Technomic reports single-digit sales growth for fast casual in 2017
Chicken was the hot protein of 2017.
The fast-casual segment has rebounded since 2016, but experienced a consecutive year of single-digit sales growth performance in 2017, according to findings released by Technomic, Chicago. The report, “Top 250 Fast-Casual Chain Restaurant Report,” reveals unit growth decreased for the third consecutive year, dropping from 9.8% in 2015 to 6.1% in 2017.
“Although the segment shows signs of slowing, fast casual is still a bright spot in the industry," says Dave Henkes, senior principal. "There are a lot of exciting things happening on fast-casual menus, and as the U.S. market becomes increasingly crowded, we can expect many of these brands to look internationally to further bolster their brand."