Commentary

FastCasual names '20 Brands to Watch' in 2019

Not to be confused with our annual Fast Casual Top 100 Movers and Shakers, this list focused on smaller and newer concepts that we think could have the potential to emerge as industry leaders.

December 18, 2018 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The fast casual industry is known for innovating everything from menus and the customer experience to decor and ambiance. The rest of the restaurant industry looks to fast casuals to see the latest and greatest, and those unique innovations often come from smaller, emerging brands. And it's one reason FastCasual decided to recognize up-and-coming concepts in our first annual "2019 Fast Casual 20 Brands to Watch" report.

Not to be confused with our annual Fast Casual Top 100 Movers and Shakers, this list reveals 20 of the year's most newsworthy smaller and newer concepts that we think could have the potential to emerge as industry leaders. The report also discusses how their ideas and offerings are disrupting the entire restaurant and retail segments. This is by no means an exhaustive list as we know there are new and exciting concepts popping up all the time.

What it is, however, is a compilation of several up-and-coming brands that caught our attention over the past year. Although each brand on the list is unique, they share one commonality — innovation — whether it comes in the form of a hybrid service model, outlandish menu offering or a funky atmosphere.

We are excited to see these brands flourish. Download the report here.

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About Cherryh Cansler

Cherryh Cansler is VP of Events for Networld Media Group and publisher of FastCasual.com. She has been covering the restaurant industry since 2012. Her byline has appeared in Forbes, The Kansas City Star and American Fitness magazine, among many others.

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