And if the lingering recession didn’t seal the deal for these fast-casual operations, check this out: in 2008, the biggest rise in sales was from the 18-34 age demographic. That same group now makes up the 24-40 demographic, and their continued patronage of fast-casual restaurants persist in driving the market segment.

This top dining trend for 2015 is in it for the long haul, too, and other chains eager to mimic Chipotle’s style continue to open up nationwide—think Five Guys and Panera, Panda Express and Boston Market. Traditional sit-down establishments are opening their dining rooms for fast-casual lunches while their dinner formats remain unchanged, as demonstrated in Romano’s Macaroni Grill and their new Romano’s Kitchen Counter, where you can order from a special lunch menu customized to be speedy. You pay for your meal, take a seat, and your hot, fresh food will be delivered to you in under 7 minutes. Even pizza has jumped on board, with MOD joining the realm of fast, quality foods on the west coast and Uncle Maddio’s spreading across the east. Individual pizzas, made to order with the freshest ingredients and minimal waiting time, are picking up momentum among even the most environmentally conscientious of America’s time-starved crowds.

Many times a trend is just a passing fad that withers and dies almost as quickly as it caught hold. But this top trend of 2015 doesn’t seem to be at risk for slowing its pace. You can expect that sit-down markets will continue to dwindle as fast-casual establishments stay the course.

The post Restaurant Trend #3: Please (Don’t) Take a Seat appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Super Bowl Sunday is second only to Thanksgiving as the largest food consumption day in the United States.

PIzza Bags get a work-out on Super Bowl Sunday! Photo courtesy of American Metalcraft.

Roughly 28 million pounds of chips will consumed on February 2 this year, and nearly 8 million pounds of guacamole.  Barbecued ribs.  Steaks.  Burgers and hot dogs.  Fruit trays and veggie trays.  Dips.  Buffalo wings.  Yet with all the amazing food choices we have, pizza delivery remains the staple of Super Bowl viewers across the country, serving as roughly 60% of take-out orders on this national day of football observance.  Domino’s alone sells more than 11 million slices of pizza on Super Bowl Sunday, while Pizza Hut boasts a whopping 16 million slices.  Add those to the sales of other pizza chains and what you get is…well, a whole lot of pizza!

Are you ready for this year’s Super Bowl?  Are you rooting for the Seattle Seahawks, or will you pull for the Denver Broncos?  Who will you be cheering with?  And the burning question that begs to be answered–what will you be eating?

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