Fast-Casual losing to QSRs

Posted Mon, 2005/10/10 - 16:26 by Bob Frankman

In the wrestle of dining concepts, Chain Leader magazine states that new fast-casual dining is losing the battle as quick service restaurants fight back. "Chipotle Mexican Grill and JBX Grill clearly illustrate what has become of the once-sizzling fast-casual restaurant segment. While McDonald's is planning a $1 billion IPO for the Chipotle chain (of which it owns a 90% stake), Jack in the Box has pulled the plug on its JBX fast casual concept." CL further states, "The reason why fast-casual is fading is that fast feeders stepped up their game...Fast-casual raised the bar and fast food has responded. There are more better-for-you options available now than there were a couple of years ago."