Fast, casual and dominating
(Sun Archives)
Foodies won't be surprised to learn that the fast-casual category of restaurants is the fastest growing in the country -- up 14 percent compared to 6 percent for other chain restaurants. What is surprising is that Panera dominates the category, according to...
...Technomic, a food industry research company.
Nothing against Panera, but is it really that much better than the other contenders in the fast-casual category? Those would be Panda Express, Chipotle, Boston Market and El Pollo Loco. Panera had $2 billion in sales in 2006, up 20 percent from 2005.
Is it the bread? (Food Editor Kate tells me her husband loves its bagels.) Is it the type of food? The atmosphere? I've eaten there, but then not given it another thought.
The photo is from the Panera in Towson Marketplace, circa 1999.
Comments
I think Panera has a rep for being healthier than the others, so that may hold for the higher numbers.
Many of your other choices offer ethnic fare, so I think it is difficult to get a big a market as a place that offers soup, salad and sandwiches.
Finally, Boston Market seems to have a lot of people who don't like it. I see slams against them on alot food boards like Chowhound and Road Food. I've always thought they were decent. They are not great, but their chicken is much better than supermarket chicken.
Posted by: Robert | July 13, 2007 8:21 AM
i've eaten at panera a few times, not by choice, and i cannot understand what the obsession is all about. the food is absolutely sub-par, and it's not even a cool place to be seen. i agree that the clientele is diverse, but why are people lining up for less than standard food? i guess the explanation has to do with the same phenomenon that keeps every olive garden in the country jam packed all the time. (the olive garden controversy requires it's own posting)
Posted by: Bill | July 13, 2007 12:35 PM
Free wifi doesn't hurt either.
Posted by: Lenore | July 13, 2007 1:28 PM
finding tasty and healthy food at chipotle or panda express is nearly impossible, and boston market seems too fast food-esque. panera, however, is delicious, has proportionate sizes, and its easy to find something healthy there. of course it dominates! let the panera obsession continue forever =)
Posted by: amie | July 13, 2007 5:26 PM