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Brands, people & facts that lead the way in the fast-casual marketplace
January 6, 2006
Not only is fast-casual food delivered in a fast, high-quality dining experience, but fast casuals also have been in the fast lane of growth — the entire segment is expected to exceed $70 billion in 2006, with more than 300 brands fueling a new restaurant explosion.
With our first Top 100 list, we highlight leaders in the restaurant industry. What you will find unique about our Top 100 is that it focuses not only on brands, but people and menu items as well. We believe these elements are the true movers and shakers of the industry, sure to lead the fast casual restaurant segment into the future.
The list was highly scrutinized by four experts in restaurant brand quality, food innovation, concept development and operations. They understand just what will and what won't work. The list began with more than 300 of the best in the industry. We're pleased to bring you the 100 best of the best.
Meet the experts
Janelle Barlow, a best-selling author and brand scientist for the restaurant and retail trade, heads the group of experts who evaluated this list. When it comes to brands, Janelle is most likely theworld authority.
Paul Barron, founder and publisher of Fastcasual.com and Fast Casual magazine, knows better than most just what it takes to separate restaurants from the pack. Paul has been involved in the restaurant industry for 20 years and continues to set the pace on innovative ideas that stretch the imagination of the restaurant industry.
Alan Guinn, managing director of The Guinn Consultancy Group Inc., has more than 25 years experience in foodservice operations, franchising and licensing, and has extensive, worldwide knowledge in business, marketing and HR.
Aaron Allenled a team from Quantified Marketing Group with many thoughts and ideas of who should be on the list. Quantified Marketing Group is a leading brand-marketing company that has developed many brands, helping restaurateurs grow their businesses in new and exciting ways.
The Top 100 is in no way based on sales volume comparison or even total units. It is based on what is known as thin-slicing, the psychological method of experts developing an opinion on a subject based on small amounts of immediate information and a large amount of overall experience in the subject. To learn more about thin-slicing, check out "Blink," a best-selling book by Malcolm Gladwell.
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