Fast-Casual Restaurants to the Rescue
Posted on 17 February 2010
In this sluggish economy, it’s no secret that quick-service restaurants are doing all they can to attract cost-conscious diners. (For proof, look no further than the double-cheeseburger pricing limbo between McDonald’s, Burger King and Carl’s Jr. To the victor go the double-beef-and-cheese spoils!)
But what can restaurants do to target those diners looking for great-tasting food and a sit-down dining experience at quick-service prices? Fast-casual restaurants are helping to bridge the divide between the two.
QSR magazine points out that these “hybrids of quick-service and casual dining … provide counter service and offer more customized and freshly prepared dishes than traditional quick-serves, all in a upscaled, inviting atmosphere.” Popular chains like SmashBurger, Mission Burrito and Pei Wei Asian Diner all feature the front-counter service, open kitchens and tailor-made cuisine that define the fast-casual restaurant. What’s more, with average check orders hovering around $10 per diner, a fast-casual dining experience doesn’t cost much more than a fast-food order…
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