Too Fast Too Casual

five guys burgers and fries fast casual cheeseburger cheese fresh chain national

Sep 7, 2021

Five Guys Might Just Be the Best Place for a Fast-Casual Burger

The secret menu has a hidden treasure.

Nov 30, 2019

The New Ways We’ll Be Eating in 2020

Like most of my stories, this one begins in a Chipotle.

Nov 14, 2019

The Best Fast Casual Restaurant Chains of 2019

Over the past six months, I've spent lots and lots of time in strip malls and real malls and malls disguised as airports eating at national fast casual chain restaurants in an effort to better understand just what is going on in this market for my Too Fast Too Casual review column.

Nov 9, 2019

If Everyone Can Get Milk Bar Pie, Is It Still Cool?

Editor’s Note: Welcome to Too Fast Too Casual, a new review series where our National Writer-at-Large Kevin Alexander takes a close look at both classic and up-and-coming fast-casual chains.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Aug 23, 2019

Can a Chain BBQ Joint Actually be Consistently Good?

To judge Dickey’s Barbecue Pit properly, allow me to offer up some context.

Jul 25, 2019

Panda Express Does One Thing Very Well, and It’s Not Orange Chicken

The best item isn't actually a Chinese dish.

Will LeBron James' Blaze Become America's 'Chipotle of Pizza?'

Jul 12, 2019

Will LeBron James' Blaze Become America's 'Chipotle of Pizza?'

Editor’s Note: Welcome to Too Fast Too Casual, a new review series where our National Writer-at-Large Kevin Alexander takes a close look at both classic and up-and-coming fast-casual chains.

Jun 28, 2019

Is Chipotle Actually Good?

An obsessive analysis of every aspect of America’s most popular burrito purveyor.

Jun 21, 2019

This Upstart Chain Is Conquering California With Healthy Fast-Casual Fare. Is America Next?

The California chain is expanding, but will its high price point and seasonally changing, health-conscious menu translate nationally?

Jun 14, 2019

Can Panera Keep up With the Fast-Casual Renaissance It Helped Start?

The Roasted Turkey, Apple, and Cheddar still rules.

Jun 7, 2019

Can Jersey Mike’s Beat Subway as the New Lunchtime Sandwich King?

We ate through the Jersey Mike’s menu to find out what the best sandwiches are, and reviewed Jersey Mike’s menu, along with its decor, history and strategy.