Qu is the unified commerce platform unlocking efficiency to increase revenue for quick-service and fast-casual restaurant brands. Purpose-built from the data up with cloud-enhanced edge technology, Qu offers the flexibility of the cloud, with the speed and stability of on-site performance, putting real-time intelligence exactly where it matters most—right in the restaurant. The result is increased efficiency and profitability for every location through streamlined operations, improved margins, and memorable customer experiences. On a mission to propel restaurants beyond today’s limitations, Qu is a long-term technology partner delivering solutions that are as reliable as they are redefining, and intuitive as they are impactful.
Based in Arlington, VA, Qu is backed by leading restaurant entrepreneurs and investors including Cota Capital, Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI), Bobby Cox Companies, and NRD Capital. In 2024, Qu ranked #176 on Deloitte’s Fast 500 Technology List for North America.
Sunday Jan 11
9:00am - 5:00pm
Expo, Level 1
Step into the future in the Foodservice Innovation Zone, an interactive exploration of the technology and spicy trends leading the way in foodservice. Come experience how next-gen technologies deliver personalized dining on the go.
Features include:
Sunday Jan 11
1:00pm - 1:30pm
Expo, Level 1, MicroTouch Stage
Playa Bowls is on the road to 500+ locations by the end of 2026—and as the brand scaled, its legacy tech stack couldn’t keep up: fragmented systems, inconsistent execution, and an inefficient store-opening process. In this session, Playa leaders join Qu and Esper to share how they rebuilt the foundation by modernizing devices and POS, unifying data, and rolling out tools operators actually like using. You’ll get practical lessons on avoiding legacy pitfalls while balancing enterprise control with franchisee empowerment. And yes—there’s one unforgettable KDS story that made paper chits feel instantly outdated.
Bring your earbuds + mobile device to this session! Session audio will be transmitted via a silent conferencing system. Use your own mobile device and click here during the live session to access the audio feed. (Extra earbuds available, while supplies last.) https://nrf2026-foodtechstage.webflow.io/
Monday Jan 12
9:00am - 5:00pm
Expo, Level 1
Step into the future in the Foodservice Innovation Zone, an interactive exploration of the technology and spicy trends leading the way in foodservice. Come experience how next-gen technologies deliver personalized dining on the go.
Features include:
Tuesday Jan 13
9:00am - 4:00pm
Expo, Level 1
Step into the future in the Foodservice Innovation Zone, an interactive exploration of the technology and spicy trends leading the way in foodservice. Come experience how next-gen technologies deliver personalized dining on the go.
Features include:
