QSR: Fast Casual Traffic Only Segment to Grow in Last 5 Years

Although the restaurant industry has seen slow growth over the past few years, the fast-casual segment has seen visits to their establishments grown 6 percent yearly since 2013. QSR Magazine reported that store openings may be the main factor in the annual growth. Units have grown from 19,231 units in 2013 to 25,118 units in 2017 according to a report from The NPD Group.

“Fast casual continues to be a bright spot in the U.S. restaurant industry because they are providing consumers with exactly what they want,” says David Portalatin, NPD Food Industry Advisor. “They offer quick and good service, high-quality food, and a pleasant experience. It’s really the not-so-secret-sauce of success.”