US Fast Casual Restaurants Market Report 2024

Mintel’s US Fast Casual Restaurants Market Report provides an in-depth analysis of the US market and consumer. Discover the market developments impacting consumer preferences and demands in the US fast casual restaurants market.

Key Insights In This Report:

Almost 80% of consumers are satisfied with fast casual restaurants overall, demonstrating their strength across the foodservice industry. With relatively stable traffic this year compared to the dips seen at full-service restaurants, fast casuals are in a good position to up the momentum by leveraging what they excel at (value, quality) and exploring more opportunities (healthy eating, loyalty programs) that consumers express interest in. Positioning themselves between being as affordable as QSRs and providing quality meals, similar to those at casual and upscale dining establishments, will help consumers see the value in the experiences they offer.

US Fast Casual Restaurants Consumer Trends and Opportunities

Menu innovations that hone in on the versatility of offerings and quality will appeal to those seeking a middle ground to justify dollars spent on eating out. Furthermore, loyalty rewards programs can strengthen consumer ties with brands, making them even more competitive with QSRs. Building engagement with patrons will help create more streamlined interactions, making the ordering experience more convenient and quick.

Purchase the full report for a complete overview of the US fast casual restaurant market, including consumer insights and innovation opportunities. Readers of this report may also be interested in Mintel’s US Future of Foodservice Report.

Report Scope

For the purposes of this report, Mintel has used the following definitions:

• Quick service restaurants – Used interchangeably with “fast food,” QSRs specialize in inexpensive, convenient meals with no waiter service, no alcoholic beverages and a low price point. Examples include: McDonald’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Pizza Hut.
• Fast casual restaurants – These establishments are characterized by a higher price point than QSRs, though not as high as full-service restaurants. Fast casuals do not offer waiter service and may or may not serve alcohol. Examples include: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panera Bread, Shake Shack and Blaze Pizza.
• Limited-service restaurants – LSRs provide food services, and customers usually select and order items and pay before dining. Food/drink may be consumed on the premises, offered as carryout or delivered to the customer’s location. These may also sell alcoholic beverages. LSRs include both QSRs and fast casual restaurants. The other category within LSRs snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars, cafeterias, grills and grill buffets.
• Full-service restaurants – FSRs have waiter/waitress service, and customers order and are served while seated. These may also sell alcoholic beverages and offer carryout services. They include the restaurant segments: family midscale, casual dining and fine dining.

Meet The Expert

This report was written by Pooja Lal. Pooja is an Analyst for US Foodservice and Mintel Menu Insights. She has over 5 years of experience working in Sales and Consumer Insights with CPG companies on both the Retail and Foodservice segments of the business. Pooja earned her Bachelors of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia, Canada. She is based in New York.

As the fast casual segment expands its footprint, consumers will look for differentiators of healthy menu options and loyalty program availability when dining out.

Pooja Lal
Research Analyst