Going Live with Fast Casual Nation and Shake Shack


Join Fast Casual Nation hosts Cherryh Cansler and Paul Barron as they shoot an episode of the Fast Casual Nation podcast featuring Justin Mennen, Chief Information and Technology Officer at Shake Shack, as he discusses the company’s evolving approach to technology through Project Catalyst.

In this session, Justin will share how Shake Shack is thinking about the role of technology in supporting its long-term growth and enhancing the guest experience, while staying grounded in its commitment to Enlightened Hospitality. The conversation will touch on key areas of focus, including:

  • AI and Operations: How Shake Shack is exploring AI-driven insights to support restaurant teams, improve decision-making, and reduce operational friction.
  • Loyalty and Guest Engagement: The brand’s approach to building its first loyalty platform with a focus on strengthening guest relationships and enabling more personalized communication.
  • Modernizing Restaurant Systems: Ongoing efforts to evolve POS and kitchen systems to better support speed, accuracy, and a seamless experience across digital and in-Shack channels.
  • Building a Data Foundation: The importance of creating a more unified view of the business to inform decisions and support future innovation.

This session will offer a look at how Shake Shack is approaching technology as an enabler of growth—focused on supporting its teams, improving operations, and delivering a more seamless and engaging experience for guests.

Keynote Speaker
Justin Mennen
Chief Information and Technology Officer
Shake Shack
Justin Mennen currently serves as Shake Shack’s Chief Information and Technology Officer, overseeing all aspects of the Company’s technology strategy and operations. With over two decades of experience, Justin has led technology organizations across various industries globally. He has an extensive background as a chief digital, technology, and information officer, leveraging technology to create competitive business advantages, drive transformation, and enhance customer experiences. Prior to joining Shake Shack, he served as EVP, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Rite Aid Corporation where he led the company’s digital and technology organizations, enhancing online platforms and modernizing systems across 2,400 stores. Before Rite Aid, Mennen was the Chief Digital and Information Officer of CompuCom Systems and served as the Vice President of Enterprise Architecture and Technology Innovation for The Estée Lauder Companies. He has also held multiple leadership roles at Dell Technologies, ultimately serving as the Regional Chief Information Officer for Asia Pacific and Japan, based in Malaysia.
Hosts
Paul Barron
Founder & CEO
Fast Casual Frontrunners
Cherryh Cansler
VP of Events & Publisher of FastCasual.com
Connect Media
Cherryh Cansler is VP of Events for Connect Media and publisher of FastCasual.com. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.
Presented by
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