Top 25 Fast-Casual Restaurants in North America in 2025
Fast-casual restaurants have revolutionized how people dine and have become increasingly popular with people of all ages.
In fact, according to Straits Research, the fast-casual market segment is expected to grow 6.6% annually all the way through 2033. Consumers are craving quick and easy options that (usually) emphasize healthier ingredients – and the stats prove that!
But first, before we get into the list, let’s take a step back and define what “fast-casual” means in the first place.
What Is a fast-casual restaurant?
Put simply, fast-casual restaurants are a hybrid between fast food and full-service dining.
However, the definition of fast-casual – for many people – falls into the broad category of “I’ll know it when I see it.”
Is McDonald’s fast-casual? No, that’s quick-service. Is Subway? Uhhm, kinda, but not really. Chipotle? Yes, of course.
When you actually boil down the differences between Chipotle and Subway, though, you’ll find that there really aren’t that many: You order at the counter, someone makes the meal in front of you, and the meal price is typically somewhere in the realm of $10-$15, etc.
It’s a word that isn’t exactly clearly defined, so we’ll try to lay out some guidelines on what we’re looking for.
Some restaurants may blur the line between fast food and fast-casual (and the same is true for fast-casual and traditional full-service dining), but some characteristics that typically set fast-casual restaurants apart include:
- A meal price between $10-$25.
- Limited service or self-service.
- Less likely to have a drive-through.
- Ability to order through a mobile app.
- Up-scale atmosphere.
Fast-casual is the perfect middle ground between full-service restaurants and fast food.
So before you say, “that restaurant doesn’t belong on this list, that’s fast food,” we’ll just note that franchises vary.
For example, in comparison to its western counterpart, the Japanese 7/11 is an upscale establishment, offering fresh and affordable lunchboxes, steamed buns, and stews. In the US, it doesn’t have that same distinction.
Even though it’s an extreme example, your local Raising Cane’s might not look like someone else’s.
With that out of the way, let’s look at the Top 25 Fast-Casual Restaurants in North America in 2025:
1. Chipotle
Chipotle continues to lead the fast-casual sector with its customizable burritos, bowls, and salads, emphasizing high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. In fact, we conducted an informal survey of male consumers aged 25-35 (in other words, I asked my friends) what restaurant comes to mind when they think of fast-casual, and they all came back with the same answer: Chipotle.
The top fast-casual restaurant on our list is also doing great financially. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reported a 13% increase in total revenue and a 19% rise in earnings compared to the previous year. They opened 119 new restaurants in Q4 2024 and have plans to open 315 to 345 new locations in 2025 — so the reigning champ has no plans on slowing down.
2. Cava
Founded in 2011, Cava emphasizes bold flavors and healthy options, offering a diverse menu that includes grilled proteins like chicken and lamb, hummus, tzatziki, and a variety of fresh vegetables and grains. The chain is committed to sustainability and transparency, sourcing responsibly raised meats and seasonal produce.
Cava's Mediterranean flavors have rapidly gained popularity across North America. In 2024, the chain reported an 18% increase in same-store sales, driven by consumers seeking healthier, flavorful dining options.
3. Shake Shack
What started as a hot dog cart in New York City's Madison Square Park quickly grew into an international brand celebrated for its high-quality ingredients and modern take on classic American roadside fare. Shake Shack uses 100% all-natural Angus beef, free of hormones and antibiotics, and offers a menu that includes chicken sandwiches, flat-top hot dogs, and vegetarian options like the 'Shroom Burger.
Known for its vibrant, contemporary atmosphere and commitment to sustainability, Shake Shack has cultivated a loyal following with its focus on fresh, delicious food and exceptional customer experience.
4. Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen remains the go-to spot for fresh, seasonal salads and grain bowls, emphasizing sustainability and local sourcing. The company has invested in technology to streamline operations and improve customer engagement, contributing to its steady growth.
For many busy-but-health-conscious professionals, this is their go-to option — and for good reason. Some doctors have even said, “Sweetgreen has some of the best choices for a healthy lunch or dinner, hands-down,” For other fast-casual restaurants, it’s nearly impossible to compete with a fresh salad in terms of sustainable sourcing, quality, and health impact, making it one of the top 25 fast-casual restaurants in North America in 2025.
5. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave's Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant chain known for its Nashville-style hot chicken. It started as a small pop-up stand in a parking lot in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, in 2017, founded by four friends, including chef Dave Kopushyan. The brand quickly gained popularity for its flavorful, spicy chicken tenders and sliders, which come in various heat levels ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper" (which requires a signed waiver).
The menu is simple, focusing on hot chicken served with sides like crinkle-cut fries, mac and cheese, and kale slaw, along with pickles and their signature creamy dipping sauce. Their rapid expansion has turned Dave's Hot Chicken into one of the fastest-growing fast-casual brands in the U.S., with locations across North America and plans for international growth.
6. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Raising Cane’s has built a cult-like following with its simple yet high-quality menu, centered around fresh, never frozen, hand-battered chicken fingers. The brand’s signature Cane’s sauce, crinkle-cut fries, buttery Texas Toast, and coleslaw round out the menu, ensuring a satisfying Southern experience for customers.
In 2025, Raising Cane’s is experiencing rapid growth. Originating in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1996, the chain now has nearly 900 locations in over 40 states and plans to open more than 100 new restaurants in 2025.
Known for its customer-focused service, vibrant restaurant atmosphere, and commitment to quality, Raising Cane’s continues to dominate the chicken finger category and cement its place as one of the fastest-growing fast-casual brands in the U.S.
7. Panera Bread
Panera continues to blend comfort and health with its extensive bakery-café style menu of freshly baked breads, pastries, bagels, sandwiches, soups, salads, and coffee.
The company was originally founded in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company in Kirkwood, Missouri, and later rebranded as Panera Bread as it expanded nationally. Today, it’s a popular spot for people looking for a quick but higher-quality meal, with many locations offering free Wi-Fi and cozy spaces, making it a favorite for casual meetings or working remotely.
8. The Halal Guys
It seems there’s a theme with fast-casual restaurants: Getting their start as a food cart.
The Halal Guys started in 1990 as a humble food cart in New York City, catering mainly to Muslim cab drivers looking for quick, affordable, and halal-certified meals. The cart’s popularity exploded, drawing long lines of people from all walks of life, which eventually led to the opening of brick-and-mortar locations across the U.S. and internationally.
Known for their Middle Eastern street food, The Halal Guys’ gyros, falafel, and famous white sauce keep customers coming back.
9. Five Guys
The first Five Guys opened in Arlington, Virginia, in 1986, and was started by the Murrell family (the "five guys" are the five brothers). The brand took off, and after franchising in 2003, it quickly expanded across the U.S. and internationally.
Five Guys is a fast-casual restaurant chain famous for its burgers, hot dogs, and hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil. They’re known for using fresh, never-frozen beef and offering a wide variety of free toppings — like grilled onions, mushrooms, jalapeños, and more — so you can customize your burger exactly how you like it. Their fries, often served in overflowing cups, come in regular or Cajun-spiced varieties.
10. Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill has built a loyal following with its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its fully customizable Tex-Mex menu, Moe’s offers a wide variety of burritos, bowls, tacos, and quesadillas, allowing customers to personalize their meals with an array of fresh toppings, proteins, and signature salsas, catering to an array of dietary preferences.
11. Panda Express
Offering flavorful Chinese-American cuisine, Panda Express remains a convenient and tasty option. The chain has expanded its menu to include healthier options and has invested in technology to enhance the customer experience.
12. Slutty Vegan
This plant-based burger chain from Atlanta has expanded rapidly, appealing to both vegans and non-vegans with its indulgent flavors. The chain's unique branding and flavorful offerings have garnered a loyal following.
13. Chopt Creative Salad Co.
Chopt’s innovative salads and dressings have made it a standout in the fast-casual salad space. The chain focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and offers a variety of customizable options to cater to health-conscious consumers.
14. Naf Naf Grill
Bringing Middle Eastern flavors to the forefront, Naf Naf Grill’s pitas, bowls, and shawarma are a hit with health-conscious diners. The chain emphasizes fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, contributing to its growing popularity.
15. Wingstop
Known for its customizable, made-to-order chicken wings, Wingstop continues to grow its loyal fan base. In Q3 2024, the chain reported a nearly 21% year-over-year increase in same-store sales, highlighting its strong market position.
16. BurgerFi
With its commitment to eco-friendly practices and gourmet burgers, BurgerFi remains a favorite among burger enthusiasts. The chain focuses on quality ingredients and sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
17. Portillo’s
This Chicago-based chain is famous for its Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and crinkle-cut fries. In a recent survey, Portillo's was named the “best value in the business,” surpassing global giants such as McDonald's. Notably, Portillo's achieves this recognition without offering discounts, focusing instead on great everyday pricing and substantial portions.
18. Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s offers inventive, flavor-packed tacos that have earned a cult following. The chain continues to expand, bringing its unique taco creations to new markets across the country.
19. MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza is a fast-casual pizza chain known for its build-your-own, artisan-style pizzas and salads. The concept is simple: you choose from a variety of crusts, sauces, cheeses, and unlimited toppings — all for one flat price, no matter how many toppings you pile on. Once your pizza is customized, it’s cooked in an 800º stone oven and ready in about 3-5 minutes.
20. Noodles & Company
Offering a global menu of noodle dishes, Noodles & Company serves everything from classic Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to Thai-inspired dishes like Pad Thai. Known for its diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free and low-carb options, the chain continues to attract customers looking for quick, flavorful meals with international flair.
21. Bibibop Asian Grill
Inspired by Korean bibimbap, Bibibop Asian Grill focuses on healthy, customizable bowls packed with fresh vegetables, proteins like marinated tofu or steak, and flavorful sauces. With an emphasis on health-conscious dining, Bibibop has expanded rapidly, offering a balanced, nutritious alternative in the fast-casual space.
22. Just Salad
Just Salad has made a name for itself with its commitment to sustainability, offering reusable bowls and an eco-friendly approach to dining. Beyond salads, their menu includes warm bowls, wraps, and soups, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The chain appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for both variety and environmental responsibility.
23. Dig
Dig is a fast-casual chain focused on seasonal, farm-to-table fare with an emphasis on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. The menu features market-style bowls where customers can choose from a variety of grains, roasted vegetables, and proteins like herb-roasted chicken, wild salmon, and tofu. Dig partners with local farmers to ensure the freshest ingredients and often rotates its menu based on what’s in season.
24. Honeygrow
Specializing in stir-fries and salads, Honeygrow offers fresh, wholesome ingredients with a focus on customization. The brand’s commitment to sourcing local produce and offering nutrient-dense meals has earned it a loyal following among health-conscious diners.
25. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Blending convenience and health, Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers a wide range of smoothies, wraps, and bowls that cater to both wellness-focused and on-the-go consumers. Known for their vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, they’ve become a go-to for those seeking a quick, nutritious meal or snack. With over 1,400 locations in 45 states, there’s a good chance you’ll have a Tropical Smoothie Cafe near you!
Conclusion: Top 25 Fast-Casual Restaurants in North America in 2025
People are increasingly looking for dining options that align with their health goals, dietary restrictions, and values, such as sustainability and transparency in sourcing ingredients — and fast-casual restaurants have carved out a growing niche in the hospitality sector serving those customers.
Fast-casual restaurants also excel at blending convenience with technology, a key trend for restaurants in 2025, making it easier than ever to order ahead via mobile apps or customize your meal to fit your taste, without the time commitment of traditional sit-down restaurants.
So, whether you're grabbing a quick lunch between meetings, enjoying a casual dinner with friends, or exploring a new food trend, fast-casual restaurants offer the perfect middle ground between speed, affordability, and quality.
This list summarizes the offerings of the top 25 fast-casual restaurants in North America in 2025, offering you plenty of choices for tonight’s dinner.
From Mexican-inspired favorites like Chipotle to Mediterranean powerhouses like Cava and Sweetgreen’s health-forward salads, fast-casual restaurants have become a staple for people who want quick, affordable meals without compromising on quality or flavor.
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