Informa Connect has unveiled the winners of the first-ever Globie Awards that will take place during the 2026 Global Restaurant Leadership Conference (GRLC) at the JW Marriott in Cannes, France, November 4-6. The landmark ceremony will celebrate the most innovative, forward-thinking, and impactful leaders and brands shaping the future of global foodservice.
The launch of the Globie Awards comes as the restaurant industry experiences unprecedented international expansion, with global chains navigating complex challenges from supply chain disruptions to evolving consumer preferences across diverse markets.
"The awards recognize organizations that have successfully scaled operations while maintaining brand integrity and operational excellence across borders," said Chris Keating, EVP of Conferences at Informa Connect. "These winners represent the gold standard in leadership, technology, menu innovation, franchise excellence, and international expansion."
2026 Globie Award Winners
Global Restaurant Leader of the Year: Inspire Brands
Inspire Brands will receive the highest honor for visionary leadership and extraordinary impact on the global restaurant industry. Operating 33,400 restaurants across 55 global markets, Inspire Brands has proven that its multi-brand platform can deliver the next era of restaurant growth. Through its portfolio of iconic brands—including Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Buffalo Wild Wings GO, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and SONIC—the company is celebrated for its highly engaged franchisees, data and insights that drive innovation, guest experience excellence, and global growth and influence.
"We are honored to receive the Global Restaurant Leader of the Year award on behalf of everyone at Inspire Brands, our family of iconic brands, and our licensees,” said Inspire Brands Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Paul Brown. “I want to congratulate our people and business partners for this well-deserved recognition that reflects the passion of our licensees and team members around the world. Their collective drive to innovate and pursue an outstanding guest experience is what makes achievements like this possible. As we continue to expand our global footprint, we remain dedicated to meeting evolving consumer needs, growing our brands, and creating lasting impact in the communities we serve. GRLC brings together some of the brightest minds in our industry, and we are grateful to be part of a global community committed to shaping the future of restaurants.”
Menu Innovator of the Year: Shake Shack
Recognized for groundbreaking menu innovation with global appeal, Shake Shack operates 500+ locations across 30+ countries. The award celebrates the brand's ability to balance premium, chef-inspired offerings with value-driven options, setting a new standard in the fast-casual segment through high-quality ingredients and limited-time offerings that consistently drive traffic and engagement.
Global Growth Champion: Jollibee Group
Honored for remarkable international expansion, Jollibee Group has grown from its Philippine origins into a multinational operator with over 10,700 stores in 33 countries with 20 brands. Their diverse portfolio includes Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Smashburger, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Their restaurant Tim Ho Wan has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for 17 consecutive years.
Franchise Excellence Award: AVOLTA
Recognized for outstanding partnership, operational excellence, and brand representation as a major franchisee of leading international brands such as Burger King and Starbucks. The launch of Club AVOLTA, an innovative loyalty program, connects customers across brands and locations, enhancing engagement through personalized rewards and a seamless, end-to-end travel experience.
Technology Innovator of the Year: Wingstop
Awarded for exceptional innovation using technology to enhance operations and customer experience across 2,200+ locations in 45+ countries. Wingstop's digital transformation leadership is evidenced by digital sales representing 72.5% of system-wide sales in Q1 2026, while simultaneously investing in Smart Kitchen technology, Club Wingstop loyalty program, and international expansion to support long-term growth.
Powered by The Coca-Cola Company
The Globie Awards are powered by The Coca-Cola Company, underscoring their commitment to recognizing and advancing leadership in the global restaurant industry.
"At The Coca-Cola Company, we're proud to sponsor the inaugural Globie Awards and celebrate the innovators who are shaping the future of the global restaurant industry," said Dagmar Boggs, President, Foodservice & On-Premise, North America, The Coca-Cola Company. "What makes the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference so special is its ability to bring together leaders from around the world to share ideas, learn from one another, and unlock new opportunities for growth. The Globie Award winners represent the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and commitment to excellence that continue to elevate the restaurant industry."
Attend GRLC 2026
The Global Restaurant Leadership Conference takes place November 4-6, 2026, featuring cutting-edge insights, impactful networking opportunities, C-Suite Collaborative connection groups, and thought leadership sessions focused on the trends and strategies driving the future of global foodservice. Spaces are limited for this historic event where top C-Suite leaders from each winning brand will take the stage. For more information about GRLC 2026, visit informaconnect.com/global-restaurant-leadership.
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