FSR Magazine has officially announced the induction of its 2026 NextGen Council, a prestigious cohort of eleven industry trailblazers dedicated to redefining the full-service restaurant landscape through innovation, technology, and guest-centric hospitality. This announcement marks the fourth iteration of a program designed to highlight the "NextGen Casual" movement—a strategic shift in the dining industry that bridges the gap between traditional casual dining and the modern demand for convenience, authenticity, and elevated experiences. As the restaurant sector continues to navigate a post-pandemic economy defined by shifting consumer behaviors and technological disruption, the 2026 Council members represent the vanguard of leadership, overseeing brands that range from established national footprints to emerging "eatertainment" concepts.
The NextGen Casual movement, first introduced by FSR in late 2021, was born out of a necessity to adapt to a rapidly changing marketplace. While the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, the underlying trends—such as the integration of advanced POS systems, a focus on localized menus, and a commitment to transparent, responsible sourcing—had been gaining momentum for years. The 2026 Council is tasked with steering these trends into the next decade, ensuring that full-service dining remains relevant to younger generations who prioritize both the speed of off-premises service and the immersive atmosphere of on-site dining.
A Chronology of the NextGen Movement
The evolution of the NextGen Council mirrors the broader recovery and transformation of the American restaurant industry. In November 2021, the concept of "NextGen Casual" was codified as a specific segment of full-service dining that emphasizes the intersection of high-touch hospitality and high-tech efficiency. Following the inaugural 2022-2023 class, FSR has annually selected a group of approximately ten leaders to serve as a brain trust for the industry.
The 2024 and 2025 classes focused heavily on labor retention and the stabilization of supply chains in a volatile economic environment. However, the 2026 class enters a landscape where the focus has shifted toward "strategic differentiation." As consumers become more discerning with their discretionary spending, the brands represented by this year’s council are those that have successfully carved out unique identities—whether through "fast-fine" hybrids, immersive art-driven environments, or sophisticated off-premises catering programs.
Profiles in Leadership: The 2026 NextGen Council
The 2026 class comprises a diverse array of executives from some of the most influential hospitality groups in North America. Each member brings a specific expertise, from marketing and digital transformation to operational execution and brand development.
Kristen Hohl, EVP of Marketing at SPB Hospitality
Leading the marketing efforts for one of the nation’s most diverse portfolios, Hohl oversees brands like J. Alexander’s, Stoney River, and Krystal Restaurants. Her role involves maintaining the distinct brand identity of high-end steakhouses while simultaneously driving growth for legacy quick-service brands. Her leadership is a testament to the "NextGen" ability to manage multi-tiered hospitality experiences under a single corporate umbrella.
Ahsan Jiva, EVP, Strategy & Transformation at Mellow Mushroom
Jiva has been instrumental in modernizing the 50-year-old Mellow Mushroom brand. By introducing "fast-fine" and "fast-fine hybrid" formats, Jiva has allowed the brand to shrink its footprint into counter-service models without sacrificing the "psychedelic" and community-focused atmosphere that defines the concept. His work highlights the industry’s move toward smaller, more efficient real estate footprints.
Jordan Johnson, Director of Off-Premise at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
With a background in catering sales, Johnson represents the critical "off-premises" pillar of NextGen Casual. Firebirds, known for its elevated, fire-centric dining rooms, has utilized Johnson’s expertise to ensure that the quality of a wood-fired steak translates effectively to home delivery and large-scale corporate catering.
Kaleb Harrell, CEO and Cofounder of Hawkers Asian Street Food
Harrell’s leadership has taken Hawkers from a single location to a Michelin-recommended multi-state powerhouse. By focusing on "shared plates" and an "immersive vibe," Hawkers appeals directly to the Gen Z and Millennial desire for social, adventurous dining. Harrell’s plan to double the brand’s footprint over the next five years signals a robust confidence in experience-driven dining.
Kathleen Bush, CMO at Ford’s Garage
Bush brings experience from major players like Red Robin to Ford’s Garage, an Official Licensee of the Ford Motor Company. The brand’s success relies on "vibe dining"—using 1920s service station aesthetics to create a destination experience that cannot be replicated by delivery apps alone.
Steve Palmer, Founder/Managing Partner at The Indigo Road Hospitality Group
A veteran with 40 years of experience, Palmer represents the "people-first" philosophy of the council. Beyond his business success, his work with "Ben’s Friends" addresses the mental health and addiction crises within the industry, proving that NextGen leadership is as much about social responsibility as it is about profit margins.
Yasaman Stewart, Senior Director of Marketing at Brix Holdings
Stewart manages a portfolio that includes Friendly’s and Clean Juice. Her expertise lies in "marketing innovation," particularly in how legacy brands like Friendly’s can use digital engagement to recapture the attention of modern families.
Joanne Forrester, President & COO of Moxies
Representing the international reach of the council, Forrester leads Moxies’ aggressive expansion into the United States. Under her guidance, the brand focuses on "effortless sophistication," catering to a professional demographic that seeks premium culinary offerings in a relaxed, stylish setting.
Josh Rossmeisl, Founder & Chief Vision Officer at AMP Up1 Hospitality
Rossmeisl is at the forefront of the "third spot" movement—creating venues that are neither home nor work, but essential social hubs. His brands, Your 3rd Spot and The Looking Glass, are built on the principles of autonomy, mastery, and purpose, focusing on scaled social connection.
Erin Levzow, CMO at Agave & Stone Hospitality (CapitalSpring)
A 20-year veteran, Levzow consults for CapitalSpring’s diverse portfolio. Her work focuses on modernizing marketing functions and using data-driven strategies to accelerate customer engagement for brands like Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar.
Liz Moskow, Principal at Bread & Circus
As a food futurist and culinary innovator, Moskow serves as the council’s co-moderator. Her role is to synthesize the practical experience of the operators with global trends in food science and consumer behavior, providing a visionary framework for the group’s discussions.
Supporting Data: The Economic Context of Full-Service Evolution
The appointment of the 2026 Council comes at a pivotal moment for the U.S. restaurant industry. According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 State of the Industry report, the foodservice sector was projected to reach $1.1 trillion in sales, yet operators continue to face significant headwinds. Labor costs remain the top concern for 70% of operators, while food costs follow closely at 66%.
The NextGen Council’s focus on technology is supported by consumer data: approximately 60% of consumers say they are more likely to frequent a restaurant that offers "easy-to-use" technology. However, the "NextGen Casual" segment differentiates itself by ensuring technology does not replace the human element. The Council’s philosophy aligns with the finding that 52% of consumers still prefer traditional full-service dining for "special occasions," highlighting the need for brands to maintain high-quality on-premises atmospheres even as they optimize for digital sales.
Furthermore, the rise of "eatertainment"—represented by council members like Rossmeisl and Harrell—is backed by a 20% year-over-year increase in consumer spending at venues that offer both food and a secondary activity (such as immersive art or social gaming). This data underscores why the 2026 class is heavily weighted toward leaders who specialize in "vibe" and "experience."
Official Perspectives and Editorial Vision
Callie Evergreen, the editor of FSR Magazine, emphasized that the 2026 class was chosen for their ability to solve "old problems with new ideas." Evergreen noted that the progressive nature of these leaders is what will ultimately "reignite" the casual dining category. "NextGen Casual is all about making the occasion relevant for current and future diners by focusing on the hospitality experience, while still prioritizing speed, convenience, and off-premises accessibility," Evergreen stated.
The council’s work will be highlighted during the upcoming QSR Evolution Conference, scheduled for September 8-10, 2026, in Atlanta. This event will feature two specific "NextGen tracks" where council members will lead discussions on AI integration in scheduling, the balance of franchise freedom versus brand identity, and the future of sustainable sourcing. The goal is to move away from the "siloed" nature of restaurant management and toward a more collaborative, industry-wide approach to problem-solving.
Broader Impact and Implications for the Industry
The influence of the 2026 NextGen Council extends beyond their individual brands. By setting the standard for "NextGen Casual," these leaders are providing a blueprint for the survival of the full-service model. In an era where "Quick Service" (QSR) and "Fast Casual" brands are increasingly encroaching on the dinner daypart with high-quality ingredients, full-service restaurants must offer something these segments cannot: a sense of place and a genuine human connection.
The implications of the Council’s work are three-fold:
- Technological Humanism: The Council is proving that AI and automation should be used to handle "back-of-house" friction—such as inventory management and staff scheduling—to free up "front-of-house" staff to focus entirely on guest hospitality.
- Hybridization of Models: The success of Mellow Mushroom’s "fast-fine" hybrid suggests that the strict boundaries between service models are disappearing. Future restaurants will likely offer different service levels (counter vs. table service) within the same four walls, depending on the time of day or the guest’s needs.
- Cultural and Social Advocacy: With leaders like Steve Palmer on the council, there is an increasing recognition that the sustainability of the industry depends on the health and well-being of its workforce. This focus on "company culture" is no longer a peripheral concern but a core business strategy to combat the ongoing labor shortage.
As FSR introduces this fourth class of visionaries, the message to the broader hospitality world is clear: the future of dining is not just about the food on the plate, but about the agility of the leaders behind the brand. The 2026 NextGen Council stands as a collective force ready to navigate the complexities of a modern economy, ensuring that the full-service restaurant remains a cornerstone of American social life.
