CHICAGO -- Following in the footsteps of the fast-casual "better burger" movement, the next hot concept may be the made-to-order pizza niche, according to recent Concepts 2020 research conducted by food consultancy Technomic.
Made-to-order pizza is food selected by and prepared in front of the customer, similar to how Subway and Chipotle operate.
With the better burger concept, restaurants have raised traditional burgers up to new standards by featuring premium patties, buns, condiments and sides.
"Made-to-order pizza can be the next big growth niche because its fresh, gourmet positioning provides a strong platform for popular health and wellness concepts," said Darren Tristano, executive vice president at Technomic, Chicago. "The 'better' trend seen in 'better burgers' will also drive 'better sandwich' and 'better pizza' concepts. Not only are made-to-order pizza concepts delivering better quality and fresher ingredients, consumers are able to create their own pizzas that are ready within minutes, a proven recipe for success within the fast-casual space."
To provide a closer examination of made-to-order pizza chains, Technomic has issued the first in a new series of concept cluster reports. Each publication identifies and reports on emerging restaurant concepts and analyzes their long-term consumer appeal, explores the evolution of the consumer restaurant experience, identifies operator best practices, taps the pulse of today's restaurant patron, and makes recommendations on what to expect over the next five to seven years. The Fast Casual Pizza Cluster Report, powered by Technomic's Concepts 2020 study, looks at the overall foodservice landscape and shows areas of growth potential.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.