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:

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 InitiativeSoul Burger Holdings Pty Ltd

Best Brand TransformationThe Coffee Club

Best Corporate Social Responsibility InitiativeZambrero

Best Marketing CampaignKFC Australia - Bucket Head

Best New ConceptFishbowl

Best Innovation – Food And BeverageSan Churro

Best Innovation – HealthMuffin Break

Best Sustainability InitiativeAtiyah

Best Loyalty ProgramChatime Group

Best Customer ExperienceKrispy Kreme

Best COVID InitiativeMuffin Break

Rising StarCarolina De Figueiredo, Krispy Kreme

Squad of the YearFishbowl

Special RecognitionRashay's

2021 Multi-site Restaurant Of The YearRed Rooster