The Retail Nomad explores the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show
Nick Harbaugh (aka "The Retail Nomad") takes viewers inside the recent Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show in Tampa.
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Chipotle jumping on high protein trend
by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
The 4,000-unit chain is launching a menu next week featuring items with protein content ranging from 15 to 81 grams
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QSR is losing its lunch to monofoods – here's what they can do about it
by George Gottl — Chief Creative Officer, Spatial Design, FutureBrand
Traditional QSRs are losing market share to specialized "monofood outlets" that excel in unique flavor, simplicity and customer experience, and must therefore adopt similar strategies to remain competitive.
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Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI
Labor is your most significant controllable cost—but leveraging labor as a growth driver is more complex than ever. Enter labor forecasting 2.0: an AI-driven approach that helps multi-location units match staffing to real-world demand, while optimizing schedules for labor compliance, operations efficiency, and sales.
Pizza Brands to Watch in 2026
Dominating the landscape is a shift toward “experiential” and “fusion” dining, where classic pepperoni is being challenged by global flavors like Mexican-inspired toppings and Korean-style sauces. Operationally, the industry is increasingly divided between two fronts: high-tech automation and artisanal quality. We salute the class of 2025!
2025 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers
This year, the exceptional caliber of leadership across the industry led to a slight adjustment in our numbers—we were compelled to recognize 100 brands and 25 executives instead of our usual 75- 25 split. We also added an extra executive, a testament to the fierce competition and outstanding contributions within the fast-casual arena.
