A fast casual restaurant is a type of restaurant that does not offer full table service, but promises a higher quality of food and atmosphere than a fast food restaurant. In the US, it is a relatively new and growing concept positioned between fast food and casual dining. The typical cost per meal is in the US$8–$15 range.^[1]

History[link]

The concept did not become a popular and common one for restaurants until the early to mid 1990s, and did not truly become mainstream until the beginning of the 2010s.^[2]

During the economic downturn beginning in 2007, fast casual dining saw an uptick in sales from the 18–34 demographic.^[3] Customers with limited discretionary meal spending tend to use it on dining perceived as healthier.^[3]

Logistics[link]

Counter service accompanied by handmade food (often visible via an open kitchen) is typical. Alcohol may be served. Dishes like steak may be offered. The menu is usually limited to an extended over-counter display, and options in the way the food is prepared are emphasized. Health-conscious items have a larger-than-normal portion of the menu. Some restaurants may emphasize high quality ingredients like free range chicken and freshly made salsas. While full table service is not offered, conveniences like non-plastic utensils and plates are common.

Publisher and Founder of FastCasual.com Paul Barron is credited for coining the term "Fast Casual" in the late 1990s,^[4] while the company Technomic Information Services defined the term "fast casual restaurants" as meeting the following criteria:^[5]

• Limited-service or self-service format
• Average meal price between $7 and $11
• Made-to-order food with more complex flavors than fast food restaurants
• Upscale or highly developed decor

See also[link]

• List of casual dining restaurant chains
• Types of restaurants

References[link]

Paul Barron

Barron pictured in 2009
Personal information
Full name	Paul George Barron
Date of birth	(1953-09-16) 16 September 1953 (age 58)
Place of birth	Woolwich, London, England
Playing position	Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1971–1973	Welling United
1973–1975	Wycombe Wanderers	2	(0)
1975–1976	Slough Town	45	(0)
1976–1978	Plymouth Argyle	44	(0)
1978–1980	Arsenal	8	(0)
1980–1982	Crystal Palace	90	(0)
1982–1985	West Bromwich Albion	63	(0)
1985	→ Stoke City (loan)	1	(0)
1985–1988	Queens Park Rangers	32	(0)
1986	→ Reading (loan)	4	(0)
1988–1989	Welling United	100	(0)
1990	Cheltenham Town	5	(0)
1990–1991	Welling United	25	(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Paul George Barron (born 16 September 1953) is an English former football goalkeeper. He is currently the goalkeeping coach at Nottingham Forest.

Playing career[link]

Born in Woolwich, London, Barron qualified as a PE instructor before becoming a professional footballer.^[1] He played for non-league Welling United, Wycombe Wanderers and Slough Town, before turning professional with Plymouth Argyle in July 1976.^[1]

He signed for Arsenal in July 1978 for £70,000, as cover for Pat Jennings. Barron made his Arsenal debut on 2 August 1978 against Manchester City but was unable to oust Jennings from the first team; after only eight appearances in two seasons he moved on to Crystal Palace in 1980. He joined Palace along with Clive Allen, while Kenny Sansom moved to Arsenal as part of the deal.^[1]

Barron later played for West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and Reading, as well as non-league Welling United and Cheltenham Town.

He appeared in the 1986 Football League Cup Final for QPR, in their defeat by Oxford United at Wembley Stadium.

Coaching career[link]

After retiring as a player, Barron became a goalkeeping coach, working at Coventry City, Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion. He then moved to Aston Villa, before joining Middlesbrough in 2001.^[2] Barron was sent to the stands during Middlesbrough's away League Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur on 26 September 2007, after protesting about Gareth Bale's opening goal.^[3] In November 2007 he left Boro to become goalkeeping coach at Newcastle United.^[4] Barron left Newcastle United in December 2010 following the departure of manager Chris Hughton.^[5]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Palace Legends – Paul Barron from the official Crystal Palace site
• Chris Hughton Sacked as Manager of Newcastle United from BBC News