Food On Demand Outstanding Operators is a new annual program recognizing restaurant brands with innovative operations that are taking creative paths to success with delivery and all things off-premises.
After poring over a wide batch of nominated restaurants, our editorial team selected 20 brands/operators ranging from independents to mid-market and large chains for this first-ever industry award.
Outstanding Operators is intended to help others learn, by profiling the diverse list and their successful operations in feature articles running now through May.
Winners in the independent category: Saigon Sisters, Handcraft Burgers & Brew, Mamma Ramona’s, ClusterTruck, Oomi Digital Kitchen, PLNT Burger and The Smoke Shop BBQ.
Mid-market: Blaze Pizza, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Costa Vida, Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria and Dog Haus.
Large: Chipotle, Sweetgreen, Salad and Go, Wow Bao, Papa John’s, Chick-fil-A, Focus Brands and Craveworthy Brands.
The Outstanding Operators Program is highlighting 20 innovative brands taking creative paths to success with all things off-premises. Winners receive a $1000 charitable donation to the organization of choice and will be recognized on-stage at the 2024 Food On Demand Conference. Register today!
Outstanding Operator: Mamma Ramona’s
The pizza hub is recognized for consistently testing and implementing new technologies from robots to software—all amid a goal to build an automated pizzeria powerhouse.
Outstanding Operator: Craveworthy Brands
The multi-concept platform is being recognized for building a portfolio of brands while leveraging data and technology to foster loyalty and expansion.
Outstanding Operator: Sweetgreen
The chain is being recognized for its cutting-edge technology and off-premises strategies that are aimed at meeting consumers where they are.
Outstanding Operator: Papa Johns
The world’s third-largest pizza chain is recognized for embracing new ways of learning, adapting to changing customer habits and exploring modern technology for each part of its business.
Outstanding Operator: ClusterTruck
ClusterTruck is recognized for its streamlined delivery process, fueled by a robust back-end software and driver-first mentality.
Outstanding Operator: Dog Haus
Taking Dog Haus’ digital prowess to the next level is among the top priorities under new CEO Michael Montagano.
Outstanding Operator: Wow Bao
The Chicago-based Asian brand is no stranger to innovation, consistently pushing the envelope with omnichannel creativity and expansion in non-traditional formats.
Outstanding Operator: Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria
Since its inception, the pizza chain has continued modernizing operations, staying up-to-date with trends in consumer behavior and off-premises ordering.
Outstanding Operator: Another Broken Egg Cafe
CEO Paul Macaluso knows first-hand how to streamline the off-premises side of a business—building a successful delivery and takeout program from the ground-up with growth plans underway.
Outstanding Operator: The Smoke Shop BBQ
A long-time chef looking for a higher challenge switched to BBQ, leaned on third-party delivery with no qualms about the cost.
Outstanding Operator: Chipotle
The fast-casual is being recognized for its innovation, consistently implementing new technologies and digital-forward formats to streamline operations.
Outstanding Operator: Costa Vida
As catering sales boom, Costa Vida has upgraded customer-facing technology and forged deep, ongoing relationships with outside vendors.
Outstanding Operator: Salad and Go
Without dining rooms and with all orders going out the drive-thru or as takeout, Salad and Go is wholly, uniquely tailored to off-premises channels.
The Outstanding Operator program is supported by these industry leading partners
