Introduction
Eat This Not That is a popular website that provides readers with information about healthier food choices. In a recent survey, they found that America’s favorite fast-casual chain is cheaper than similar competitors. This is great news for those looking to save money while still enjoying delicious meals. The survey compared prices of popular menu items from the top fast-casual chains in the United States. It found that the average price of a meal at the favorite chain was lower than the average price of a meal at the other chains. This means that customers can enjoy the same quality of food for a lower price. The survey also found that the favorite chain had a higher customer satisfaction rating than the other chains. This is likely due to the lower prices and the variety of menu items available. With this information, customers can make an informed decision when choosing a fast-casual chain.
America’s Favorite Fast-Casual Chain Is Cheaper Than Similar Competitors, Survey Shows
A new survey has revealed that America’s favorite fast-casual chain is cheaper than its competitors. According to the survey, conducted by Eat This Not That, the chain in question is Chipotle Mexican Grill.
The survey found that Chipotle’s average meal cost $7.50, which is significantly lower than the average meal cost of its competitors. For example, the average meal cost at Panera Bread was $9.50, while the average meal cost at Qdoba was $8.50.
The survey also found that Chipotle was the most popular fast-casual chain among respondents, with nearly half of respondents saying they had visited the chain in the past month. This was followed by Panera Bread (37 percent) and Qdoba (25 percent).
The survey also revealed that Chipotle was the most likely to be recommended by respondents, with nearly two-thirds of respondents saying they would recommend the chain to a friend. This was followed by Panera Bread (54 percent) and Qdoba (45 percent).
The survey also found that Chipotle was the most likely to be visited again by respondents, with nearly three-quarters of respondents saying they would visit the chain again. This was followed by Panera Bread (68 percent) and Qdoba (60 percent).
Overall, the survey found that Chipotle is the most popular fast-casual chain in America, and it is also the most affordable. This makes it a great option for those looking for a quick and affordable meal.
Although Chipotle has made headlines for its ongoing price hikes, it turns out the burrito giant is less expensive than its rivals.
According to a menu pricing report from global financial services firm BTIG, the fast-casual darling is currently 10.7% cheaper than Qdoba, 9.2% cheaper than Moe’s Southwest Grill, and about 5% cheaper than Baja Fresh.
The report, which surveyed menu prices across 25 cities, found that Chipotle’s chicken-based meals—which make up about 60% of its sales—have gone up in price by 19% since 2018. Meanwhile, at Qdoba and Moe’s, the cost of chicken entrees increased by 21.5% and 28.1%, respectively.
Steak-based meals followed a similar trend, with Qdoba and Moe’s raising prices by 25.8% and 32.8%, while Chipotle’s steak items went up by 23%.
The report’s findings come just a few months after Chipotle upped its prices by 4%, which followed multiple rounds of price increases that first began in the spring of 2021.
Outside of the Mexican fast-food space, Chipotle was also found to be less costly than emerging fast-casual chains, such as Chopt and Sweetgreen, which are 13.5 and 12% higher in pricing.
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Despite the report dubbing Chipotle the “value leader in the fast casual Mexican category,” analysts don’t anticipate the price increases to stop anytime soon.
“We expect Chipotle to continue to raise menu prices, but at a more moderate pace than many of its peers, maintaining its value proposition,” Peter Saleh, managing director and restaurants analyst at BTIG, wrote in the report.
Additionally, the report highlighted that while many of Chipotle’s competitors have closed locations since 2018, Chipotle continues to grow. The chain, which currently operates 3,000 restaurants, aims to reach 7,000 locations across North America. More than 80% of those units will feature a Chipotlane—a digital order-only drive-thru lane format that has driven sales up to 20% higher than traditional stores.
Brianna Ruback