In a fast paced world, where people seldom have time to slow down and enjoy a fine dining experience, could FCR concepts ensure that customers get delicious food without having to wait for full table service?
What Is An FCR & Where Does It Fit In the Restaurant Hierarchy?
FCRs are distinct types of restaurants typically found across America and Canada. Standing for Fast Casual Restaurant, these businesses tend to offer a wider menu range than fast food alternatives but without the full table service seen in other restaurants.
FCRs give a more relaxed, less frantic experience than fast food places but offer more rapid service than can be expected in a full-service restaurant. Their meals are freshly prepared with quality ingredients leading to higher quality results, and there are often more menu options than in regular fast food chains. FCRs provide seating areas for guests to enjoy food on the premises.
QSR stands for Quick Service Restaurant, or more commonly referred to as fast food restaurants. Being mainly known for their speed, they usually have a limited menu with processed food items that can be made quickly. Drive-through and takeout are popular here for those looking for a meal to grab on the go. The introduction of self-order kiosks and mobile ordering apps now make it even easier for customers to get their meals quickly. QSRs can also be recognised by the disposable packaging, with the majority of menu items able to be eaten with the hands - no cutlery required.
Although QSRs also typically provide seating for guests, FCRs will offer a little more comfort and have standard crockery, dinnerware and cutlery.
Casual restaurants provide a dining experience that includes freshly prepared quality ingredients, a full range of menu options in comfortable surroundings and with full or partial table service. The fast casual concept neatly fills the space between fast food premises and casual restaurants.
How Do FCRs Suit Modern Living?
FCR businesses are perfect for modern living. Convenience is key, giving busy people fast and easy food options. They are perfect to fill the demand for quick meals in today's hectic world. Plus, they produce fresh meals using quality ingredients that are more nutritionally balanced quickly, making them even more attractive.
These business models have menus that cater to all tastes and diets. They focus on fresh ingredients and healthy options, giving customers plenty of choices. Blending the convenience of fast food with the quality of casual restaurants, this restaurant concept is a natural evolution for the food service industry.
Fast casual restaurants, as seen in America and Canada, are typically chain restaurants that have their business plan, structure and operational procedures finely tuned however this doesn’t mean that independent premises can’t be found, that also deliver a similar quality experience. The key to perfecting this type of service is to invest in the right equipment that can produce delicious results quickly. Whether this is a fryer, buffalo contact grill, high speed oven or chargrill, investing in the best for the budget available is vital.
Could the UK Market Adapt to FCRs?
The hospitality and foodservice industry has suffered some major set-backs in recent years with a global pandemic and lockdowns followed by rising utility and running costs causing major pressure for businesses. Restaurants of all types have had to adapt in order to survive and continue trading. Whether that involves re-addressing menus, suppliers, or even premises or revising operations and branching out into takeaway or food delivery services for traditional dine in restaurants. So could there be room for one more adjustment?
Surprisingly, although the term FCR isn’t a well-coined phrase in the UK, the basic concept is already here and thriving. See if you can spot them!