CHICAGO - While the recession continues to plague restaurant operations, with cost pressures and a downward trend in consumer dining eroding growth prospects, fast-casual chains "seem perfectly positioned" to capitalize on the economic and social climate, reports Technomic.

The fast-casual category outpaced the restaurant industry??s overall numbers last year, with the Top 100 fast-casual chains growing 6 percent to nearly $18.9 billion, with total units up 3.9 percent to 15,827.

Technomic??s "2011 Top 100 Fast-Casual Chain Restaurant Report" provides detailed information about the category, including rankings, analyses, and profiles of the leading chains, helping foodservice operators and suppliers to understand emerging trends within the segment.

Among the report??s findings:

• The Mexican menu category overtook bakery/bagel restaurants as the most prevalent fast-casual restaurant type in the Top 100.
• The fastest growing menu category was "Better Burger" (up 16.1 percent), followed by Asian/Noodle (up 10.1 percent) and Mexican (up 9 percent).
• Panera Bread remained the category??s sales leader, with 2010 sales exceeding $2.9 billion, a 4.3 percent increase from 2009.

"This category (QSR) has essentially blown through the recession without skipping a beat," said Technomic Executive Vice President Darren Tristano. "The real pressures are now coming from other types of concepts that have taken note and are positioning themselves alongside their fast-casual counterparts. Quick-service restaurants are revamping their offerings and décor in an attempt to provide value beyond low prices and take back market share."