Digital Transformation in Fast Casual and QSR Summit

Digital Transformation in Fast Casual & QSR Summit 2025 Recap

June 17–18, 2025 • The Westin Chicago Lombard, IL

🔍 Why This Summit Mattered

The 2025 edition of the summit, hosted by Industry Now, solidified its status as the premier event for digital innovation in fast-casual and quick-service restaurants. Over two days, operators and tech pioneers tackled the pressing challenge: how to use technology not just to survive but to thrive in a fast-evolving landscape.

🧩 Key Themes & Tracks

Attendees explored three core streams:

1. Digital Transformation – AI, automation, real-time analytics

2. Guest Experience – loyalty, personalization, omnichannel ordering

3. Guest Acquisition – digital marketing, mobile apps, customer conversion
   
   

These threads allowed comprehensive coverage—from backend optimizations to front-end engagement.

🎤 Standout Sessions & Speakers

• Case-study-driven format: Each talk delivered practical toolkits, not just theory—highlighted across both major brands and disruptors  

• Roundtables & Interactive Workshops: Facilitated peer-to-peer learning on menu personalization, kitchen tech rollouts, and AI-powered service enhancements.

• Omni-channel Ordering & Metaverse Panel: Geoff Alexander and others discussed new frontiers in ordering synergies and emerging virtual/presence channels thehotelgm.com+1restaurant365.com+1linkedin.com.
  
  

🤝 Networking & Community Impact

Unlike large expos, this summit focused on intimate, purposeful networking—with receptions, curated roundtables, and personalized matchmaking facilitated by dedicated team members. Many attendees remarked on the warmth and long-lasting value of the connections they formed.

💡 Digital Takeaways

• AI & analytics are now essential—not optional—in menu engineering and predictive staffing.

• Voice, app, web, kiosk, and loyalty systems must be seamlessly integrated for a unified guest journey.

• Automation in kitchen operations is cutting labor costs and reducing errors.

• Personalization technologies in offer delivery are driving higher engagement and spend.

🌟 Why Chicago Was the Perfect Backdrop

Held just outside Chicago’s central loop, the summit attracted 300–500 restaurant leaders from across the U.S., creating a national stage with Midwestern hospitality. The convenient location at The Westin Chicago Lombard made it accessible and welcoming.

🗓️ Looking Ahead

Summit organizers promise even more depth in 2026—with an expanded track on guest loyalty and deeper dives into emerging tech like AR, IoT sensors, and robotic automation. As the industry continues to push toward digital-first operations, this event stands as a beacon for how tech can be leveraged to grow, delight, and evolve.

📝 Final Thoughts

The Digital Transformation in Fast Casual & QSR Summit 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was a catalyst for change. With case studies, tech showcases, expert panels, and meaningful connections, operators left with:

• Actionable strategies for AI-driven personalization and efficient kitchen tech.

• A network of peers navigating similar digital transformations.

• A renewed sense of urgency—and optimism—for digital evolution.
  
  

As we look ahead, the summit’s blend of practicality and vision ensures it remains vital for forward-thinking restaurant brands. If your goal is to master the digital shift and create compelling guest experiences, mark your calendar for 2026.