e&s; segment spotlight
JUNE 2017 • FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES • 87
It can be difficult to stand out in the better-burger arena, as
this menu staple is not limited to restaurants in this segment.
"People can get a good burger almost anywhere, and that's noth-
ing new," says Goldin. "The price points are a concern to some,
and there are just too many people chasing the business."
When it comes to menu category growth, Technomic
reports burgers have made more progress in the fast-casual
sector than in quick service, with the former experiencing
15.2 percent growth compared to the latter at 2.9 percent in
2015. A number of trends will continue to impact the burger
segment overall, including antibiotic- and hormone-free
beef; incorporating more ethnic and regional ingredients;
breakfast offerings to drive sales throughout the day; and
loyalty marketing, according to Technomic.
With quick-service chains upscaling ingredients as well
as the overall offering, the lines will continue to blur be-
tween the better-burger chains and traditional outlets. "With
everyone chasing the better burgers, price point can be an
issue," says Goldin. "But it's a huge market, and consumers
will continue to love burgers."
A Focus on Fresh
Established in 1986, Five Guys could very well be considered
one of the better-burger pioneers. The concept was the
brainchild of the Murrell family: Jerry and his sons Jim,
Matt, Chad, Sam and Tyler.