In 2007, fast-casual chains recorded a 13.3% sales growth and 9.5% unit growth, compared with 5.3% sales growth and 2.6% unit growth for the limited-service segment, and 5% sales growth and 2.6% unit growth for the restaurant industry.
Technomic reasoned that fast-casual restaurants provide consumers with fast service and fresh, high-quality food in upscale settings. The Top 100 chains totaled $14.8 billion in sales, accounting for most of the $16 to $17 billion the entire fast-casual industry grossed in 2007, an industry that demonstrates solid performance and diversity across several menu categories, the locally-based researcher said.
The menu category and share of market within the Top 100 are:
Other sandwich
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