PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1733533
PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1733533
Global Fast Casual Restaurants Market to Reach US$248.9 Billion by 2030
The global market for Fast Casual Restaurants estimated at US$148.5 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$248.9 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Burger / Sandwich, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 9.5% CAGR and reach US$111.2 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Pizza / Pasta segment is estimated at 7.7% CAGR over the analysis period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$40.5 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 12.4% CAGR
The Fast Casual Restaurants market in the U.S. is estimated at US$40.5 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$50.4 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 12.4% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% and 7.9% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 7.1% CAGR.
Global Fast Casual Restaurants Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized
Why Are Fast Casual Dining Concepts Disrupting the Global Food Service Scene?
The global fast casual restaurants market has rapidly expanded over the last decade, becoming one of the most dynamic segments within the food service industry. Positioned between traditional fast food and full-service dining, fast casual establishments offer the convenience and speed of quick service with elevated food quality, fresher ingredients, and a more inviting ambiance. This hybrid model has captured the interest of time-constrained consumers who seek healthier, more customizable meals without sacrificing affordability. Urbanization and the growing middle class in emerging economies have accelerated demand for premium casual dining options that fit modern lifestyles. From build-your-own bowls to artisanal pizza and farm-to-table sandwiches, the emphasis on transparency, freshness, and flavor is transforming consumer expectations globally. Additionally, brand storytelling and the dining environment play a critical role in customer retention, with many fast casual brands integrating lifestyle elements such as sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community partnerships into their identity. Chain and independent operators alike are responding to these shifts by curating menus with plant-based proteins, gluten-free alternatives, and globally inspired flavors. The democratization of “fast gourmet” food is now a global phenomenon, with players from North America to Southeast Asia expanding aggressively through franchising and digital platforms. As dining preferences evolve, fast casual restaurants are reshaping the narrative around what it means to eat quickly, yet thoughtfully.
How Are Health Trends and Customization Changing the Way We Eat Out?
The rising demand for health-conscious and personalized meals is fundamentally reshaping the fast casual restaurant model. Unlike traditional fast food chains known for standardized, indulgent offerings, fast casual outlets are built around flexibility, ingredient transparency, and culinary creativity. Consumer preferences are shifting toward low-carb, high-protein, organic, and clean-label menu items, which are now table stakes in this segment. The popularity of special dietary lifestyles-such as keto, paleo, vegan, and flexitarian diets-has led to menus designed for on-the-fly customization. Salad bars, grain bowl counters, poke shops, and wrap stations now offer a modular experience, where diners can craft meals tailored to taste and nutritional goals. Nutritional labeling and calorie counts are increasingly displayed prominently, aligning with regulatory trends and informed consumer choices. Furthermore, local sourcing and seasonal menus are gaining traction, with many fast casual restaurants partnering with nearby farms or producers to enhance freshness and brand credibility. Beverage offerings have also evolved, with craft sodas, kombuchas, organic teas, and cold-pressed juices replacing conventional soft drinks. Consumer data analytics play a growing role in shaping these trends, as operators use real-time feedback and digital ordering behavior to update offerings with remarkable speed. In this way, fast casual restaurants are uniquely positioned to balance convenience with conscious consumption, creating experiences that resonate with today’s health-focused diners.
What Role Does Technology Play in Defining the Fast Casual Experience?
Technology is at the core of the fast casual restaurant industry's evolution, reshaping everything from ordering to kitchen operations and customer engagement. Mobile apps, self-service kiosks, and digital menu boards have become ubiquitous, streamlining transactions while giving customers more control over their orders. Online ordering and delivery integration with platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Deliveroo has expanded reach and boosted sales, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the demand for contactless and off-premise dining. Proprietary apps with loyalty programs, custom discounts, and gamified engagement strategies are helping fast casual brands create deeper, data-driven relationships with their patrons. On the backend, technologies such as kitchen display systems (KDS), inventory management software, and AI-driven demand forecasting tools enhance operational efficiency and reduce food waste. Fast casual restaurants are also leveraging customer data analytics to understand behavior patterns, optimize menu engineering, and test limited-time offers with minimal risk. Dynamic pricing models and personalized promotions are becoming more common, increasing average ticket size and visit frequency. Even restaurant design is being influenced by tech, with smart lighting, integrated soundscapes, and touchless restrooms enhancing the customer experience. In some regions, fully automated locations using robots for food preparation are transitioning from novelty to scalable business models. As a result, technology is not just a support tool-it’s becoming central to the fast casual value proposition, enabling faster service, better food quality, and deeper customer loyalty.
What Is Powering the Explosive Growth of the Fast Casual Market Globally?
The growth in the global fast casual restaurants market is driven by several factors tied to shifting consumer behavior, economic patterns, and industry innovation. One of the most powerful drivers is the global rise of the middle-income population, particularly in urban areas across Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, where consumers are increasingly seeking aspirational yet affordable dining experiences. Younger generations, especially millennials and Gen Z, favor brands that align with their values, including sustainability, diversity, and digital convenience-attributes that fast casual operators are uniquely positioned to deliver. The proliferation of smartphones and mobile payment systems has facilitated easy access to menus, reviews, and mobile ordering, fostering spontaneous dining decisions and loyalty through app engagement. Furthermore, the acceleration of urban lifestyles has made “fast but fresh” the dining mantra, with consumers favoring fast casual outlets that provide restaurant-quality meals with minimal wait time. The growth of cloud kitchens and ghost kitchens is also expanding the fast casual footprint, enabling brands to enter new markets and serve delivery-only menus without incurring the costs of physical storefronts. Franchising is playing a key role in the rapid global expansion of major players, with scalable models allowing localization of flavors and formats to suit regional tastes. Additionally, the fusion of cuisines and innovation in menu development-such as Mexican-Korean burritos or Indian-inspired flatbreads-cater to adventurous eaters seeking novelty. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices are also becoming a differentiator, with packaging innovations, food donation programs, and carbon footprint reduction efforts appealing to conscious consumers. Together, these trends are creating a fertile ground for fast casual restaurants to thrive, making them one of the most resilient and rapidly growing segments in global food service.
SCOPE OF STUDY:
The report analyzes the Fast Casual Restaurants market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
Segments:
Food Type (Burger / Sandwich, Pizza / Pasta, Asian / Latin American Food, Chicken, Other Food Types); Operation Mode (Dine-in, Takeaway); Nature (Franchised, Standalone)
Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.
Select Competitors (Total 44 Featured) -
TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR
Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by artificially increasing the COGS, reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.
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We expect this chaos to play out over the next 2-3 months and a new world order is established with more clarity. We are tracking these developments on a real time basis.
As we release this report, U.S. Trade Representatives are pushing their counterparts in 183 countries for an early closure to bilateral tariff negotiations. Most of the major trading partners also have initiated trade agreements with other key trading nations, outside of those in the works with the United States. We are tracking such secondary fallouts as supply chains shift.
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APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE
Our April release addresses the impact of tariffs on the overall global market and presents market adjustments by geography. Our trajectories are based on historic data and evolving market impacting factors.
JULY 2025 FINAL TARIFF RESET
Complimentary Update: Our clients will also receive a complimentary update in July after a final reset is announced between nations. The final updated version incorporates clearly defined Tariff Impact Analyses.
Reciprocal and Bilateral Trade & Tariff Impact Analyses:
USA <> CHINA <> MEXICO <> CANADA <> EU <> JAPAN <> INDIA <> 176 OTHER COUNTRIES.
Leading Economists - Our knowledge base tracks 14,949 economists including a select group of most influential Chief Economists of nations, think tanks, trade and industry bodies, big enterprises, and domain experts who are sharing views on the fallout of this unprecedented paradigm shift in the global econometric landscape. Most of our 16,491+ reports have incorporated this two-stage release schedule based on milestones.
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