July 24/Chicago/PRNewswire -- Limited-service restaurants (LSRs) are the driving force behind the commercial foodservice industry. LSRs accounted for more than half ($200 billion) of total industry sales despite their low check averages in comparison to full-service restaurants.
Ten years ago, LSRs made up 47% of the total commercial foodservice industry, while full-service restaurants (FSRs) made up 53%. Now, the landscape has reversed; LSRs account for 53% and FSRs 47%. Within the LSR segment, fast-casual restaurants continue to gain market share while fast-food restaurants are working overtime to upscale their menu and concept positioning -- not only to keep pace, but to compete directly with fast-casual leaders.