Fast-casual concept is catching on in the restaurant biz
Fast-casual restaurant concepts are among the fastest-growing U.S. companies, says this year's Inc. 500, a list of the fastest-growing, privately-held U.S. companies according to percentage revenue growth from 2008 to 2011.
A few quick-service brands such as Rita's Italian Ice and Bojangles were represented on the list, but as with 2011, most of the restaurants represented were part of the fast-casual segment. Smashburger, based in Denver, was 99th overall last year, but is at number 405 this year, with a three-year growth of 928%. The better-burger chain's 2011 revenue was $53.1 million, compared to $5.2 million in 2008. It was founded in 2007.