I get this question often not only from the industry but also from media and analyst alike. Over the past 15 years since I coined the term “fast casual,” I have seen the segment of restaurant it describes go from virtually non-existent to become the fastest growing in the restaurant industry. So many concepts based on creativity, passion and innovation have sprung forth in that time that in essence their collective emergence heralds the era of what I call Restaurant 2.0. I credit the spread of fast-casual concepts across the nation for that reinvention of creativity.

A fast-casual concept is one that creates a unique value and quality experience, with gourmet-level food or drink, that delivers an interior that wows the guest, all at a price that is driven by value.

There are many that are trying to duplicate the value proposition of fast casual and soon I will post my Top 100 Fast Casual blog post that will elaborate on this more but the focus here should really just be on the understanding of what this segment is and can be.

I would really like to know what you think a Fast Casual restaurant experience means to you?