Adult limited-service dining (also known as "
fast-casual") is a relatively new (as far as franchises are concerned) and fast growing sector of the
restaurant industry. Adult limited-service dining establishments are setup like like
fast food restaurants but offer more than simply a
hamburger. These establishments tend to make more "adult" fare, like crawfish sandwiches, and tend to be more expensive than their fast food counterparts. Examples of this type of restaurant include
Cost,
Panera Bread,
Pret à Manger or your local
deli.
Source: "Faster Food", by Ian Parker. The New Yorker, May 27, 2002. p. 70