FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DALLAS, TX — April 22, 2026 — Black Box Intelligence is proud to officially announce the 33 nominees for the 2026 Best Practices Awards (BPAs). Recognizing the true “best of the best” in the industry, the BPAs honor the brands that excel in two critical operational areas proven to drive superior financial success: workforce management and guest experience.

Since their inception in 1998, the Best Practices Awards have been revered by the industry as the ultimate benchmark of operational excellence. These honors have a rich legacy of recognizing trailblazing restaurant brands, with a prestigious alumni of past nominees including renowned names like The Capital Grille, The Cheesecake Factory, Panera, Velvet Taco, Panda Express, and LongHorn Steakhouse.

Recognizing 18 brands that demonstrate excellence in workforce management based on WI data, heavily weighing management and hourly turnover rates, alongside critical metrics regarding gender and racial/ethnic diversity parity.

• Quick Service: Culver’s, Bagel Brands, Black Rock Coffee
• Fast Casual: City BBQ, Panera, Potbelly
• Family Dining: Eat n’ Park, Silver Diner, First Watch
• Casual Dining: Texas Roadhouse, Yard House, LongHorn Steakhouse
• Upscale Casual: Mi Cocina, The Cheesecake Factory, One Brand Which Preferred Not to Be Named
• Fine Dining: Fogo de Chao, Fleming’s, One Brand Which Preferred Not to Be Named

Honoring 15 brands with the highest guest sentiment scores based on GI data, specifically measuring the highest average star rating of the median restaurant for each brand throughout the 2025 calendar year.

• Limited Service: Urbane Cafe, Torchy’s Tacos, HiBar Hospitality Group (Hopdoddy, Grub), Velvet Taco, Mendocino Farms
• Full Service: Twin Peaks, Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Eddie V’s, Cotton Patch
• Global (Non-US): Coco Bambu, Cannibale Royale, Ron Gastrobar, Hickory’s Smokehouse, The Seafood Bar