2026 FSR Webinars
Title: Fireside chats with NextGen Council Leaders
Date: March 24, 2026:
FSR Frontline brings you up close with the trailblazers shaping the future of full-service dining. In this informal, fireside chat-style series, FSR sits down one-on-one with members of the NextGen Council to explore their personal journeys, leadership philosophies, and the ideas driving their brands forward.
These are unscripted conversations not just about strategy and industry shifts, but about the human side of leadership. You’ll hear how these execs got their start, what challenges keep them up at night, and what they’re most excited to build next. It’s real talk from real leaders..
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Title: Quick Start Guide to Full-Service Franchising
Date:April 14, 2026:
Abstract:
Expanding into the world of full-service franchising can be both complex at times compared to QSR. This webinar is designed to help aspiring franchisees and emerging brands understand the fundamentals of launching and scaling within the sit-down segment. Attendees will gain a clear roadmap of what it takes to successfully enter this competitive and rewarding space.
Industry experts and seasoned operators will walk through the essential building blocks of franchising, including evaluating opportunities, understanding investment requirements, and navigating franchise agreements. The session will also explore the unique operational demands of full-service concepts—from staffing and training to customer experience and brand standards—and how they differ from quick-service or fast-casual models.
Whether you’re considering your first franchise investment or looking to expand your portfolio, this webinar will provide the practical knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions. Attendees will leave with a stronger grasp of what to expect, what to avoid, and how to position themselves for long-term success in full-service franchising.
Thinking about starting a franchise program? Here’s where to begin.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the fundamentals of full-service franchising, including investment requirements, franchise agreements, and operational expectations.
- Learn how full-service models differ from quick-service and fast-casual concepts, and what that means for staffing, training, and customer experience.
- Gain practical guidance on evaluating opportunities and avoiding common pitfalls, ensuring smarter decisions for long-term success.
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Title: Fireside chats with NextGen Council Leaders
Date: April 22, 2026:
FSR Frontline brings you up close with the trailblazers shaping the future of full-service dining. In this informal, fireside chat-style series, FSR sits down one-on-one with members of the NextGen Council to explore their personal journeys, leadership philosophies, and the ideas driving their brands forward.
These are unscripted conversations not just about strategy and industry shifts, but about the human side of leadership. You’ll hear how these execs got their start, what challenges keep them up at night, and what they’re most excited to build next. It’s real talk from real leaders.
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Title: Fireside chats with NextGen Council Leaders
Date: May 27, 2026:
FSR Frontline brings you up close with the trailblazers shaping the future of full-service dining. In this informal, fireside chat-style series, FSR sits down one-on-one with members of the NextGen Council to explore their personal journeys, leadership philosophies, and the ideas driving their brands forward.
These are unscripted conversations not just about strategy and industry shifts, but about the human side of leadership. You’ll hear how these execs got their start, what challenges keep them up at night, and what they’re most excited to build next. It’s real talk from real leaders.
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Title: The FSR 30
Date:June 18, 2026
Abstract:
How do the best of the best in full service stack up? Each year, FSR’s in-depth Top 30 report is jam-packed with industry-leading analysis, including systemwide sales, average unit volumes, and unit count trends from the biggest chains in America.
In this webinar, we’ll take a look behind the numbers, sharing the most interesting stories and insights from the sector’s top players over the past year.
In this webinar, you will learn:
- How fast-food leaders, from Cheesecake Factory to Olive Garden to Texas Roadhouse performed last year.
- What growth trends emerged from this year’s data.
- And meet contending chains ready to break through.
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Title: FSR Frontline: Conversations with the NextGen Council
A one-on-one fireside chat series from FSR Magazine (in partnership with WiRL!)
Date:June 23, 2026
Abstract:
FSR Frontline brings you up close with the trailblazers shaping the future of full-service dining. In this informal, fireside chat-style series, FSR sits down one-on-one with members of the NextGen Council to explore their personal journeys, leadership philosophies, and the ideas driving their brands forward.
These are unscripted conversations not just about strategy and industry shifts, but about the human side of leadership. You’ll hear how these execs got their start, what challenges keep them up at night, and what they’re most excited to build next. It’s real talk from real leaders.
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Title: FSR Frontline: Conversations with the NextGen Council
A one-on-one fireside chat series from FSR Magazine
Date:September 30, 2026
Abstract:
FSR Frontline brings you up close with the trailblazers shaping the future of full-service dining. In this informal, fireside chat-style series, FSR sits down one-on-one with members of the NextGen Council to explore their personal journeys, leadership philosophies, and the ideas driving their brands forward.
These are unscripted conversations not just about strategy and industry shifts, but about the human side of leadership. You’ll hear how these execs got their start, what challenges keep them up at night, and what they’re most excited to build next. It’s real talk from real leaders
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Title: Thoughts from Young Leaders
Date:October 20, 2026:
Abstract:
The next generation of leaders is already shaping the future of the restaurant industry with bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and a drive to challenge the status quo. This webinar, based on FSR’s annual Rising Stars report, will showcase the voices of emerging executives who are redefining what leadership looks like in today’s fast-changing business environment. Attendees will hear candid reflections on career journeys, leadership lessons, and the vision these young professionals have for the industry’s future.
Panelists will share how they’re navigating issues such as talent development, technology adoption, sustainability, and evolving consumer demands—all while carving out their own leadership paths. The discussion will highlight both the challenges and opportunities facing emerging leaders, from balancing innovation with tradition to building inclusive and purpose-driven workplace cultures.
Designed to inspire and inform, this session will provide valuable takeaways for operators, executives, and aspiring leaders alike. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights on how to cultivate new leadership pipelines, empower young talent, and embrace change in ways that ensure long-term growth and relevance.
Learning Objectives:
- Hear directly from rising stars in the restaurant industry about the challenges they face and the opportunities they see for growth and innovation.
- Learn how young leaders are shaping the future of restaurants, from embracing technology and sustainability to building inclusive workplace cultures.
- Gain practical insights into leadership development, including how to support, mentor, and empower the next generation of talent.
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Title: FSR Frontline: Conversations with the NextGen Council
A one-on-one fireside chat series from FSR Magazine
Date: November 4, 2026
Abstract:
FSR Frontline brings you up close with the trailblazers shaping the future of full-service dining. In this informal, fireside chat-style series, FSR sits down one-on-one with members of the NextGen Council to explore their personal journeys, leadership philosophies, and the ideas driving their brands forward.
These are unscripted conversations not just about strategy and industry shifts, but about the human side of leadership. You’ll hear how these execs got their start, what challenges keep them up at night, and what they’re most excited to build next. It’s real talk from real leaders
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Title: Menu Trends for 2027
Date:December 15, 2026
Abstract:
As consumer tastes evolve and competition intensifies, menu innovation remains at the heart of restaurant success. This webinar will spotlight the flavors, formats, and strategies shaping what diners will be craving in the year ahead. Attendees will gain insights into how forward-thinking brands are aligning their menus with shifting consumer expectations while staying true to their brand identity.
Experts in culinary development, consumer insights, and restaurant operations will discuss key trends driving the next wave of menu innovation. Topics will include global flavor influences, better-for-you and functional food offerings, plant-based and protein-forward options, and the growing role of technology in menu design and customization. The session will also explore how pricing strategies and menu simplification can balance creativity with profitability.
Whether you’re a chef, marketer, or operator, this webinar will provide a roadmap to keep your menu relevant and competitive in 2027. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas, data-backed insights, and real-world examples to inspire their next phase of menu development.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover the top culinary and consumer trends shaping menus in 2027, from global flavors to better-for-you and functional foods.
- Learn how leading brands balance creativity with profitability, using strategies like menu simplification, pricing optimization, and tech-driven customization.
- Gain inspiration from real-world case studies that show how innovative menus drive customer loyalty and long-term growth.