From Chipotle to Cava and Panda Express, more big restaurant chains are rapidly expanding into small town America
Publishing timestamp: 2024-08-18 09:00:01
Summary
Small-town residents are craving new food options, leading fast-casual chains like Chipotle, Cava, and Panda Express to expand into rural America. The trend is driven by changing food tastes, cheaper costs, and the void left by independent diners hit hard by Covid. Chipotle's successful playbook is being emulated by other chains, but not all may find the same success in small towns. The expansion into small towns is seen as an opportunity for growth by larger chains in the wake of closures caused by the pandemic.
Sentiment: MIXED
Keywords: business news, local food, cava group inc, food trends, suppress zephr, restaurant operators, restaurants, chipotle mexican grill inc, u.s. economy, fast food restaurant operators, food and drink,