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: 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.
Outstanding Operator: OOMI Digital Kitchen
With an obsessive focus on first-party channels and utilizing customer data, OOMI Digital Kitchen has pushed retention rates through the roof.
Outstanding Operator: Handcraft Burgers & Brew
Handcraft Burgers & Brew is recognized for its creative approach to building customer relationships, and a trimmed-down tech stack that prioritizes email collection.
Outstanding Operator: PLNT Burger
The vegan burger chain is being recognized for its operational savvy, growth in non-traditional locations and work in innovating the fast-food sector.
Outstanding Operator: Saigon Sisters
Aregoni is being recognized for redefining the Chicago area food scene, serving a Vietnamese concept that has proven versatile in meeting different market venues and sizes.