Panera and Boston Market top Technomic's report on fast-casual restaurants

CHICAGO — Panera Bread and Boston Market topped Technomic's Top 100 Quick Casual Chain Restaurant Report. The research company released the report Aug. 28. The report said the segment, also known as fast casual, is estimated at $10-11 billion in sales per year and growing quickly.

 

According to a Technomic release, quick-casual restaurants have enjoyed strong consumer appeal by providing fresh high-quality food, fast service and moderate check averages. Once a novelty in the restaurant industry, the fast-casual segment has grown into a major standalone category.

 

The report helps chain organizations and suppliers to the industry improve their understanding of the segment and spot important growth opportunities. The largest fast-casual sub-segments, Mexican, bakery cafe and chicken, all show significant annual growth of 18, 21, and 20 percent, respectively.

 

The report also "defines" fast casual and analyzes the composition of its major menu categories, including Mexican, sandwich, bakery cafe, Asian, pizza, Italian, and chicken — highlighting which categories are most developed and which continue to offer underdeveloped opportunities. It also reports on the emerging top 100 quick casual players — who they are, where they are located and what they offer, including breakdowns by breakfast, lunch, dinner and those offering adult beverages.

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To learn more about the report, visit www.foodpubs.com