Fast-Casual Restaurant Growth Slows

The fast-casual restaurant boom that took off in the 1990s, luring Millennials with fresh ingredients and modern design, has apparently plateaued. Growth in sector sales is expected to sag to only six or seven percent, down from eight percent a year ago, and between 10 and 11 percent in the prior decade, according to the Pentallect consultancy. Fast-casual companies are shutting down outlets, rebranding them, or abandoning expansion plans. Part of the problem appears to be competition from better performing fast-food chains and mom-and-pop eateries that have upgraded food quality and service. In addition, consumers are attracted by the convenience of online meal purchasing and delivery. [Image Credit: © Red Robin ]