Informa Connect announces first Globie Awards winners

Informa Connect Foodservice unveiled the first Globie Awards ahead of the 2026 Global Restaurant Leadership Conference in Cannes, France, with Inspire Brands, Shake Shack, Jollibee Group, AVOLTA and Wingstop among the honorees. The awards spotlight companies scaling globally while investing in leadership, menu innovation, franchise execution and technology.

Why it matters: - The Globie Awards are a new industry marker for global restaurant leadership at a time when chains are expanding internationally and dealing with supply-chain pressure and shifting consumer tastes. - The awards aim to recognize brands that can grow across borders without losing operational consistency or brand identity. - The winners will be highlighted at the 2026 Global Restaurant Leadership Conference, a high-profile gathering for senior restaurant leaders.

What happened: - Informa Connect Foodservice announced the first Globie Awards winners on Aug. 10, 2026. - The awards will be presented during the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference at the JW Marriott in Cannes, France, on Nov. 4-6, 2026. - The winners are Inspire Brands, Shake Shack, Jollibee Group, AVOLTA and Wingstop. - The conference site lists more information about GRLC 2026.

The details: - Inspire Brands won Global Restaurant Leader of the Year. - Inspire Brands operates 33,400 restaurants across 55 global markets. - Inspire Brands’ portfolio includes Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Buffalo Wild Wings GO, Dunkin', Jimmy John's and SONIC. - The company was recognized for franchisee engagement, data-driven innovation, guest experience and international growth. - Shake Shack won Menu Innovator of the Year. - Shake Shack operates more than 500 locations across more than 30 countries. - The award cites the brand’s mix of premium, chef-inspired menu items and value-driven offerings. - Shake Shack also uses limited-time offerings to drive traffic and engagement. - Jollibee Group won Global Growth Champion. - Jollibee Group has more than 6,800 stores in 34 countries. - Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Smashburger and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. - AVOLTA won Franchise Excellence Award. - AVOLTA is a major franchisee of Burger King and Starbucks. - AVOLTA launched Club AVOLTA, a loyalty program meant to connect customers across brands and locations. - Wingstop won Technology Innovator of the Year. - Wingstop operates more than 2,200 locations in more than 45 countries. - Wingstop said digital sales were 72.5% of system-wide sales in Q1 2026. - Wingstop is investing in Smart Kitchen technology, Club Wingstop and international expansion. - The Globie Awards are powered by The Coca-Cola Company. - The Coca-Cola Company said it is sponsoring the inaugural awards to celebrate innovators in global restaurant leadership.

Between the lines: - The winner list shows what the restaurant industry is rewarding right now: scale, tech adoption, loyalty tools, menu creativity and global expansion. - Informa Connect is using the awards to strengthen GRLC as a destination event for executives leading multi-country restaurant businesses. - The focus on franchise performance and digital sales suggests investors and operators are paying close attention to execution, not just unit growth.

What's next: - The Globie Awards ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2026, during GRLC in Cannes. - Top C-suite leaders from each winning brand are expected to take the stage. - GRLC will feature networking, C-suite connection groups and sessions on trends shaping global foodservice. - Space for the event is limited, according to Informa Connect.

The bottom line: - The inaugural Globie Awards position Informa Connect’s GRLC as a new stage for the restaurant industry’s global operators, with growth, innovation and operational discipline at the center of the conversation.