Hundreds of executives in and out of the country also joined the whole-day virtual conference.

Nearly 600 leaders from 71 local and international restaurant brands learned best practices, new research and relevant insights during this year’s QSR Media Sandhurst Fine Foods Conference and Awards, held virtually on Monday, October 18.

Among the pertinent issues discussed during the digital event were the trajectory of the industry’s digital transformation, the rise of virtual brands, and continuing gained momentum after the pandemic.

The conference featured over 20 speakers and panelists, including:

• Karen Bozic | Group CEO, Craveable Brands
• Richard Wallis | Managing Director, SOPAC, KFC
• Amanda Banfield | Chief Executive Officer, Nando's Australia & New Zealand
• Jessica Saxby | CEO and Managing Director, Banjo's Bakery
• Dennis Koorey | Chief Operating Officer, Roll'd
• Paul Zahra | CEO, Australian Retailers Association
• Joshua Bannister | Senior Director, Growth Platforms, McDonald's Australia
• Matthew Kenny | CEO, Zambrero
• Andrew McGuigan | Chief Executive Officer, Krispy Kreme
• Jarrod Appleby | Chief Growth Officer, Minor DKL Food Group
• Grant Lee | CEO, Concept Eight
• Phil Reed | CEO, Pizza Hut Australia

Justine Charlton, Editor, QSR Media, said: “The past year has also been a time of unprecedented innovation and rediscovery of opportunities for the QSR and fast casual restaurant industry. We are honoured to have assembled this event to provide an accurate snapshot of its path towards a post-COVID world.”

Mimmo Lubrano, CEO, Sandhurst Fine Foods, added: “This year’s QSR Media’s Conference and Awards remains another important milestone, illustrating how crucial it is for industries to come together and collaborate to thrive during this unprecedented period. We remain honoured to be the event’s headline partner.”

Distinct brands were lauded and recognised for their innovation, creativity, execution, and overall impact in the past twelve months at the event’s Awards segment.

The winners of the 2021 QSR Media Sandhurst Awards are:

Best Digital Initiative: Soul Burger Holdings Pty Ltd
Best Brand Transformation: The Coffee Club
Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative: Zambrero
Best Marketing Campaign: KFC Australia - Bucket Head
Best New Concept: Fishbowl
Best Innovation – Food And Beverage: San Churro
Best Innovation – Health: Muffin Break
Best Sustainability Initiative: Atiyah
Best Loyalty Program: Chatime Group
Best Customer Experience: Krispy Kreme
Best COVID Initiative: Muffin Break
Rising Star: Carolina De Figueiredo, Krispy Kreme
Squad of the Year: Fishbowl
Special Recognition: Rashay's
2021 Multi-site Restaurant Of The Year: Red Rooster