toast community awards

Extraordinary hospitality deserves extra* recognition

*Extra as in $10,000 prizes, an all-expenses-paid trip to Boston, and more.

Submit a Nomination

Spirit of Service Award

Celebrates a business going above and beyond to deliver exceptional hospitality.

Visionary Award

Celebrates a business growing in an innovative way.

Dream Team Award

Celebrates a team or individual who uplifts those around them.

2025 Toast Community Award Prizes

Because a “thank you” is great... but you can’t put it on your shelf. Get the full rundown of contest prizes, terms, and conditions here.

$10,000 cash prize

Receive a $10,000 cash prize in recognition of your outstanding contribution.

All-expenses-paid trip

Receive your award and enjoy an exclusive dinner with Toast leaders at our company headquarters in Boston.

Custom trophy

Take home a personalized Golden Slice to commemorate your 2025 Toast Community Awards win.

Category bonuses

Receive unique rewards like a Toast menu refresh, a team celebration, or a Toast software credit.

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Nominations are now open!

Nominate yourself or another business for the 2025 Toast Community Awards. Nominations are open until June 13 at 10 a.m. EST. Check out additional details including eligibility requirements in the FAQ below.

Submit a nomination

Get inspired by past winners

Local to Ohio, Kansas, or Missouri? Visit our 2024 Award winners in person. (Tell them Toast sent you!)

Feel right at home at Chef’s Cafe

Chef’s Cafe, a 33-year-old deli in Sharonville, Ohio, frequently calls their regulars to let them know their favorite dishes are back on the menu. While Chef's Cafe may be a quick-service spot, their roots are firmly in fine dining.

Innovation is in Oscar’s DNA

Oscar’s Authentic Mexican Grill in Olathe, Kansas has innovation in its DNA. From server robots to kiosks, Oscar uses technology to delight guests and improve operational efficiency.

“Whoever needs, come and eat” at Goldie’s

Goldie’s Bagels, a bagel shop in Columbia, Missouri, follows a philosophy of abundance by offering a bagel with shmear and a coffee to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. A sign in the shop proudly reads, “Whoever needs, come and eat.”

Frequently asked questions

A panel of Toast team members will choose three finalists for each category based on this criteria.  Criteria for written entries:

  • Quality of written submission (i.e. easy to read, thoroughly explained, well-supported, free of typos and spelling errors).

  • How successfully does the submission, and the content in the submission, embody or symbolize the category?

  • Does the submission grab your attention and excite/inspire/interest the reader?

  • Does the submission in other ways support Toast's mission to help businesses delight their guests, do what they love, and thrive?

The general public will then vote on the finalists.

Criteria for voting on video finalists:

  • Quality of video submission (i.e. easy to understand, thoroughly explained, well-supported)

  • How successfully does the submission, and the content in the submission, embody or symbolize the category?

  • Engaging – Does the video grab your attention and excite/inspire/interest the viewer?

The votes for each finalist will then be tallied and the Finalist with the most votes will be declared the winner. One winner from each category will be notified. Please note: If selected as a finalist, you will be asked to create a short video with your story to help the public vote!