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Why Ops Summit 2026 Is A Must-Attend Event for QSR Automations Customers

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If you’re a QSR Automations customer looking to get more value out of your technology, connect with peers, and help shape the future of kitchen operations, Crunchtime’s Ops Summit 2026 is for you.

Taking place March 16-18, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, Ops Summit is Crunchtime’s annual customer conference, and this year includes a dedicated track designed specifically for Crunchtime Kitchen customers (formerly ConnectSmart Kitchen). From practical breakout sessions to executive insights and hands-on product discussions, this track is built to help you run faster, smarter, and more efficient kitchens.

Industry Insights for Crunchtime Kitchen Customers

Ops Summit 2026 features three Kitchen-focused breakout sessions that dive deep into real-world challenges and solutions, but the focus doesn’t stop there. Every main stage session also includes a dedicated Kitchen component, reinforcing that this conference is built for kitchen leaders at every level. These sessions go beyond theory, offering actionable strategies and customer-led insights you can take back to your restaurants immediately.

Optimizing Off-Premise Operations

Off-premise dining continues to evolve, and getting it right requires visibility, coordination, and smart use of data. In this session, customers will share how they’re increasing efficiency across delivery, curbside, and carryout using Crunchtime Kitchen and Go. Learn more here.

Screenshot 2026-02-05 at 1.41.22 PMSpeakers include:

  • Chad Steves, Director, Technology Operations, Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Jarrod East, Chief Technology Officer, Lazy Dog Restaurants

 

Top Tips for Increasing Throughput

Looking to move orders faster without sacrificing quality? This session focuses on proven ways to increase throughput using Crunchtime Kitchen features. Learn more here.

Screenshot 2026-02-06 at 9.54.26 AM

You’ll hear firsthand insights from:

  • Craig Moore, Product Owner, POS and KDS, Chili's
  • Lance Hoiby, Vice President of IT, Fox Restaurant Concepts
  • Sara Sorg, Director of Restaurant Technology, P.F. Chang's

 

 

Kitchen Management Roadmap Discovery Workshop

Want a say in what’s coming next? This interactive workshop gives you a direct line to the product team. Crunchtime’s leadership will share current goals and problems to solve for Kitchen products, and invite attendees into an open discussion to influence the roadmap.

If you’ve ever wanted to provide feedback, ask “what if,” or help shape the future of kitchen management, this is the session you won’t want to miss. Learn more here.

Insights From Crunchtime Leadership and Customers

In addition to the Kitchen track, Ops Summit 2026 includes:

  • Four executive presentations from Crunchtime leadership, covering product innovation and strategic vision
  • Two main-stage customer sessions, including Executive Insights for 2026 and the 2026 Ops Excellence Awards (tune in to hear from a Crunchtime Kitchen finalist!)  
  • Customer speakers from iconic brands like Dave’s Hot Chicken, Chili’s, Lazy Dog Restaurants, Buffalo Wild Wings, and more

It’s a unique opportunity to hear how top restaurant brands are tackling today’s operational challenges, and what they’re prioritizing for the year ahead.

Screenshot 2026-02-06 at 9.57.12 AM

 

Built-In Networking (and a Little Fun)

Ops Summit isn’t just about sessions. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow operators, technology leaders, and Crunchtime experts throughout the event, including:

Whether you’re swapping best practices or making new connections, the conversations are just as valuable as the content.

Join Us in Arlington

There’s no better way to maximize your use of Crunchtime Kitchen than learning directly from peers, product experts, and leadership, all in one place.

As a Crunchtime Kitchen customer, you can take advantage of a $100 registration discount using code QSR2026.

We hope to see you in Texas for Ops Summit 2026, three days of insight, innovation, and connection designed with your kitchen in mind. Learn more.

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