Fast Casual: Fast-Casual Sector Sees Single-Digit Growth in 2017

The fast-casual segment experienced a much-needed rebound in 2017, according to a report from foodservice consulting agency Technomic.

Fastcasual.com is reporting the results of the Technomic Top 250 Fast-Casual Chain Restaurant Report, which shows a nine percent sales growth across the top 250 restaurant chains in 2017.

It isn’t all good news, however. Unit growth decreased for the third consecutive year, dropping from 9.8 percent in 2015 to just 6.1 percent in 2017. Any growth in the segment is positive, but that downward trend has many industry professionals worrying.

Still, Technomic Senior Principal Dave Henkes encourages optimism.

“Although the segment shows signs of slowing, fast casual is still a bright spot in the industry," said Henkes. “There are a lot of exciting things happening on fast-casual menus and, as the U.S. market becomes increasingly crowded, we can expect many of these brands to look internationally to further bolster their brand.”

Read the full article at fastcasual.com.