Toast Lab is exclusively open to existing US-based Toast customers that currently have a presence in the Greater Boston area or desire to, operating within the United States who have been active on Toast’s platform for more than six months prior to the submission window, which opens on June 16, 2026. This allows for greater partnership and collaboration with an operator that already has familiarity with Toast’s technology suite.

To maintain an environment for rapid innovation and co-development, this initiative is limited to existing Toast operators who have used the platform for more than six months.

To be considered, you’ll have to be an active Toast customer for at least six months prior to June 16, 2026—the day submissions officially open.

To preserve the integrity of our selection process, all applicants must meet our mandatory baseline criteria: being a verified, independent Toast customer within the U.S. operating on our platform for over six months. 

Toast Lab is focused on development within the Greater Boston Area, allowing for Toast to assist with quick troubleshooting and build alongside the operator in real time.

The concept can absolutely already exist! You do not need to invent a brand new restaurant brand or culinary identity for this program. We are actively seeking established operators with a proven track record of managing existing anchor concepts. Proposing an additional location of your current brand is welcome!

Operators will be evaluated by our team based on several operator pillars, including: 

• High-Volume Operational Excellence: You are an established operator with a proven track record of managing complex, full-service concepts that garner consistent guest demand.

• Innovation-First Philosophy: You are a forward-thinking leader who sees technology as a strategic competitive advantage, and as a result, has a history of being an early adopter and leader of industry trends.

• Strategic Brand Storytelling: You and your leadership team are ready to be the public face of the future of hospitality. This includes a willingness to share your journey—from concept to opening day—via case studies, media appearances, and behind-the-scenes content.

Toast will provide funding and a full tech stack, with every tool you need to run a successful business. Specific financial details will be co-designed based on the selected operator and concept.

Toast plans to outline the specifics of the collaboration with the restaurant operator who is ultimately selected.

Glad you asked! Here they are.

Toast will begin the process of internal review immediately following the application’s close on July 14, 2026. Toast Lab finalists will be contacted directly by September 1, 2026, with the chosen restaurant to be selected by the end of the year.

Finalists will advance to a collaborative evaluation phase with the Toast Lab team. Since you’ll pitch your team and vision during the application process, this next stage is a deep dive designed to ensure absolute alignment on logistics, execution, and technical compatibility.

Feel free to email toastlab@toasttab.com with your question, and we’ll do our best to respond in a timely manner.