Independent Operators

Fast Casual Top 100 Gala celebrating 10th birthday with 5 gifts for attendees

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 sponsors of this year's Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers

April 14, 2025 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

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 Partners, 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 Award for Excellence in Guest Experience: Ovation and FastCasual will recognize a brand that goes the extra mile when it comes to creating and measuring the customer experience.
• Fast Casual Woman of the Year: FastCasual andNorton 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.

  Stacey Kane and Zack Oates won the inaugural "Best Dressed Award" last year, sparking the honor to be named after them. Photo: Willie Lawless

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.

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 Cherryh Cansler

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Cherryh Cansler is VP of Events for Networld Media Group and publisher of FastCasual.com. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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