Technomic: Build-Your-Own Built to Lead Fast-Casual Growth

During 2014, restaurants featuring build-your-own formats increased sales twice as fast as made-to-order fast-casual brands, according to Technomic.

"Consumers certainly like the freshness, food quality and prices at made-to-order fast-casual brands, but there is something about the build-your-own format that they prefer significantly," Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic, said in a statement. "More customers, especially Millennials, see the personalization and engagement that come in a build-your-own menu offering as the greatest differentiator in dining out. These trends are likely to lead fast casual's growth for years to come."

Fast-casual as a whole also made considerable gains over the past year, posting huge increases in annual sales and unit counts, especially when compared to the overall restaurant industry.

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