The Latest Fast Casual Industry Statistics Explained
The fast-casual sector value was estimated to be $39.5 billion in 2020.
The statistic indicates that the fast-casual sector was valued at $39.5 billion in the year 2020. This value represents the total economic worth of the fast-casual industry, which includes restaurants offering higher quality food and service than traditional fast food chains but with quicker service and lower prices than full-service restaurants. The estimated value showcases the significant size and economic impact of the fast-casual sector, highlighting its popularity and growth within the overall food service industry. This statistic provides insight into the market size and consumer demand for fast-casual dining options in 2020.
The US fast-casual industry grew by 8.3% in 2019.
The statistic indicates that the fast-casual dining sector in the United States experienced a growth rate of 8.3% in the year 2019. This growth rate suggests a substantial increase in consumer demand and popularity for fast-casual dining options compared to the previous year. Factors contributing to this growth could include changing consumer preferences towards more convenient dining options, increased interest in healthier food choices, and the overall trend towards casual dining experiences. The 8.3% growth rate reflects a positive trajectory for the fast-casual industry in 2019, indicating a thriving market and potential opportunities for further expansion and development within the sector.
More than 90% of fast-casual restaurants in 2021 provided online ordering.
The statistic “More than 90% of fast-casual restaurants in 2021 provided online ordering” indicates that a significant majority of fast-casual dining establishments offered customers the option to place their orders online through digital platforms or websites in the year 2021. This high proportion suggests a growing trend within the industry towards embracing technology and convenience for customers, allowing for easier and more efficient ordering processes. Online ordering can provide benefits such as streamlined operations, increased customer satisfaction, and potentially higher sales for fast-casual restaurants by catering to the preferences of modern consumers who value convenience and speed in their dining experiences.
47% of millennials prefer to order food digitally in fast-casual restaurants.
This statistic indicates that nearly half of individuals from the millennial generation have a preference for using digital ordering methods when dining at fast-casual restaurants. This could include ordering through mobile apps, self-service kiosks, or online platforms. The high percentage suggests that millennials are comfortable with utilizing technology to enhance their dining experience, potentially valuing the convenience, efficiency, and customization options that digital ordering systems can offer. The finding also highlights a shift in consumer behavior towards embracing technology in the restaurant industry, indicating a growing trend that businesses may want to adapt to in order to cater to this demographic effectively.
Quick service and fast-casual restaurants are projected to sales of $273.8 billion in 2021.
The statistic stating that quick service and fast-casual restaurants are projected to generate sales of $273.8 billion in 2021 indicates the anticipated total revenue from these types of dining establishments for the current year. This figure represents the combined sales expected to be generated by the quick service sector, which includes traditional fast-food chains known for their speed and convenience, and the fast-casual sector, which offers higher quality food with a faster dining experience than traditional sit-down restaurants. This statistic reflects the significant economic contribution of these restaurant categories to the food service industry and the overall economy, highlighting their popularity and consumer demand for quick, convenient, and affordable dining options.
Fast Casual industry contributes significantly to the employment, hiring over 960,000 staff in 2020.
The statistic that the Fast Casual industry hired over 960,000 staff in 2020 indicates the substantial impact of this sector on employment. Fast Casual restaurants typically offer a more convenient and faster dining experience than traditional full-service restaurants, attracting a large customer base. The high number of staff employed by the Fast Casual industry not only reflects the industry’s growth but also its crucial role in providing job opportunities for a significant portion of the workforce. This statistic highlights the sector’s economic importance and its contribution to overall employment levels, showcasing its significance in the labor market.
There were nearly 190,000 fast casual restaurants in the U.S. in 2018.
This statistic indicates that there were approximately 190,000 fast casual restaurants operating in the United States in 2018. Fast casual restaurants are a popular dining option that offer a middle ground between fast food and casual dining, providing higher quality food and more customized options than traditional fast food outlets. The large number of fast casual restaurants highlights the popularity of this dining concept among consumers and the competitive nature of the industry. This data point suggests that fast casual restaurants have established a significant presence in the U.S. food service market and continue to be a prominent choice for consumers seeking quick, convenient, and higher-quality dining experiences.
There was a 6% growth in the fast-casual market in the United States & Canada in 2020.
The statistic stating that there was a 6% growth in the fast-casual market in the United States & Canada in 2020 indicates that the revenue generated by fast-casual dining establishments increased by 6% compared to the previous year. This growth rate suggests a positive trend in consumer demand for fast-casual dining options in both countries. Factors contributing to this growth could include shifts in consumer preferences towards convenient and cost-effective dining experiences, as well as the ability of fast-casual restaurants to adapt to changing circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This statistic is indicative of a resilient and expanding market segment within the food industry.
Fast Casual industry showed a decline of 3.4% in customer visits in 2019.
The statistic indicates that the Fast Casual industry experienced a decrease in customer visits by 3.4% in 2019 compared to the previous year. This decline suggests a decrease in consumer demand for Fast Casual dining experiences during that time period. Factors such as changing consumer preferences, increased competition from other dining options, economic conditions, or evolving industry trends could have contributed to this decline. It is important for businesses in the Fast Casual industry to carefully analyze and understand this data in order to adapt their strategies and operations to remain competitive and meet the changing needs of their target market.
Pizza emerged as the biggest category in the fast-casual industry with a share of 16.80% in 2021.
The statistic indicates that pizza was the leading category within the fast-casual industry in 2021, capturing a significant market share of 16.80%. This suggests that pizza restaurants offering fast-casual dining experiences were particularly popular among consumers during that time, outpacing other food categories within the industry. The dominance of pizza in the fast-casual sector could be attributed to factors such as its widespread appeal, convenience, customization options, and the ability of pizza restaurants to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences. This statistic highlights the strong position of pizza as a key player in the fast-casual industry and underscores the importance of understanding consumer trends and preferences in the food service sector.
33% of consumers consider availability of healthy menu options while selecting a fast-casual restaurant.
The statistic ‘33% of consumers consider availability of healthy menu options while selecting a fast-casual restaurant’ indicates that a significant portion of consumers place importance on the availability of healthy food choices when deciding where to dine at a fast-casual restaurant. This suggests that catering to the demand for healthier options can potentially attract a larger customer base. Therefore, fast-casual restaurants may benefit from offering a variety of nutritious menu items to meet the preferences and needs of a substantial segment of their target market. This statistic highlights the growing consumer trend towards healthier eating habits and the potential impact it can have on the decision-making process when choosing where to eat out.
50% of adults purchase takeout or delivery from fast casual restaurants at least once a week.
This statistic indicates that half of the adult population surveyed buys takeout or delivery from fast casual restaurants at least once a week. Fast casual restaurants typically offer a convenient dining option with a quicker service compared to traditional sit-down restaurants. The fact that such a significant percentage of adults choose this dining option frequently suggests a strong demand for convenience and quick meals among consumers. This statistic could have implications for the fast casual restaurant industry, potentially highlighting opportunities for growth and strategies to meet this high demand for takeout and delivery services among adults.
For 75% of consumers, convenience of location is a deciding factor when choosing a fast casual restaurant.
This statistic indicates that the convenience of a fast casual restaurant’s location plays a significant role in the decision-making process for a majority of consumers, specifically 75%. This implies that a large portion of the consumer base values easy accessibility to the restaurant when making their dining choices. Convenience in location could encompass factors such as proximity to home, work, or other frequently visited places, as well as ease of parking and accessibility via public transportation. Understanding this preference can be crucial for fast casual restaurant owners and marketers in strategically selecting locations and tailoring their offerings to meet the needs and preferences of their target audience to attract more customers and drive sales.
70% of consumer spending in the restaurant industry will be off-premises, largely impacting the fast-casual industry, by 2021.
This statistic indicates that by 2021, 70% of consumer spending in the restaurant industry is projected to occur through off-premises channels, significantly affecting the fast-casual segment of the industry. This shift towards off-premises dining, which includes takeout, delivery, and drive-thru options, is likely driven by changing consumer preferences, convenience, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fast-casual sector, which typically offers higher quality food than fast food restaurants but with a quicker service and lower price point compared to full-service restaurants, will need to adapt to this trend by optimizing their off-premises operations, investing in technology, and enhancing their delivery capabilities to capture a larger share of this changing market.
COVID-19 has caused 97% of fast-casual operators to change their business model.
The statistic ‘COVID-19 has caused 97% of fast-casual operators to change their business model’ suggests that the global pandemic has had a significant impact on the fast-casual restaurant industry, prompting the vast majority of operators to adapt and modify their traditional ways of doing business. This statistic highlights the widespread disruption caused by the pandemic, forcing businesses to reevaluate their operations in order to survive and thrive in the changing landscape. The high percentage of operators making changes underscores the urgency and necessity for businesses to be agile and responsive in the face of unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19.
Consumer spending in the fast-casual industry hit $62.2 billion in 2019.
The statistic ‘Consumer spending in the fast-casual industry hit $62.2 billion in 2019’ indicates the total amount of money that consumers spent at fast-casual restaurants throughout the year 2019. Fast-casual restaurants are a segment of the food service industry that offers quick service and higher quality food compared to fast-food establishments, often with a focus on fresh and healthy ingredients. The $62.2 billion spending figure provides insights into the popularity and economic significance of the fast-casual dining sector, reflecting consumer preferences for convenient yet higher-quality dining options. This statistic is valuable for market analysts, investors, and industry stakeholders in understanding and tracking consumer behavior and trends in the food service industry.
Fast casual restaurants generate 8.4% traffic share in total U.S. food-service in 2019.
The statistic “Fast casual restaurants generate 8.4% traffic share in total U.S. food-service in 2019” implies that fast casual restaurants accounted for 8.4% of all visits made to food-service establishments in the United States during the year 2019. This indicates the relative popularity and consumer preference for the fast casual dining experience compared to other types of dining options. The statistic provides insight into the market presence and competitive position of fast casual restaurants within the broader U.S. food-service industry, highlighting their significance in the dining landscape.
North America dominated the fast-casual restaurant market with a revenue share of 34.5% in 2021.
The statistic indicates that North America held a significant portion of the global fast-casual restaurant market in terms of revenue in 2021, accounting for 34.5% of the total market share. This dominance suggests that North America is a key player in the fast-casual dining sector, outperforming other regions in terms of generating revenue within this specific market segment. The high revenue share signifies that fast-casual dining is popular and successful in North America, potentially driven by factors such as consumer preferences, cultural influences, economic prosperity, and a well-established presence of fast-casual restaurant chains in the region.
37% of consumers say they’re more likely to purchase meals from fast-casual restaurants that offer sustainably sourced food.
The statistic “37% of consumers say they’re more likely to purchase meals from fast-casual restaurants that offer sustainably sourced food” indicates that a significant minority of consumers are influenced by the sustainable sourcing practices of fast-casual restaurants when making meal purchase decisions. This suggests that a notable portion of the consumer market values sustainability and may be willing to prioritize restaurants that align with their values. For fast-casual restaurants, highlighting their sustainably sourced food options could potentially attract and retain customers who are conscious of environmental and ethical considerations when it comes to their food choices. Businesses in the food industry may benefit from incorporating sustainable practices into their operations to cater to this segment of consumers and differentiate themselves from competitors.
Fast-casual Mexican cuisine has 20.9% share in the U.S. market as of 2018.
The statistic indicates that fast-casual Mexican cuisine accounted for 20.9% of the total market share within the United States in 2018. This signifies that out of all the different types of dining options available in the U.S., fast-casual Mexican cuisine held a significant portion of consumer preferences. This data is important for industry analysts, market researchers, and business owners within the food industry as it highlights the popularity and demand for this particular type of cuisine. Understanding market share allows stakeholders to make informed decisions related to product development, marketing strategies, and overall business growth within the fast-casual dining sector.
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