Fast Casual recently unveiled its annual Top Movers and Shakers in the restaurant industry. The 75 brands and 25 executives recognized in this year’s report have demonstrated remarkable innovation, nimbleness, and creativity in overcoming challenges and achieving success. These industry leaders have set new benchmarks, showcasing their ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and market trends. PAR is incredibly proud to announce that 14 of these outstanding brands leverage Brink POS, Data Central, or PAR Pay. Additionally, 4 of these brands’ esteemed executives were also featured in the report. Whether through technological advancements, growth achievements, or exceptional customer experiences, these brands and executives have distinguished themselves as true pioneers in the fast-casual sector:
Big Chicken topped this year’s Movers and Shakers list, with CEO Josh Halpern also being recognized as one of the top 25 executives. In 2023, the brand doubled in size, expanding its presence in the Nevada, Washington, Texas, and Arizona markets.
Over the past two years, Slim Chickens drastically improved restaurant growth by 70% and has increased systemwide revenue growth by 35%. The brand launched its 250th location last year and now has stores in 10 different markets.
2023 was a historic year for Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. The brand opened 26 locations and accelerated its growth in the Canadian markets. Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers also opened its first location in an MLB stadium at St. Louis Cardinal’s Busch Stadium and plans to launch a new restaurant design featuring a drive-thru, two pick-up windows, a digital bagging station, a designated digital pickup area near the entrance with a custard pick-up freezer, and a shared expo counter.
Last year, Fazoli’s launched its first airport location at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, marking the brand’s return to the Phoenix market. Moreover, Fazoli’s returned to the Orlando market and announced the opening of a new location in Puerto Rico. The brand anticipates launching 12 locations across the United States in 2024.
With roughly 1,000 locations across the United States, Sweetgreen is dedicated to its mission of bringing healthy food to as many communities as possible. Last year, the brand focused on technology designed to increase accuracy, consistency, and productivity, enabling team members to focus on guests and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Ann Flanagan, Head of Field Operations at Sweetgreen, was also recognized as a Top 25 executive in this year’s report.
With roughly 1,000 locations across the United States, Sweetgreen is dedicated to its mission of bringing healthy food to as many communities as possible. Last year, the brand focused on technology designed to increase accuracy, consistency, and productivity, enabling team members to focus on guests and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Ann Flanagan, Head of Field Operations at Sweetgreen, was also recognized as a Top 25 executive in this year’s report.
Over the past few years, California Tortilla has reinvented itself with “ACE”, its new service model that provides guests with better order accuracy and more choice over their meals. Currently with 31 locations, the brand anticipates launching an additional 3 in 2024. Stacey Kane, Fractional CMO of California Tortilla and Garden Catering, was also recognized as one of the top 25 executives from this year’s report.
Over the past few years, Mo’Bettahs launched 24 new locations across seven states. In 2023, the brand focused on reinforcing its operations across all locations and markets, enhancing training programs, expanding its leadership team, and launching revenue-boosting add-on menu items. Additionally, Mo’Bettahs celebrated the milestone of opening its 50th location at the end of last year.
Last year, Mooyah Burgers, Fries, and Shakes was voted as the gold winner in the Dallas Morning News People’s Choice Award for Best Burger in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, making it a back-to-back win. The brand was also recognized in Steritech’s Excellence in Food Safety and Franchise Times’ Top 400 list. Additionally, in 2023, Mooyah, Burgers, Fries, and Shakes had 36 locations achieve $1 million in sales.
Garden Catering has major expansion plans for 2024. The brand will launch a sub-brand for non-traditional retail spaces, which will be tested in a 10,000-seat outdoor music venue, as well as two to three outposts at the Westville Music Bowl in New Haven.
In 2023, Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop opened 7 new locations, entered the Arizona market, and broke the $1 million AUV for the first time. Over the past 3 years, the brand has increased same-store sales by 62%, with its technology playing a major role in this achievement.
Last year, The Original ChopShop focused on growth and employee retention. The brand’s average salaried tenure is now 2.5 years, and one-third of hourly staff members stay for at least 2.5 years. The Original ChopShop anticipates launching 7 locations across the United States in 2024.
With an overarching goal of sourcing quality ingredients and offering items at an affordable price, MAD Greens is dedicated to making healthy eating fun and approachable to all. Under the leadership of Darden Coors, who was also recognized on the Top 25 executives list, the brand has tripled in size and expanded to the Arizona, Colorado, and Texas markets. In 2024, the brand plans to sign its first set of franchise groups with 20 units open or in development.
2023 was a very successful year for Duck Donuts. The brand launched 33 new locations and is anticipating another 35 domestic and 10 international locations to open in 2024.
