More than 180 restaurant leaders speak at QSR Evolution 2026 across the QSR Evolution and FSR NextGen programs. Here’s a look at the operator brands represented on stage — a snapshot of who’s in the room.
Independent guide by StoreShield · Not affiliated with QSR Evolution or WTWH Media.Registration is limited to restaurant operators, so the room skews heavily toward the people who actually run multi-unit networks: founders, CEOs, COOs, and heads of operations and franchise development. Below, the publicly listed speaker brands, grouped by scale. For the people behind them, see the full speaker directory.
Large chains (250+ units)
Burger King · Chick-fil-A · Texas Roadhouse · Krispy Kreme · Papa Johns · Wingstop · Jack in the Box · Whataburger · Church's Chicken · Checkers & Rally's · Little Caesars · Scooter's Coffee · Sonic · Carvel · Kona Ice · Golden Corral · McAlister's Deli · Edible Brands · GoTo Foods · Yum! Brands · Arby's · TGI Fridays · Buffalo Wild Wings · Dine Brands · SPB Hospitality
Growth & mid-size brands
Shake Shack · Dave's Hot Chicken · Slim Chickens · Torchy's Tacos · Tropical Smoothie Cafe · Taco John's · White Castle · Freddy's Frozen Custard · Einstein Bros. Bagels · Gong cha · Capriotti's · Craveworthy Brands · Donatos · Newk's Eatery · Piada Italian Street Food · Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken · Angry Chickz · BIGGBY Coffee · Rita's Italian Ice · Handel's Ice Cream · Ziggi's Coffee · California Tortilla · Original ChopShop · Twin Peaks · Mellow Mushroom · Lazy Dog · Cooper's Hawk · Snooze · Wahlburgers · Firebirds · Legendary Restaurant Brands · BRIX Holdings
Emerging & multi-concept operators
The Great Greek · Surcheros · Layne's Chicken Fingers · Fuku · Tiki Taco · Dillas Quesadillas · Brooklyn Dumpling Shop · Ike's Love and Sandwiches · Salad House · gusto! · NAYA · Kettlemans Bagel · Milkshake Factory · Vale Healthy Kitchen · Main Squeeze Juice Co. · Juice it Up! · Hot Head Burritos · Konala · Timber Pizza · Barry Bagels · Smokey Mo's BBQ · Oliver's Real Food · Eggs Up Grill · The Big Biscuit · Shuckin' Shack · Farrelli's Pizza · Tony Roma's
Multi-brand franchisees
OM Group (Dunkin', QDOBA, Smoothie King, Jimmy John's, Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon) · Hena Group (Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin') · Wendy's of Bowling Green · Askar Management Group · Nobles Restaurants · Artinian Holdings
Brand list compiled from the conference’s public speaker roster; attendance beyond listed speakers is not published by the organizer. Ask the conference assistant about any specific brand or session.
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