New group will focus on issues impacting Fast Casual segment, advise NRA
The Fast Casual Alliance, an industry organization that works to raise consumer awareness and promote the interests of the fast casual restaurant segment, has announced a partnership with the National Restaurant Association. The announcement came at the Fast Casual Executive Summit, being held in Dallas Sept. 14-15. The Fast Casual Alliance will now be known as the Fast Casual Alliance - An NRA Industry Council. The group will serve as a model for future National Restaurant Association industry councils.
The goal of the Fast Casual Alliance - An NRA Industry Council is to bring together senior executives from the fast casual segment to discuss common concerns and advise the National Restaurant Association on how issues facing the restaurant industry would impact the segment.
Paul Barron, EVP and Publisher at NetWorld Alliance and founder of FCA, said the group also will serve as a networking and educational venue, as well as provide input on research, segment definition and member benefit program development.
"Our intent has always been to create awareness and address industry issues for the fast casual segment in both the trade and the consumer fronts," he said. "This partnership will solidify our efforts and provide the fast casual segment a very bright future."
"We are thrilled to partner with the Fast Casual Alliance and bring them into the National Restaurant Association fold to work more effectively to advance business opportunities and the public image of the restaurant industry at large," said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. "We believe this integration of organizations will be beneficial for members of both by expanding our reach and impact together."
"Each segment of our diverse industry has unique challenges and opportunities, and convening groups within these segments will provide a better understanding of the industry as a whole," said Michael Gibbons, Chairman of the National Restaurant Association and President and CEO of Mainstreet Ventures, Inc. "The Fast Casual Alliance has done an exceptional job advancing fast casual restaurant operations for the last several years, and we are looking forward to advancing a common agenda."
As part of the transition, NetWorld Alliance - publisher of FastCasual.com as well as sister sites QSRweb.com and PizzaMarketplace.com - will continue to support the Fast Casual Alliance and its meetings as a sponsor and partner.
