Top 50 Fast Casual Restaurants in 2026

Fast casual restaurants have grown in popularity over the past decade, especially as consumers started to value convenience along with healthier, higher-quality food. According to Restroworks, the global Fast Casual Restaurant market is projected to reach $743.5 billion by 2028.

In this article, we’ll break down the top 50 casual restaurants around the country. Let’s get started.

What is a fast casual restaurant? 

A fast casual restaurant is essentially a fast food spot featuring offerings that are commonly either more health-conscious or more customizable. With the term first emerging in the mid-'90s, fast casual restaurants provide many customizable menu options, in addition to offering on-premise and off-premise dining. 

Fast casual restaurants also prioritize convenience and value for quality, making them a faster and more affordable alternative to full-service restaurants. 

Basically, fast casual is the halfway point between fast food and full-service casual restaurants.

What’s the difference between fast casual and fast food?

The difference between fast casual and fast food restaurants comes down to two factors: the customer dining experience, and the cost and quality of the food. 

One of the hallmarks of a fast casual restaurant is the level of customization available to a customer (think Chipotle). They also provide inviting on-premise dining. Fast food is focused on convenience, and often has limited seating — the goal is to get customers in, fed, and out. Fast casual restaurants tend to offer fresh, made-to-order food, which often results in higher food costs and menu prices.

Top 50 Fast Casual Restaurants in 2026

These are 50 of our favorite fast casual restaurant chains around the country. Pay them a visit on your next lunch break. 

1. Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen specializes in salads and grain bowls using a rotating roster of seasonal ingredients that are delivered daily. They’re extremely popular in offices in major cities and have created an outpost program where they deliver their salads directly to office common spaces. And, most recently have started the Sweetgreen Credits Program for companies that work remotely, so teams can fuel up with subsidized meals, wherever they are working. 

Sweetgreen excels in three key areas:

• Targeted marketing – They effectively reach health-conscious, time-strapped professionals who want a nutritious yet convenient lunch option.

• Brand and social storytelling – Their visually appealing, lifestyle-driven social media presence builds strong brand affinity and keeps customers engaged beyond the point of purchase.

• Menu innovation – They consistently refresh their menu to highlight seasonal ingredients and respond to evolving dietary preferences and food trends.

These strengths represent core pillars of success in the fast-casual category. By executing them well and at scale, Sweetgreen has helped set the standard for the segment and remains a leading competitor among fast-casual restaurant brands.

2. Chipotle

Chipotle doesn’t really need an introduction. But, in case you don’t know, it’s a Mexican-inspired fast-casual restaurant serving customizable burritos, tacos, and burrito bowls using natural and non-GMO ingredients.

Occasionally, the chain will bring in a new protein or sauce, but for the most part, the menu stays relatively the same. This helps decrease their chance of spoilage. Spoilage is a massive problem for many of these healthier FSRs, and Chipotle’s menu has done a great job of combating it.

3. Five Guys

Five Guys uses fresh, never-frozen beef for their burgers, to which customers can add unlimited toppings for free. They actually don’t have freezers, only coolers for the menu items. This makes for higher quality burgers that place them as a fast-casual vs fast food restaurant. The chain also serves freshly cut French fries and has free peanuts in every location.

A Five Guys franchised restaurant makes on average $1,869,000 in revenue (AUV) per year. This Virginia-based business is the actual burger king of the FSR industry.

4. QDOBA Mexican Eats

Qdoba is known for making many menu items (such as their guacamole) fresh daily. Similar to Chipotle, the chain prides itself on not using can openers, microwaves, or freezers. QDOBA is another build-your-own concept with a plethora of toppings for guests to choose from.

QDOBA does a great job strategically choosing its locations. The chain can usually be found on or near college campuses. For example, QDOBA located on Huntington Ave in Boston’s Northeastern University is a quick and inexpensive option for students. Not to mention, they can use their university “Husky Dollars” to pay for their meals.

Considering how massive Chipotle is, QDOBA does a fantastic job staying competitive in the Mexican-cuisine fast-casual chain market.

5. BurgerFi

BurgerFi’s appeal is in its use of quality proteins for its chef-crafted burgers, such as Angus and Wagyu beef and cage-free chicken. Their buffalo chicken sandwich is worth a try!

However, BurgerFi has struggled in recent years since its parent company became publicly traded in 2020. In 2024, the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

In 2026, they still have locations in several states, including New York and New Jersey.

6. Jason's Deli

With more than 40 years of history, Jason’s Deli is best known for its expansive salad bar and wide variety of sandwiches. Historically, a significant portion of the brand’s revenue came from catering—think large sandwich platters at corporate meetings and big tubs of pasta salad for office events.

In the latter half of 2023, however, catering demand declined, likely driven by shifts in how and where people work.

As return-to-office mandates continue to increase, and employers increasingly use food as an incentive to bring teams back on-site, Jason’s Deli expects catering demand and profits to rebound.

When you need reliable, crowd-pleasing catering, Jason’s Deli remains a strong choice.

7. The Halal Guys

With its roots as a New York City food stand, The Halal Guys serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods like falafel, gyros, and rice bowls, all of which are halal, that can be customized with any protein (including vegetarian options like falafel).

In 2014, The Halal Guys had such great success that they began franchising. The gyros that were once only sold out of carts are now crafted in storefronts.

This chain is a great example of the importance of quality. They were never fancy, but the menu has always been delicious and at a fair price point. At the end of the day, quality and price matter more than any trendy marketing.

8. Crisp & Green

Crisp & Green is a fast-casual restaurant that serves made-to-order salads, smoothies, and grain bowls using fresh ingredients. 

In 2023, Crisp & Green signed a 40-unit development agreement with franchisee Rory Kelly of Salads & Smoothies.

Another factor of Crisp & Green’s business that makes them stand out from the competition is their community workout and wellness classes. These events create a reason for customers to go back to Crisp & Green time and time again and position their brand in a new, larger light.

9. Schlotzsky's

With over 350 locations worldwide, Schlotzsky’s is known for sandwiches using bread that’s baked daily and toasted to order. Started in 1971 and public since 1995, this deli thrived in the early 90s. However, in the early 2000s, consumer preferences shifted to a low-carb, low-fat diet, and sales plummeted. Schlotzsky’s had to pivot.

Today, the 350-chain restaurant has risen again and continues to serve great sandwiches, salads, and more.

10. Honeygrow

Honeygrow is a Philadelphia-based restaurant that places an emphasis on local ingredients and wholesome, nutritious food. At Honeygrow, customers order on kiosks and choose from a menu of stir-fries, salads, and fruit desserts. 

This stir-fry casual dining restaurant stands out in an industry of Mexican and American cuisine. Their bold flavors and tasty offerings are unlike anywhere else.

11. Flower Child

Touting all made-from-scratch ingredients, many of their bowls, wraps, and salads are vegan, vegetarian-friendly, and gluten-free. Many of Flower Child’s locations offer limited table service, where they bring the food to you and provide a nicer dining ambiance.

Flower Child is truly for the aesthetic-lover. Each of their locations is beautiful yet pricier than most FSRs. Constantly opening new locations, Flower Child continues to grow.

12. Panera

Panera Bread serves breakfast and lunch items such as bagels, soups, and sandwiches in a relaxing, café-like atmosphere. Their locations are typically larger than most cafes, enabling them to seat consumers to study and work while enjoying their offerings.

It’s rumored that Panera might IPO in the future, as it continues to dominate in digital sales. Creating an online ordering app/website that’s easy for customers to use and earn rewards from has truly positioned Panera as a top player in the game.

13. LOS TACOS No. 1

LOS TACOS is a smaller, NYC-based chain that has rapidly gained popularity in the last few years. This restaurant focuses on bringing the most authentic tacos to the FSR industry. Offering delicious tacos in a convenient atmosphere has been a great success for the restaurant.

Add this stop to your must-try list!

14. Pei Wei

When it comes to fast-casual Asian food, Pei Wei is one of the best options. Founded in Scottsdale, AZ in 2000, Pei Wei has opened locations across the country from Washington to Massachusetts. Affordable, fresh, and consistent are the top 3 words that come to mind when describing this chain.

15. Smashburger

Smashburger is known for its signature, customizable smashed burgers made to order on a griddle since 2007. The chain’s signature "smashing" technique, where fresh beef patties are pressed onto a hot griddle to create a crispy, caramelized crust, delivers a flavor and texture that set it apart from traditional burger chains. This focus on quality, combined with a made-to-order approach, positions Smashburger as a premium option in the fast-casual burger space, appealing to diners looking for more than a standard fast-food experience.

Smashburger has expanded its menu to include crispy chicken sandwiches, salads, and hand-spun milkshakes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With its consistent focus on quality, variety, and a modern dining experience, Smashburger continues to thrive as a leader in the fast-casual market.

16. Pret A Manger

A café and in-house bakery serving organic coffee alongside prepared and packaged foods that are made daily. It’s a grab-and-go paradise. They also offer a monthly beverage pass for $50 per month, where you can get as many as five beverages a day for that great price. 

Known for its natural, preservative-free ingredients and commitment to preparing food daily in its on-site kitchens, Pret has become synonymous with quick, healthy meals for busy professionals and urban dwellers. Its menu, which includes freshly made sandwiches, salads, wraps, soups, and organic coffee, caters to health-conscious consumers seeking fast, wholesome options without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

17. Shake Shack

Based in New York City, Shake Shack is known for serving burgers, hot dogs, and seasonal milkshakes, plus floats and custard, in addition to alcohol in certain locations. They also use kiosks at some locations. 

Shake Shack’s success is also tied to its focus on customer experience and community connection. Its modern, inviting spaces combine contemporary design with a welcoming atmosphere, creating a "fine casual" vibe.

Enjoy a burger in a modern, luxury setting at Shake Shack.

18. Potbelly

Founded in Chicago in 1977, Potbelly started as a small sandwich shop in an antique store and has since grown into a beloved chain known for its high-quality ingredients and made-to-order approach. The brand's signature sandwiches are complemented by soups, salads, hand-dipped milkshakes, and freshly baked cookies.

A key part of Potbelly's success is its presence in high-traffic locations, particularly airports. Travelers seeking something more satisfying than typical grab-and-go options often turn to Potbelly for its made-to-order meals and consistent quality.

19. Slutty Vegan

Pinky Cole’s vegan burger empire, Slutty Vegan, is redefining plant-based fast casual dining with indulgent, flavor-packed burgers that satisfy even the most devoted carnivores. What started as a late-night food truck in Atlanta has exploded into a cult-favorite brand with multiple locations, long lines, and a dedicated fan base

20. Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy a diverse menu throughout the day. From hearty paninis and homemade soups to fresh sandwiches and hand-tossed salads, there's something to satisfy every palate.

21. Moe’s Southwest Grill

Founded in Atlanta, Moe’s Southwest Grill brings the vibrant flavors of the Southwest to its guests with a customizable menu of fresh, made-to-order dishes. The menu boasts a variety of options, including burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. Signature items like the "Homewrecker" burrito and the "Close Talker" salad showcase the brand's playful personality. With a commitment to freshness and flavor, Moe’s continues to be a favorite destination for those craving Southwestern cuisine.

22. Boston Market

Boston Market has long been a go-to spot for those seeking homestyle comfort food without the hassle of cooking at home. Renowned for its tender rotisserie chicken, the menu also features classics like meatloaf, ribs, and a variety of hearty sides. The rich and creamy mac and cheese stands out as a customer favorite, offering a nostalgic taste of home.

In recent developments, the owner of Corner Bakery filed a lawsuit against Boston Market in August 2024, alleging breaches of fiduciary duties. Despite these legal challenges, Boston Market continues to serve its signature dishes across its locations.

23. Au Bon Pain

Au Bon Pain, translating to "the place of good bread" in French, has been a staple for those seeking European-inspired bakery and café offerings. The menu features an assortment of fresh salads, artisan sandwiches, rich coffees, and delectable pastries, making it a popular choice for breakfast and lunch crowds.

However, the chain has faced significant challenges in recent years, closing nearly half of its restaurants last year, bringing the total down to about 45 locations. Notably, the last remaining Boston location, situated in South Station, closed in January 2024, marking the end of an era in its founding city.

24. Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels has built its reputation on offering a wide variety of freshly baked bagels and handcrafted sandwiches. Beyond the classic plain and sesame bagels, adventurous eaters can indulge in unique flavors like the green chile bagel, which pairs exceptionally well with their spicy jalapeño salsa schmear for an extra kick.

The menu also includes breakfast egg sandwiches, deli favorites, and a selection of beverages to complement any meal. While the chain has seen some location closures over the years, it continues to operate numerous outlets nationwide, delighting customers with its diverse and flavorful offerings.

25. Wingstop

Wingstop has carved a niche in the fast-casual dining scene by specializing in chicken wings that can be customized with nearly a dozen distinctive dry rubs and sauces. From the smoky richness of Hickory Smoked BBQ to the fiery kick of Atomic, there's a flavor to suit every palate.

Complementing their wings are a selection of sides, including seasoned fries and freshly cut veggie sticks. With a focus on quality and flavor, Wingstop continues to be a favorite destination for wing enthusiasts.

26. Portillo’s

Originating in the Chicago area, Portillo’s has become synonymous with classic Chicago street food. The menu boasts iconic items such as Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and Italian sausages, all prepared with authentic recipes that have been perfected over decades.

Many locations feature drive-thru services, catering to those seeking a quick yet satisfying meal. The nostalgic ambiance, complete with vintage décor, adds to the overall dining experience, making Portillo’s a beloved institution for both locals and visitors.

27. Culver’s

Culver's is an American fast-casual restaurant chain renowned for its signature ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard. The ButterBurger, named for its lightly buttered bun, features fresh, never-frozen beef patties cooked to order.

Their fresh frozen custard, made daily in small batches, offers a rich and creamy treat that has garnered a dedicated following. With a commitment to quality ingredients and friendly service, Culver's provides a welcoming environment for families and individuals alike.

28. Mendocino Farms

Mendocino Farms elevates the sandwich and salad experience by focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and bold flavor combinations. The menu features inventive offerings like the "Not So Fried" Chicken Sandwich and the Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada, each crafted to delight the palate.

With options for dine-in, pickup, delivery, and catering, Mendocino Farms ensures accessibility and convenience for its patrons. The modern, inviting atmosphere makes it a popular choice for those seeking a wholesome and satisfying meal.

29. CAVA

CAVA is a Mediterranean-inspired fast-casual restaurant that offers customizable salads, grain bowls, and pitas. Patrons can choose from a variety of fresh ingredients, including falafel, grilled meats, and an array of vibrant toppings and dressings.

Beyond its restaurants, CAVA has expanded its reach by offering popular sauces and dips in grocery stores across the USA. The brand's commitment to high-quality, fresh ingredients, consistency, and generous portions has contributed to its rapid growth. In June 2023, CAVA went public, and in 2025 opened 60 new locations.

30. Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Tropical Smoothie Cafe combines the convenience of a quick service restaurant (QSR) with a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients. The menu features a variety of smoothies, ranging from classic fruit blends to protein-packed options, as well as tropical bowls, wraps, and sandwiches. Each item is crafted to provide a nutritious and flavorful experience, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers seeking a quick meal or snack.

31. Torchy's Tacos

Torchy's Tacos began as a humble food truck in Austin, Texas, in 2006 and has since expanded to over 100 brick-and-mortar locations. The menu offers a creative array of tacos, bowls, and more, each crafted with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors. Signature items like the "Trailer Park" taco and the "Green Chile Queso" have garnered a dedicated following. With a commitment to "Damn Good" food, Torchy's continues to delight customers with its inventive approach to Tex-Mex cuisine.

32. Blaze Pizza

Blaze Pizza is a fast-casual pizza restaurant chain that specializes in "build your own" pizzas. Customers can choose their sauce, cheese, and toppings, watching as their creation is assembled and fast-fired in a blazing-hot oven.

This approach allows for a personalized dining experience, with a focus on fresh ingredients and quick service. The modern, open-kitchen design adds to the interactive and engaging atmosphere, making Blaze Pizza a popular choice for pizza enthusiasts.

33. Chopt

Chopt is a salad-centric restaurant that emphasizes the use of in-season ingredients to create fresh and flavorful salads, bowls, and wraps. Customers can craft their own creations or choose from a curated menu of chef-designed options.

The commitment to sourcing high-quality produce and the innovative approach to flavor combinations have made Chopt a favorite among those seeking a healthy and satisfying meal.

34. Firehouse Subs

Founded in 1994 by former firefighter brothers, Firehouse Subs is an American fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in hearty submarine sandwiches. The menu features a variety of hot and cold subs, each generously portioned and made with premium meats and cheeses.

The brand's firefighting heritage is evident in the decor and community involvement, including support for public safety organizations through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Also, you can’t go here and not get a Firehouse hat!

35. Jersey Mike’s

Jersey Mike's Subs is one of the first American submarine sandwich chains, headquartered in Manasquan, New Jersey. The franchise has about 3,500 locations, offering a variety of hot and cold subs made with fresh, quality ingredients. The commitment to freshness and authenticity has contributed to its widespread popularity.

36. Jimmy John’s

Similar to other sandwich shop chains, Jimmy John’s is an American sandwich chain headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. Known for its emphasis on "freaky fast" service, the menu features a variety of sandwiches made with fresh ingredients.

The brand's focus on speed and simplicity has made it a popular choice for those seeking a quick and satisfying meal.

37. McAlister’s Deli

Founded in 1989 in Oxford, Mississippi, McAlister’s Deli has grown into a beloved 

fast-casual chain known for its hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and loaded baked potatoes. But perhaps its most famous menu item isn’t food at all—McAlister’s legendary sweet tea has a cult following, served freshly brewed and ice-cold in their signature oversized cups.

38. El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco has over 480 Mexican-inspired restaurants across the United States, specializing in fire-grilled chicken marinated in citrus and spices. Their “Loco Favorites” include the Original Pollo Bowl, chicken burritos, and quesadillas.

39. Del Taco

Del Taco serves a mix of Mexican and American fast food, from tacos and burritos to burgers and fries. They take pride in chopping, grilling, and shredding fresh ingredients daily. Although Jack In The Box acquired Del Taco, they still have locations in 10 states, including California, Nevada, and Arizona.

40. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut is an American multinational pizza chain founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas. They specialize in affordable, quick-service pizzas, including pan, hand-tossed, and stuffed-crust varieties, along with wings, pasta, and breadsticks.

41. NAYA

NAYA offers fresh, Middle Eastern food that guests can customize into a bowl, salad, or roll. Today, with 40 locations across five states, NAYA brings Middle Eastern flavors to communities across the Northeast — guided by Founder Hady Kfoury’s vision and the family recipes that inspired it all.

42. Springbone Kitchen

With a menu of seriously delicious bone broth and bowls that are entirely gluten-free and made from 100% grass-fed meats, Springbone is one of the best spots for lunch in NYC. Springbone was started by two young professionals who struggled to find the time to prepare wholesome, nutritious home-cooked meals for themselves.

They offer incredible broths, served in coffee cups, and delicious bowls.

43. Subway

Subway pioneered the fast-casual concept before most people knew what to call it. They built their empire on "Eat Fresh"—positioning themselves as the healthy alternative to greasy burger joints. America bought in. This was the sweet spot: no drive-thru window, no waiters, just customizable sandwiches that felt like a conscious choice.

Even as some locations have closed, the meatball sub remains an icon of that era when people genuinely convinced themselves their foot-long was a wellness decision.

44. 7th Street Burger

7th Street Burger started in 2021 when childhood friends Kevin and Paras brought their restaurant chops to the East Village with a simple mission: make a burger worth caring about. What began as a single NYC storefront has since expanded across New York, New Jersey, and DC.

Everything at 7th Street Burger is intentional, from the Lucky Cat on their menu to the ingredients they choose to use each day. The smash burgers deliver on the promise: consistently excellent, noticeably better than the competition.

45. Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane's has been perfecting one thing since 1994: chicken tenders. The menu is simple: tenders with fries and Texas Toast, or tenders on a sandwich if you're feeling adventurous. But that's the point. By doing less, they do it better. Their tenders are consistently crispy, paired with a sauce that's achieved cult status for good reason.

46. DIG INN

DIG INN, or just DIG, is one of the most nutritious restaurants on this list. The menu here includes incredible meals such as:

• Tarragon Mustard Salmon Plate

• Avo Grain Bowl

• Braised Chickpeas with Lentils and Rice

• Hot Honey Chicken Bowl

• Build your own!

If you want a quick meal that you’ll feel good about the rest of the day, check out DIG INN.

47. Just Salad

Just Salad started with salads (naturally), but has since expanded into bowls, wraps, and smoothies. With locations spanning eight states from Connecticut to Illinois, plus DC, they've built a footprint that proves fast-casual health food can scale without sacrificing the concept.

48. Noodles & Company

Everyone loves noodles, of all shapes, sizes, and cuisines. Noodles & Company makes it possible for guests to enjoy all different types of noodle bowls. The menu here ranges from Buffalo Chicken Ranch Mac & Cheese and Chicken Noodle Soup to Pad Thai and Rigatoni Rosa.

Although in 2026, Noodles & Company is closing 30-35 locations, they still have many locations serving up noods across the country.

49. Panda Express

Panda Express opened its first location in 1973 and has grown into a fast-casual empire with over 2,600 stores today. The restaurant chain has become a fixture in mall food courts, airports, and strip malls across the country. At the heart of its success is the signature orange chicken—a sweet, tangy, crispy dish that has achieved cultural icon status.

Panda Express delivers consistent Chinese-American comfort food at accessible prices. This dependability has proven to be the chain's greatest asset, ensuring the orange chicken tastes the same whether you're ordering in Los Angeles or Kansas City.

50. MOD Pizza

We’ve walked through customizable burritos, noodle bowls, Mediterranean bowls, and more. Now Mod offers customizable pizza! Mod offers individually sized pizzas and hand-tossed salads that are fully customizable, with more than 40 toppings, 8 finishing sauces, and 8 delectable dressings. Every pizza or salad is made on demand and completely unique, but the price always stays the same.

Why open a fast casual restaurant?

Fast casual restaurants can be a great place to start for new restaurant operators. Whether it’s a franchise or a smaller chain, standard operating procedures can help you get off the ground. And as a consumer, it’s hard to beat the convenience and quality of fast casual restaurants. 

Check out the fast casual POS system that helps you speed up service here.

Related quick service resources

• The Top 20 Quick Service Restaurants + How to Open One

• Quick Service Restaurant Industry Trends and Statistics

• Benefits of Operating a Fast Casual Restaurant