One of the fastest-growing segments in fast casual is “specialty”—a catchall category comprising concepts that don’t fit into defined cuisines like chicken, sandwich and Asian. Year-over-year sales for the specialty fast-casual segment increased 17.1% in 2015, according to Technomic—that’s more of an increase than the fast-casual segment as a whole.
Restaurant Business has been tracking many new fast casuals that fall in the specialty segment, as operators look to carve out their own niche in underrepresented cuisines such as Middle Eastern and fusion rather than compete in the crowded mainstream sectors. Here’s a look at some recently launched specialty fast casuals, from an Asian-Texas restaurant to a Roman pizza-sandwich concept. Many operate with a build-your-own format, allowing customers to familiarize themselves with new cuisines by choosing their own ingredients.