Finding the Real Deal for Toast’s “Toast in 5 Minutes”
There’s something special about casting for a project where authenticity isn’t just a nice-to-have… It’s essential.
That was the case when Aura Casting teamed up with our friends at Bonfire Labs for the new Toast commercial, Toast in 5 Minutes.
Toast, if you don’t know them yet, makes a point-of-service device designed specifically for restaurants. This spot was all about showing that world in action, and we were tasked with finding five principal roles and eight background roles to bring it to life. A mix of stylishly dressed restaurant guests (chic but not overly fancy), a warm and welcoming server, and a restaurant manager who balanced professionalism with just the right amount of cool.
The Extra Step That Made All the Difference
For the food service roles, we decided to go beyond the typical casting call. During auditions, we asked talent if they had ever actually worked in a restaurant. And not just yes or no — we wanted details. Where did they work? How long were they there? What was their role? Did they love it?
Turns out, restaurant life leaves an impression.
It was so fun to hear stories about servers who built lifelong friendships with their coworkers, bartenders who thrived in the fast pace, and hosts who loved being the first smile customers saw when they walked through the door. Everyone seemed to have at least one unforgettable memory from the food service world, and you could see the genuine connection in their eyes as they talked about it.
We ended up casting actors who actually had that real-life experience, and it showed. The way they moved around a table, balanced a tray, or made eye contact with a customer. It was second nature! Those little details can’t be faked, and we truly believe the extra step we took in the casting process is what gave the final spot such an authentic feel.
A Bay Area Story
This shoot took place in the San Francisvo Bay Area, so we focused on local talent. Our turnaround time was about a week (pretty typical for us) but having that local pool of actors meant we could work fast without sacrificing quality. It also gave us the opportunity to find performers who understood the Bay Area restaurant scene, which is a world of its own.
A Well-Oiled Partnership
We’ve worked with Bonfire Labs before, and this was our second casting for Toast with them. That familiarity made the process smooth and fun. Bonfire Labs is fantastic to collaborate with. They’re crystal clear about what they’re looking for, and they know how to bring out the best in the actors and their crew.
Because we’d done this dance before, we came into the process already understanding the tone, style, and vibe they wanted. The fun part this time was finding fresh faces to add to the Toast universe, and seeing them slip right into the world Bonfire had created.
From Casting to Camera
When casting for something like Toast in 5 Minutes, it’s not just about how someone looks in the role. It’s about whether they feel right in it. Do they move like they’ve carried three plates in one hand for a five-top? Do they know how to greet someone without breaking the rhythm of service? Can they make small talk while scanning the room for the table that just got sat?
Those are the subtle touches that make a scene believable. And when you put them all together - a thoughtful casting process, a collaborative creative team, and a group of actors who genuinely know the territory - you get something special.
The final spot turned out beautifully. Just watch how the authenticity shines through.
Your Turn
If your next commercial, training video, or branded content needs talent who really fit the role, we’d love to help you find them. Whether that means casting across the country or tapping into niche local talent pools, we know how to bring the right people together to tell your story.
See more of our commercial work here.
