The fast casual segment is creeping up on quick service's market share

Photo Credit: Beth Galton

With quick, minimal-to-no table service, limited menus and an appealing price range of $3 to $6 per person, the Quick Service Restaurant segment has always grown at a much faster rate than other segments in the food industry. Brands like McDonald's, KFC, Burger King and Wendy's are convenient, typically contain drive-thrus and have many locations. While quick service options are still popular, they are currently threatened by the success and growth of the fast casual segment, which falls in between lower-quality fast food restaurants and casual dining spots. Brands like Chipotle, Panera Bread and Qdoba all offer more customized option, higher food quality and a more inviting "sit down" atmosphere. Fast casual prices usually fall somewhere in the range of $7 and $15, and while a bit more expensive than quick service, the segment has been gaining market share in the restaurant industry. According to Technomic's 2014 Top 500 chain restaurant report, sales for fast casual chains increased by 11 percent and store count by eight percent in 2013. Reasons for this major growth include shift in customer traffic and a higher average customer spend per visit. Read more by clicking: http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2014/06/23/how-the-fast-casual-segment-is-gaining-market-share-in-the-restaurant-industry/