The Food of Now
Chipotle and Urban Fire
Gluten free, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fat…… words/phrases that our parents couldn’t pick out of a dictionary during their childhoods. But the world of food is changing and words like “Gluten Free” are becoming standards on all packaging, even those that don’t contain any grain. Healthy and happy is starting to become the new normal when it comes to fast food and the famous McDonald’s arches are being cast into the shadows. Our parents might have hung out at the local Burger King to get a cheap bite before heading to a movie, but the young Americans of today would rather wait an extra moment and pay an extra couple bucks to get the freshness and realness that Chipotle can give you.
The new wave of restaurants are being dubbed “Fast Casual” and are the latest buzz. Customization and freshness have been the key to success for many of these fast serving restaurants. The simple of appeal of real utensils and a real plate take the luxury of eating at a fast food restaurant to a whole new level. Coupled with the new interior design of modern, open, but industrial has created a family room that young adults can’t get enough of. During the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, the meat and potatoes might have been a simple cheese burger or fried chicken but the “meat and potatoes” for the Millennials of today includes a packed burrito with fresh guacamole and maybe even fresh baked goods from panera.
A 5% spike in fast casual dining compared to a flat line at fast food restaurants proves a clear shift that is taking place. But, fast food won’t go down without a fight; Wendy’s has made a big push for healthier and cleaner dining by introducing many flavorful salads and updated stores that even contain fake fire places. Mcdonald’s even clicked the panic button when it recently announced that breakfast would be served all day long. Technology could also be one of the reasons for the rapid shift. Food is fresher for longer, cooked healthier, and is put on the table faster. One thing is for sure: The U.S. will pay more for healthier and fresher fast food.
http://www.voanews.com/content/shifting-consumer-tastes-change-fast-food-industry/2814926.html
Gillian Parrett • Nov 10, 2015 at 8:01 am
I agree if a fast food place looks more inviting and is healthy then people won’t mind spending more money to eat there. It also nice that they have gluten free options at chipotle because it helps bring in all differnet people. People like healthy good food so chipotle is a food option.
sydney schreck • Nov 9, 2015 at 8:15 pm
I agree with your opinion. It is so much nicer to eat at Chipotle then at Burger King and the food taste much better and is also better for you. People are definatly willing to pay up for quality and atmosphere that the “fats casual” places provide.
Sophia Giglio • Nov 8, 2015 at 11:56 pm
I agree with your opinion. I think fast food places are definitely stepping up there games when it comes to looking nicer and having healthier food. People are definitely willing to pay an extra dollar or two if the place looks more inviting.
Cara Pierce • Nov 8, 2015 at 10:27 pm
I agree to your opinion because being gluten free myself makes me eat a lot healthier. Instead of going to McDonalds or Burger King, I can eat at Chipotle where the food is gluten free and also healthier than other fast food chain resturants. Fast food resturants are definitely realizing that “fat”, “junky”, food is not what people want these days. People are all about being healthy and fast food places are learning that and crrating food items that people will enjoy.
Zula Oliveira • Nov 8, 2015 at 6:25 pm
I love how this article completely displays the eating habits of our generation. Having a family with meat, dairy and gluten allergies made going out to restaurants difficult in the past. However, now many restaurants fast food and “Fast Casual” places make a huge effort to cater to people with different eating habits. America in a whole wants to be healthier and the places where we eat have to keep up with it or they wont get any costumers
Brandon schnack • Nov 9, 2015 at 10:49 am
I agree with you Cara but I think that people just eat at the fast food restaurants like McDonalds or Burger King because it’s usually cheaper than places like chipotle.
Sam K • Nov 8, 2015 at 5:23 pm
Health concerns are changing the fast food industry. Existing fast food restaurants like Wendy’s are changing their menu’s to accommodate people with food allergies. New “fast casual” restaurants are opening to fill the demand for healthier options. What is most concerning to me is why these words and phrases that people are cautious of are becoming such a problem.
Caroline M • Nov 8, 2015 at 4:51 pm
I agree that people are choosing places like Chipotle and Panera over places like Wendy’s and McDonalds. Instead of getting fast food from McDonalds i’ve noticed that my family has leaned towards getting Chipotle more since its the healthier choice. Also, due to people choosing places like Choptle over Wendy’s fast food restaurants are working to make the food healthier and the place more welcoming.
Drew J • Nov 8, 2015 at 4:25 pm
Yes, people do want more healthier foods, but Chipotle definitely has a trick up their sleeve. Chipotle seems a lot healthier than it truly is. Just the tortilla of a Chipotle burrito contains ten grams of fat, 300 calories and nearly 700 milligrams of sodium. There are a lot more examples of “healthier” foods taking over fast foods. Such as frozen yogurt taking over ice cream.
Ryan Selquist • Nov 8, 2015 at 1:24 pm
I agree with both Anthony and Gabe’s opinions on the new kind of fast food in America. At places such as Chipotle and Urban Fire the lines are getting much longer while at places such as Burger King and McDonalds the lines are shorter. Many people are in search of a much nicer and cleaner place to eat which is what Chipotle can provide with better Non-GMO food. People are eating more healthier foods and new healthy fast casual restaurants will end up doing better than fast food restaurants.
Gabe S • Nov 4, 2015 at 1:01 pm
I agree with your opinion on fast food becoming more healthier. This is being shown all over the place. New fast food restaurants feel more and more inviting these days with nice tables, TVs and a much cleaner environment. The food has also improved from grabbing a burger off a shelf to having it made right in front of your eyes. Fast food restaurants are stepping away from “fat food” and are creating something that more people will enjoy and want to have more often.
Anthony Allocca • Nov 3, 2015 at 10:32 am
I think that this is true because having a family of gluten free people makes us eat healthier like going to Chipotle rather than McDonalds or fast food places like that. It also does seem like the new idea of “fast casual” will takover the long loved fast-food. But it will replace it with a healthier, more rejuvenated America.