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Shaun Bevan

Digital Producer- South Florida Business Journal

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The quick-service segment lead the restaurant industry growth in the second quarter of 2013, particularly in the growth of fast-casual restaurants.

During the quarter, overall restaurant visits rose 1 percent compared to a year earlier, and consume spending increased 3 percent, according to data from The NPD Group.

The New York firm found that fast-casual restaurants, which includes leaders Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread, drove second-quarter results, according to Nation's Restaurant News.

Fast casuals increased traffic by 8 percent compared with a year earlier. Overall, the quick-service segment, including fast-food giants Burger King Worldwide and McDonald's Corp., rose 1 percent during the same period.

The only other segment with traffic growth was fine dining, which increased 6 percent; however, that sector only accounts for 1 percent of the total overall restaurant visits in the nation.

Shaun Bevan covers tourism, hospitality, retail and restaurants.