Somewhere between McDonald’s and Applebee’s, Americans have found a new favorite way to eat.
“Fast Casual” restaurants, a mash up of fast food and casual dining, have taken off in the last decade, and the trend is no different in Bay County, where chains like Panera Bread, Newk’s and Five Guys stay busy.
“They’re new, they’re innovative, they’re different and they meet consumers’ value expectations,” said Bonnie Riggs, a restaurant industry analyst with Chicago-based information company NPD Group. “It’s not just about the cheapest place anymore.”
While restaurants in the growing concept do not provide full table service, they promise customers better food quality and atmosphere than traditional fast food, at a slightly higher price.