Announcing the 2026 Outstanding Operators
Food On Demand is excited to announce the winners of the 2026 Outstanding Operator Awards!
Now in its third year, the program recognizes top restaurant brands nationwide taking innovative, creative paths to success across off-premises operations.
After reviewing a large number of nominations, our editorial team has selected this year’s standout group of operators. All receive a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice and are invited to attend the Food On Demand Conference, May 5-7, at the Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel for on-stage recognition.
Additionally, next week through May, Food On Demand will feature stories spotlighting these operators and the strategies driving their success. Winners share what’s working — from technology integrations and third-party delivery partnerships to managing the full off-premises ecosystem, including drive-thru, pickup, delivery and catering.
The features also explore how these brands approach menu innovation, use data, build loyalty and navigate the trends, challenges and lessons shaping the industry today.
We’re thrilled to highlight these restaurant brands pushing the industry forward.
Outstanding Operators
Landry's
Charity: Landry's Employee Relief Fund
The Employee Relief Fund provides assistance to employees during unanticipated and unavoidable financial hardships and emergencies. The Fund is managed by a committee representing diverse staff ensuring that Funds are directed toward those most in need. The Fund has distributed millions of dollars to staff in response to hurricanes and other natural disasters, including Covid 19.
Golden Chick
Charity: Baylor Foundation
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation raises money to advance the Mission of Baylor Scott & White Health: Founded as a Christian ministry of healing, Baylor Scott & White Health promotes the well-being of all individuals, families and communities.
Wonder
Charity: City Harvest
City Harvest exists to end hunger in communities throughout New York City. We do this through food rescue and distribution, education, and other practical, innovative solutions.
Mo' Bettahs
Charity: Tony Finau Foundation
The Tony Finau Foundation aims to empower and inspire youth and their families to discover, develop, and achieve the best of their gifts through education, wellness, and recreation.
Clean Eatz
Charity: CE Foundation
Through the Clean Eatz Foundation, we plan to raise awareness and money to support causes close to our heart — starting with childhood obesity.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Charity: Make A Wish Foundation of North TX
Make-A-Wish North Texas creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Right now, your gift matters more than ever. Over 1,100 children across North Texas are waiting for their wishes to be granted and you can help bring them the joy, hope, and strength
Tono's Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks
Charity: Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation
The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of triple negative breast cancer. The foundation supports scientists and researchers in their efforts to determine the definitive causes of triple negative breast cancer so that effective detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment can be pursued and achieved.
Cheba Hut
Charity: Conscience Alliance
Conscious Alliance is an iconic community of bands, brands, artists, and fans on a mission to awaken compassion and end hunger nationwide.
El Torito
Charity: Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Hispanic Scholarship Fund HSF empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, HSF Scholars and Alumni as possible.
Bushfire Kitchen
Charity: Special Olympics Southern California
Special Olympics Southern California offers 12 sports across 4 seasons, serving nearly 25,000 athletes in community and school-based programs in 11 counties. It also offers opportunities for athletes to improve their overall health and wellness, gain leadership skills and much more.
PJ's Coffee
Charity: Make A Wish Foundation
Non-profit organization founded in the United States that grants "wishes" to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Via 313
Charity: Central Texas Food Bank
The Central Texas Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas, providing immediate access to nutritious food and innovative programming and education. Our mission is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger.
Buona
Charity: Bridge Together for Autism Foundation
BridgeTogether Foundation is dedicated to expanding inclusive summer programs that celebrate and support neurodivergent children.
FUSIAN
Charity: Breast Cancer Fund of Ohio
Many people are familiar with cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation but the effects of having this disease far outreaches treatment alone. -With people like you and organizations such as The Chrome Divas of Columbus, Ohio, we are able to help ease those effects.
Teriyaki Madness
Charity: Feeding America
Feeding America is a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries and local meal programs. Our common goal is simple: help people get the food and resources they need to thrive.
Olga's Kitchen
Charity: Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation
To provide assistance to aspiring women entrepreneurs who exemplify the same passion, ambition and vision as Olga Loizon, pioneer and founder of Olga's Kitchen.
The Outstanding Operator program is supported by these industry leading partners
