1851

Fast casual restaurants have revolutionized the way people dine out, offering the convenience of fast food with a heightened experience. And as the ever-evolving restaurant industry continues to innovate, fast casual has been at the forefront.&nbsp;Here are a few trends leading the way in the future of fast casual restaurants in 2023 and beyond.&nbsp;<h3>The Importance of Digital and Delivery</h3>Technology is increasingly transforming the way customers interact with restaurants. Online ordering and delivery have become essential components of the fast casual experience. In the future, we can expect to see more streamlined and user-friendly online platforms that offer seamless ordering processes.&nbsp;For example,&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.mooyah.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-future-of-fast-casual-restaurants-in-2023-and-beyond-2723322" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a>, a 90-plus-unit “better burger” franchise, recently&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mooyah/how-mooyah-provides-a-next-level-digital-experience-for-franchise-owners-2723160#most-recent-stories">re-tooled their touchpoints</a> (i.e., ordering platform, mobile app, loyalty program) for guests, based on their feedback plus that of franchise owners.&nbsp;“The mobile ordering platform is the center of our digital rebirth, so we wanted to make sure we got it right,” said Sarah Beddoe, VP of marketing for the brand. “We did a lot of pilot testing and user-experience testing to make sure we had the right build and ensure our guests were really going to enjoy interacting with it. Almost immediately after launch, we were seeing much larger check averages and basket conversions than before.”&nbsp;Additionally, brands will continue to utilize third-party delivery services, as demand skyrockets. At the end of 2022, DoorDash alone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-francisco-business-379cb554420c697065ccdcb56e583c88?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-future-of-fast-casual-restaurants-in-2023-and-beyond-2723322" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">reported</a> having a record breaking 34 million active users.&nbsp;<h3>Implementing AI</h3>This year has been a big year for artificial intelligence (AI), and restaurants are starting to implement it into operations. Brands are using AI to streamline tasks such as generating menu ideas and marketing. At Wingstop, the franchise began testing the waters through an AI voice assistant that can handle phone orders.“With a goal to digitize every transaction, we just completed an AI-enabled phone order test, converting phone-in orders to digital transactions,” Sherwood&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-21-the-future-of-franchising-2722732#stories'">told 1851 Franchise</a> earlier this year. “Early results are promising as we see an improvement in the team member experience, order time, guest satisfaction and an increase in ticket size with the ability to capture this guest digitally.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, taco chain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/food/velvet-taco-invites-chatgpt-kitchen-create-its-next-weekly-taco-feature?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-future-of-fast-casual-restaurants-in-2023-and-beyond-2723322" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Velvet Taco is experimenting with ChatGPT</a> to create menu items. Culinary director Venecia Willis plugged the restaurant’s core ingredients and basic taco formula into the AI chatbot to create the “Chat GPTaco.” The limited-time-only taco ran on the menu in July at all Velvet Taco locations, except those at food halls and colleges."I have a few more ideas on how I would like to use AI in the future, and menu development is definitely part of that," chef Venecia Willis told Restaurant Business.&nbsp;<h3>Enhancing Loyalty Programs and Personalization&nbsp;</h3>To build lasting relationships with customers, fast casual restaurants will leverage loyalty programs that go beyond traditional punch cards. Advanced data analytics will help businesses gain insights into customer behavior, enabling them to tailor rewards and incentives based on individual preferences.&nbsp;Personalized offers, exclusive promotions, and gamification elements will entice customers to return and foster brand loyalty. Moreover, loyalty programs may integrate seamlessly with online ordering systems, making it even more convenient for customers to earn and redeem rewards.At MOOYAH, its app now offers a much more personalized loyalty program. This includes a switch from the straightforward banked dollars to discounts system, as well as an accrual structure where guests unlock free menu items in exchange for earned points. Guests also receive offers like free menu items, birthday specials and access to new menu items.<h3>The Future of Fast Casual</h3>The future of fast casual dining promises to be an exciting combination of technology, personalization and convenience. As fast casual restaurants adapt to these emerging trends, they will be better equipped to meet the ever-changing needs of their customers and create a successful path in the competitive food industry of the future.

The Future of Fast-Casual Restaurants In 2023 and Beyond

1851 Franchise

From streamlined online ordering platforms to artificial intelligence and personalized loyalty apps, fast casual is on the cutting edge of technology. 

the-future-of-fast-casual-restaurants-in-2023-and-beyond

Right at Home

NorthcentralPa.com: Right at Home Targets Expansion in State College, Pennsylvania

right-at-home-franchise-expands-to-state-college-pa

Photo of Right at Home franchise owner Ken Helmuth, wearing a white shirt and blue jacket, smiling

Right at Home Franchise Owner Ken Helmuth To Share Health-Care-To-Home-Care Journey in Upcoming Webinar

ken-helmuth-right-at-home-franchise-journey-webinar

BoConcept

Spring Refresh: Interior Design Trends To Energize Your Space in 2025

spring-refresh-interior-design-trends-to-energize-your-space-in-2025

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Pigtails & Crewcuts Kicks Off 2025 With 3 New Openings, Milestone Celebrations and Continued Franchise Growth

pigtails-crewcuts-kicks-off-2025-with-3-new-openings-milestone-celebrations-and-continued-franchise-growth

Sylvan Learning

Down to Business: Sylvan Learning Owner Reflects on Education, Challenges and the Future

down-to-business-sylvan-learning-owner-reflects-on-education-challenges-and-the-future

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 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

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Jersey Mike's - Blackstone - Global Growth - 1851 Franchise

Jersey Mike’s Ramps Up Global Growth Following Blackstone Acquisition

jersey-mikes-blackstone-growth

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

FAT Brands Becomes First Restaurant Franchise To Accept Bitcoin for Royalty Payments

fat-brands-becomes-first-restaurant-franchise-to-accept-bitcoin-for-royalty-payments

Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs To Retire in 2026 After 36 Years With the Company

yum-brands-ceo-david-gibbs-to-retire-in-2026-after-36-years-with-the-company

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

1851 Agg - McDonald's Sales Decline Expansion Continues - 1851 Franchise

McDonald’s Franchisees Feel the Pressure as Sales Decline and Expansion Continues

mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Venetya Evans and Sylvan Learning logo

IT Leader Celebrates One Year of Sylvan Learning in Simi Valley: A Passion for Education and Technology Drives Her Mission to Help Students Succeed

it-leader-celebrates-one-year-of-sylvan-learning-in-simi-valley

The Future of Fast-Casual Restaurants In 2023 and Beyond

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS