Consumers are gravitating toward fast-casual dining across the U.S. in 2025, with higher same-store sales, accelerated expansion, and stronger traffic than full-service formats. For restaurant leaders, understanding this shift is critical to adapting pricing, staffing, and delivery strategies. Understanding the Fast-Casual Model Unlike traditional fast food, fast-casual restaurants  offer higher-quality ingredients, stylish interiors, and customizable menus, all without the w