The Chipotle Effect: The changing landscape of the American Social Consumer and how Fast Casual is impacting the future of restaurants. (Volume 1)
The fact is that Chipotle remains shorthand for "remarkable success" in a segment of the restaurant industry that is growing at a dizzying pace, despite the tumultuous economic conditions of the past few years. In 2010, according to a report by Chicago food industry research firm Technomic, the top 100 fast casual chains increased sales 6% in 2010 to $18.9 billion. While that may not seem like a big jump, remember that during the same period most other players in the restaurant world were flat or watching sales crater.Smartbrief for Restaurants - 2013