Fast Casual Trends for 2026

Join Paul Barron and the Restaurant Masterminds team—Paul Molinari, Anna Tauzin, and Rudy Miick—as they dive deep into fast casual trends shaping 2026. From Dave's Hot Chicken's billion-dollar valuation to Cava's impressive 28% growth, discover why only some of the 3,500+ fast casual brands will survive the coming consolidation. The team explores the chicken wars, international expansion strategies, AI integration, rising labor costs, and the critical "fourth dimension" of experiential dining that's redefining customer expectations. Plus, get insider picks on emerging brands to watch including Mendocino Farms, Tatte, and Brazilian newcomer Tap. Don't miss their predictions on which concepts will achieve escape velocity and why McDonald's departure from the NRA signals major industry shifts ahead. ~This episode is sponsored by: Gusto → ~ rated HR platform for payroll, benefits, and more With Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, you can empower your people and push your business forward. See why over 400,000 businesses choose Gusto. Get Your Podcast Now! Are you a hospitality or restaurant industry leader looking to amplify your voice and establish yourself as a thought leader? Look no further than SavorFM, the premier podcast platform designed exclusively for hospitality visionaries like you. Take the next step in your industry leadership journey – visit Capital & Advisory: Are you a fast-casual restaurant startup or a technology innovator in the food service industry? Don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into decades of expertise. Reach out to Savor Capital & Advisory now to explore how their seasoned professionals can propel your business forward. Discover if you're eligible to leverage our unparalleled knowledge in food service branding and technology and take your venture to new heights. Don't wait – amplify your voice or supercharge your startup's growth today with Savor's ecosystem of industry-leading platforms and advisory services. Visit

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Fast Casual Trends for 2026 is an episode from The Takeout, Delivery, & Catering Show by Foodable Network.

This episode is 44:24 long.

This episode was published on Nov 17, 2025.

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