1851

Oh, consumers — they’re always evolving and looking for the next best thing. From the latest fashions to the newest food trends, society’s tastes and preferences can change in a flash. Diners wanting fresh ingredients and more options than just a standard burger and fries joint is one of the many reasons that fast-casual restaurants have been on the rise in recent years.Fast-casual restaurants provide guests with a perfect alternative when they don’t have the time to sit down for a lengthy meal but want the tastes of a great dining experience. 1851 Franchise has rounded up our top five fast-casual franchises in 2021 below.<h4><a href="https://tindrumfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fast-casual-franchises-we-love-2716580" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tin Drum Asian Kitchen</a></h4><ul><li>Startup cost: $150,000</li><li>Units: 10&nbsp;</li></ul>Atlanta’s Tin Drum Asian Kitchen is a fast-casual restaurant inspired by the energy and atmosphere of the streets of Asia. With a large menu featuring fearless flavors, a warm and hospitable atmosphere and a dedication to producing an authentic Pan-Asian food experience for guests, Tin Drum is now open to franchise opportunities nationwide, including in higher-demand markets. Additionally, Tin Drum is a perfect concept for experienced restaurant owners who are looking to expand their portfolio with an up-and-coming brand.<h4><a href="https://shuckinshackfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fast-casual-franchises-we-love-2716580" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar</a></h4><ul><li>Startup cost: $234,200-$541,350</li><li>Units: 16</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/shuckinshack/info">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul>Tell corporate America to “go shuck itself” — or at least that’s what Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar tells prospective franchisees. Born out of a goal to create a local establishment that would appeal to families of all ages, Shuckin’ Shack is a place where folks can enjoy fresh, flavorful meals and creative cocktails in a chilled-out setting that exudes the nonchalant lifestyles of the beach. From its humble beginnings as a 900-square-foot shack along the North Carolina coast to its current 16 restaurants across almost six states, with several more locations slated to open by the end of 2021, Shuckin’ Shack is the perfect opportunity for those wanting a franchise with a beach experience.<h4><a href="https://franchise.teriyakimadness.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fast-casual-franchises-we-love-2716580" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Teriyaki Madness</a></h4><ul><li>Startup cost: $327,200-$678,260</li><li>Units: 100+</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/raintree">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul>Teriyaki Madness is another Asian-fusion fast-casual concept on our list of top fast-casual franchises. Featuring a Seattle-style teriyaki, Teriyaki Madness offers guests made-to-order, satisfying bowls, appetizers and side dishes made from all-natural ingredients — all at reasonable prices. Teriyaki Madness’ appeal extends beyond its customer base as the brand has been ranked on Entrepreneur’s Top Food Franchises and <a href="https://franchise.teriyakimadness.com/movers-and-shakers-fast-casual-award-winner-2020/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fast-casual-franchises-we-love-2716580" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FastCasual’s Movers and Shakers list </a>in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the <a href="https://franchise.teriyakimadness.com/inc-5000-fastest-growing-companies/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fast-casual-franchises-we-love-2716580" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Inc. 5000 </a>list for three straight years and was named the<a href="https://www.restaurantnews.com/putting-the-fast-in-fast-casual-teriyaki-madness-named-fastest-growing-big-restaurant-chain-in-america-051321/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fast-casual-franchises-we-love-2716580#:~:text=Denver%2C%20CO%20(RestaurantNews.com,and%20Wingstop%20for%20the%20honor." target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> fastest-growing restaurant chain in the United States by Restaurant Business </a>in 2021.<h4><a href="https://www.shoneys.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fast-casual-franchises-we-love-2716580" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shoney's</a></h4><ul><li>Startup cost: $200,000</li><li>Units: 109</li></ul>Shoney’s is truly an American classic, with its tagline of “All-American Kitchen” in towns all across the country. Since the brand opened its first location in 1947, Shoney’s has given customers a welcoming environment that keeps generations coming back for another homestyle meal. Shoney’s is always seeking single-unit and multi-unit select franchisees who bring the right mix of enthusiasm and experience to the table.<h4><a href="https://togosfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-fast-casual-franchises-we-love-2716580" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Togo’s&nbsp;</a></h4><ul><li>Startup cost: $216,500- $451,500</li><li>Units: Nearly 200</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/togos">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul>Big, fresh and meaty — three adjectives to describe the San Jose-founded Togo’s sandwich franchise brand. A perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs to start their own business, Togo’s products are still made the same way as they were in 1971 — with only the highest quality ingredients like artisan bread, premium turkey, beef and pastrami, in addition to fresh Hass avocado that is hand-mashed in-house every day. With almost 200 restaurants now open or under development throughout the West Coast, Togo’s is certainly a restaurant that is staying ahead of the game.

5 Fast Casual Franchises We Love | 1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise

Just because they're “fast” doesn’t mean these franchises compromise on quality, ingredients and an excellent investment opportunity for entrepreneurs.

5 Fast Casual Franchises We Love

5-fast-casual-franchises-we-love

Senior Care Authority

How This Franchisee Transitioned from Restaurant Management and Found His New Calling with Senior Care Authority

how-this-franchisee-transitioned-from-restaurant-management-and-found-his-new-calling-with-senior-care-authority

Caring Transitions

Why Compassion-Driven Businesses Are Thriving: How Caring Transitions Leads With Heart and Purpose

why-compassion-driven-businesses-are-thriving-how-caring-transitions-leads-with-heart-and-purpose

Paris Baguette Canada

Photo of two people sitting at table with pastries, holding Paris Baguette coffee beverages

Paris Baguette Surpasses 1 Million Loyalty Members — A Testament To Franchise Growth and Potential

paris-baguette-loyalty-program-1-million-members

Griswold

Griswold’s Beth Copeland Shares Key Signs Your Senior Loved One May Need Extra Help

griswolds-beth-copeland-shares-key-signs-your-senior-loved-one-may-need-extra-help

TruBlue Home Service Ally

Empowering Entrepreneurs With Minimal Experience: How TruBlue Makes It Possible

empowering-entrepreneurs-with-minimal-experience-how-trublue-makes-it-possible

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sold to Roark Capital in $1 Billion Deal to Fuel Global Expansion

daves-hot-chicken-sold-to-roark-capital-in-1-billion-deal-to-fuel-global-expansion

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises

homebuyers-keep-buying-and-thats-good-news-for-home-service-franchises

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers - 1851 Franchise

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers

ai-unemployment-impact-white-collar-job-loss

How To Sell Just One Franchise: What You’ll Learn at FranCamp NJ 2025

how-to-sell-just-one-franchise-what-youll-learn-at-francamp-nj-2025

Ellie Mental Health Franchisee Backlash - Alleged Misrepresentations - 1851 Franchise

Ellie Mental Health Faces Franchisee Backlash Over Alleged Misrepresentations

ellie-mental-health-franchisee-backlash

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises — How To Build Webinars

how-franchisors-can-build-effective-webinars-to-reach-prospective-franchisees

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises: How To Budget Properly

how-franchises-can-budget-their-finances-properly

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition — Point of Differentiation

how-to-position-your-value-proposition-with-a-point-of-differentiation

Sola Salons Franchisee Grows Salon Freedom Into a Multi-State Powerhouse 

sola-salons-franchisee-grows-salon-freedom-into-a-multi-state-powerhouse

Dan Yangas Brings Family Flooring Legacy Full Circle With Footprints Floors Franchise in Naperville 

Dan Yangas Brings Family Flooring Legacy Full Circle With Footprints Floors Franchise in Naperville, Illinois

dan-yangas-brings-family-flooring-legacy-full-circle-with-footprints-floors-franchise-in-naperville-illinois

5 Fast Casual Franchises We Love

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS