Operations
Nominations close Dec. 7
Photo: NMG
November 10, 2025
The inaugural “Top 5 Movers & Shakers: Visionary Restaurant Founders,” is now accepting nominations, seeking to honor the leaders and entrepreneurs pioneering innovation and growth within the restaurant industry.
Presented by the Founderology Growth Summit in partnership with Networld Media Group, the list honors the restaurant industry’s most influential Founders, said Kathleen Wood, co-host of the summit and Founder of Kathleen Wood Partners.
“I am thrilled for the first-ever Visionary Founders Award — a tremendous recognition for the leaders who truly move our industry forward,” she said. “Founders are the backbone of our industry. They are the ones who take ideas from vision to reality, who innovate, who blaze new trails, and who see possibilities where others see impossibilities.”
The award aims to recognize Founders who have demonstrated exceptional vision and execution, driving meaningful change in the restaurant space.
“To bring this award to life at the Founderology Growth Summit with Cherryh (Cansler) and Networld Media Group is one of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I am honored to celebrate the Founders who are changing today and building an exciting tomorrow,” Wood said.
Cansler, VP of Events, NMG and publisher of FastCasual, agreed.
“If you think about it, huge brands like Shake Shack, Chipotle and Raising Cane’s started with one brave person’s idea, and we’ve watched them transform into incredible industry leaders,” Cansler said. “We look forward to shining a bright light on more of Visionary Founders’ journeys.”
How it works
- Founders nominate themselves here until Dec. 7.
- The Founderology Editorial Board will review nominations and select the Top 5.
- Winners will be honored at the The Founderology Growth Summit, Feb. 2-4, 2026, Austin.
