United States Fast Casual Restaurant Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

United States Fast Casual Restaurant Market Outlook

The United States fast casual restaurant market size reached approximately USD 45.58 billion in 2023. The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% between 2024 and 2032, reaching a value of USD 80.02 billon by 2032.

Key Trends in the Market

A fast casual restaurant refers to a self-service dining establishment that offers high quality and freshly prepared food products in an informal setting. Various fast casual restaurants offer both takeaway and sit-down services along with customisable menu options. These establishments offer affordability and convenience while providing exciting flavour options.

• The United States fast casual restaurant market growth is aided by the rising consumer demand for inexpensive, quick, and healthier meals. Various working professionals seek healthy meal options for lunch without breaking their banks. Many fast casual restaurants also offer gluten and lactose free food options, among others, further broadening their consumer base.

• The convenience offered by fast casual restaurants are bolstering their popularity among families as they combine the traits of full-service venues and quick-service establishments and provide high quality food products that require less preparation time. The ambience of fast casual restaurants is much more pleasant and accommodating of families with children.

• Increased adoption of plant-based diets in the United States due to rising environmental concerns is further supporting the market expansion. Several fast casual restaurant chains have evolved their menus to involve plant centric dishes and alternate protein sources to cater to the changing food requirements of the consumers.

United States Fast Casual Restaurant Market Analysis

On the basis of cuisine type, the market is divided into North American, Italian, Mexican, and Asian, among others. Based on mode of operation, the market is bifurcated into dine-in and takeaway. On the basis of nature, the market is classified into franchised and standalone. Based on region, the United States fast casual restaurant market segmentation includes New England, Mideast, Great Lakes, Plains, Southeast, Southwest, Rocky Mountain, and Far West.

The comprehensive EMR report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

• Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc

• Wingstop, Inc.

• Shake Shack, Inc.

• Sweetgreen, Inc.

• Portillo's Inc.

• El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.

• Noodles & Company

• Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.

• Potbelly Corporation

• Others

Market Share by Mode of Operation

Dine in is anticipated to account for a significant United States fast casual restaurant market share over the forecast period as these establishments offer convenience and ease to the consumers while providing an inviting and relaxing atmosphere for family dinners and social gatherings. Other major factors supporting the segment growth include availability of wholesome food products, fair pricings, first-class décor, friendly and welcoming employees, and flexible offerings. Menu customisation and fresh preparation of meals further adds to the appeal of dining in fast casual restaurants.

Market Share by Nature

Franchised fast casual restaurants are expected to account for a significant share of the market in the coming years. This growth can be attributed to the convenience offered by these franchises through quick turnaround times, easy access, and availability of digital ordering options. The United States fast casual restaurant market demand is also increasing as the franchises provide the perfect balance between the convenience of quick service dining and high quality meals. Fast casual franchises are becoming popular among consumers of all ages as they provide the perfect place for casual meals and are the ideal pit stops between meetings.

Competitive Landscape

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, headquartered in California, United States, is an American chain of fast casual restaurants that uses classic cooking methods and high-quality raw ingredients to provide an exceptional customer experience. Chipotle specialises in Mission burritos, bowls, salads, and tacos.

Wingstop, Inc., founded in 1994, is a chain of restaurants primarily selling chicken wings and sandwiches. Their food and beverage selection also comprises of cole slaw, French fries, dips, veggie sticks, potato salad, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Shake Shack, Inc., headquartered in New York, United States, the fast casual restaurant chain provides hot dogs, ham burgers, milkshakes, and fries. The beverage menu of the chain is customised to the local flavours of the operating city for every new location.

Other United States fast casual restaurant market key players include Sweetgreen, Inc., Portillo's Inc., El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc., Noodles & Company, Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., and Potbelly Corporation, among others.

Key Highlights of the Report