Fast-casual concept well received in Utica

Fast-casual concept well received in Utica
Tags: Fresh Mex, Trends / Statistics
January 11, 2006

Observer-Dispatch: Keeping up with the Joneses has taken on a new meaning at a Utica, N.Y., restaurant specializing in Mexican food.

Famous Joneses — from Tom to Star — all appear at Burrito Jonz, at least on the menu, albeit spelled a little differently. The fast-casual restaurant has been a big hit.

With higher prices than traditional fast-food restaurants, fast-casual restaurants also tend not be child-friendly, said Joe Pawlak, vice president of Technomic, a Chicago-based food industry research firm.

"When you're sitting there at your computer, looking at your stocks, you don't want to hear a bunch of screaming kids in the background," Pawlak said.

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