Toast Inc. Partners with The Alinea Group to Elevate Dining Experience

On May 6, 2026, Toast Inc. (NYSE: TOST) unveiled a significant strategic commercial partnership with The Alinea Group, the prestigious Chicago-based hospitality group famed for its Michelin-starred restaurants and innovative dining experiences. This collaboration marks a pivotal enhancement in the technological framework supporting The Alinea Group’s renowned venues, including the acclaimed Alinea and Next restaurants, as well as its celebrated cocktail bars, The Aviary and The Office.

The Alinea Group, helmed by the visionary Chef Grant Achatz and CEO Jason Weingarten, has carved a niche in the culinary landscape by pioneering modernist cuisine and offering unique dining experiences that push the boundaries of traditional hospitality. Known for its commitment to excellence, the group has a rich history of integrating technology into the dining experience, evidenced by the creation of Tock—a reservations platform acquired by American Express in 2024.

Under this new agreement, The Alinea Group has selected Toast as its preferred technology provider, recognizing the platform's high standards for quality, innovation, and execution. The partnership not only focuses on integrating Toast’s technology across existing locations but also includes plans for its implementation in new venues and residencies, thereby ensuring a uniform technological experience across all locations.

Kelly Esten, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Enterprise at Toast, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Alinea represents the pinnacle of creativity and precision in hospitality. Many of the best restaurants run on Toast, and The Alinea Group belongs at the top of that list.” This sentiment underscores Toast’s commitment to supporting top-tier establishments in achieving their ambitious hospitality visions.

Jason Weingarten, CEO of The Alinea Group, shared insights into the decision-making process behind the partnership. He emphasized the importance of relentless innovation and precision in delivering exceptional guest experiences. “When evaluating new technology, we looked for a partner that shared that same DNA of relentless innovation, commitment to precision and excellence, and passion for delivering a stellar guest experience,” he remarked, highlighting Toast’s focus on user experience and its ambitious product roadmap as key factors in the selection.

Toast currently powers a significant number of fine-dining establishments across the United States, including a considerable portion of Michelin-starred restaurants. Notably, in 2025, Toast was instrumental for 20 out of 28 James Beard Award winners, solidifying its reputation as a leader in restaurant technology solutions.

As Toast continues to innovate and expand its offerings, this partnership with The Alinea Group exemplifies its commitment to enhancing the dining experience through advanced technology, catering to the needs of both restaurant operators and patrons alike.

The partnership between Toast Inc. and The Alinea Group represents a forward-thinking approach to integrating technology within the fine-dining sector. By harnessing Toast’s innovative platform, The Alinea Group aims to refine its guest experiences and operational efficiency, setting a new standard for excellence in hospitality. As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, collaborations like this will be critical in shaping the future of dining.