
- 2022: Flake Pie Co. (based in Utah).
- 2021: Chick N Max (based in Wichita, Kansas).
- 2020: Biscuit Belly (based in Louisville, Kentucky).
- 2019: Royals Hot Chicken (based in Louisville, Kentucky).
- 2018: Go Poke (based in Seattle, Washington).
- 2017: Street Shak Carribean Kitchen (based in Toronto, Canada).
- 2016: Rockfire Grill (based in Los Angeles, California).
- 2015: Pincho (based in Miami, Florida).
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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