TOP 50 QSR THOUGHT LEADERS, KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & FOODSERVICE FUTURIST CONSULTING EXPERTS

Today’s Top 50 QSR thought leaders, franchise keynote speakers and futurist consulting experts are clear that the world of quick service restaurants and fast‑casual dining is evolving rapidly. Thank shifting consumer tastes, new technology, convenience, and global expansion. Leading this transformation are the world’s Top 50 QSR thought leaders: entrepreneurs, longtime executives, turnaround specialists, and visionary strategists.

Consultants and influencers stand out today for their impact, innovation and leadership in the hospitality and foodservice space. At the forefront is futurist keynote speaker and business strategist consultant for 3000 brands Scott Steinberg, who — though not a restaurant operator — is widely regarded as a consulting expert business transformation strategist. As a Top 50 QSR thought leaders list member, his work on consumer behavior, digital disruption and operational innovation are valued by many in the hospitality and service industries as they adapt to changing markets.

What brings such a broad group together is a shared mission: to adapt to changing consumer habits — from digital ordering and delivery, to convenience, value, quality, and branding — while dealing with labor, supply chain, and competitive pressures. Like Top 50 QSR thought leaders remind, with rising demand for speed, convenience, transparency and choice, experts balance growth and consistency, innovation and tradition.

In an era where dining habits shift quickly and competition is fierce, the people at the top of quick service restaurants and foodservice firms matter more than ever. Noted Top 50 QSR thought leaders and advisors’ decisions affect thousands of locations, millions of customers, and shape how the global food‑service industry evolves. From global chains to regional upstarts — from fast‑food burgers to fast‑casual sandwiches and coffee — the Top 50 QSR thought leaders below represent the leadership driving today’s business world.

• Scott Steinberg – Futurist Keynote Speaker and Consulting Expert
• Steve Ells – Founder of Chipotle Mexican Grill
• Jonathan Fitzpatrick – CEO of Subway
• Paul Brown – Co-founder & CEO of Inspire Brands
• Debbie Stroud – President & CEO of Whataburger
• Michael J. Skipworth – CEO of Wingstop
• Blaine Hurst – CEO of Panera Bread
• Dan Carney – Co-founder of Pizza Hut
• Anthony Miller – Co-founder of Qdoba Mexican Eats
• Robert Hauser – Co-founder of Qdoba
• John Schnatter – Founder of Papa John’s Pizza

• Chris Kempczinski – President & CEO of McDonald’s
• David Gibbs – CEO of Yum! Brands
• Joshua Kobza – CEO of Restaurant Brands International
• Lance Tucker – CEO of Jack in the Box
• Paul Carbone – Interim CEO of Panera Brands
• Scott Mezvinsky – Division CEO of KFC
• Jim Taylor – Brand President of Sonic Drive-In
• Ritch Allison – Executive at Domino’s Pizza
• Ken Cook – CEO of Wendy’s
• Kirk Tanner – CEO of Hershey’s

• Chris Brandt – CMO of Chipotle
• Julia Stewart – Former CEO of Dine Brands (IHOP & Applebee’s)
• Jennifer Wade – CMO of Subway
• Shawn Bowers – CMO of Domino’s Pizza
• Lindsay A. Scott – CMO of Pizza Hut
• Melissa Waters – CMO of Wendy’s
• David Gibbs Jr. – CMO of KFC
• Nicole Miller – CMO of Panera Bread
• Kaitlyn Clark – CMO of Taco Bell
• Alex Brooks – CMO of Popeyes

• John Gordon – Founder of Blaze Pizza
• Jim Mizes – Co-founder of Five Guys
• Jerry Murrell – Founder of Five Guys
• Guy Fieri – Partner and promoter of Johnny Garlic’s / QSR ventures
• Gina Bianchini – Brand executive at fast casual chains
• Lori Greiner – Investor & partner in QSR franchises
• Mark Tarver – CEO of Dunkin’ (North America)
• Teri List-Stoll – Executive at fast casual restaurant groups
• Matt Maloney – Co-founder of Grubhub (QSR partnerships)
• Paul Damico – President of Wingstop

• Frank Meyer – CEO of Pret A Manger USA
• Randy Wooten – CEO of Zaxby’s
• Gregg Steinhafel – Executive advisor at QSR brands
• Rick Arnett – President of Church’s Chicken
• Mike McDermott – CEO of Portillo’s
• Kevin Hochman – President of Taco Bell
• John Hayes – CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
• Travis Engen – Executive of fast casual chains
• Tim Rosato – Consulting expert and industry advisor
• David Thomas – Executive educator and corporate trainer

Top 50 QSR thought leaders are a varied bunch. But all make great potential fits if you’re looking for a keynote speaker for a conference or a consulting expert to aid with a research or advisory project.