Toast Inc. Partners with Alicart Group to Enhance Dining Experience

On April 21, 2026, Toast Inc. (NYSE: TOST), a leading digital technology platform for the hospitality industry, announced a strategic partnership with the renowned Alicart Restaurant Group. This collaboration aims to implement Toast's innovative platform across Alicart's famous high-volume dining establishments, including Carmine’s, Virgil’s Real BBQ, and Mermaid Oyster Bar, located in major cities across the United States.

Alicart Restaurant Group operates some of the busiest dining rooms in the country. Their flagship location, Carmine’s in Times Square, serves an impressive 3,000 guests daily, preparing 300 orders of chicken parm, 514 pounds of pasta, and 900 meatballs each day. To manage such high demand, Carmine’s utilizes over 20 Toast terminals, including the portable Toast Go® handheld devices. This sophisticated system allows Alicart to maintain the exceptional speed and hospitality that its guests expect.

Kelly Esten, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Enterprise at Toast, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We build technology that honors the hard work of operators who refuse to cut corners.” Esten emphasized that Alicart brands represent the pinnacle of culinary excellence and exceptional guest experience at scale. Toast's platform will provide the necessary AI-powered tools and technology to help Alicart stay fast and precise in their operations.

One of the standout features of the partnership is the rapid success Alicart has experienced with Toast IQ, the company's AI assistant. At Virgil’s BBQ in Las Vegas, the team has utilized insights generated by Toast IQ to optimize menu combinations, resulting in increased check sizes. By identifying growth opportunities in real time, Toast IQ has empowered Alicart to make swift, data-driven decisions, moving beyond "analysis paralysis."

In a further commitment to the partnership, Alexis Blair, President of Alicart Group, will join Toast's Customer Advisory Board (CAB). Blair noted, “Managing a fast-paced operation like ours means staying on top of countless details, from staffing and inventory to even the smallest menu changes.” She highlighted that Toast has played a crucial role in streamlining their processes, making it significantly easier to enhance both the guest experience and identify growth opportunities.

Alicart Group also participated in the launch of Toast's new brand initiative, *Built For Busy*, as a marquee partner. This initiative is aimed at supporting busy operators across the industry, and Alicart's involvement underscores their commitment to leveraging technology for operational excellence.

In summary, the partnership between Toast Inc. and Alicart Restaurant Group marks a significant step forward in the hospitality sector, where technology meets high-volume dining. With the implementation of Toast’s platform, Alicart aims to continue delivering exceptional dining experiences while navigating the complexities of managing a bustling restaurant environment. This collaboration not only enhances operational efficiency but also sets a standard for future innovations in the restaurant industry.