Fast Casual Done Even Faster

SITUATION
A client, new to the industry, wanted to create a fast casual restaurant chain that delivered a more sustainable approach to the beloved fried chicken sandwich.

PROBLEM
As a newcomer to the industry, our client needed support in evaluating the current landscape, understanding consumer drivers, identifying the product concept, and creating a sandwich that is delicious, sustainable, and feasible in a fast casual setting.

 SOLUTION
CCDI started the journey by conducting an immersive trend tour across Northern California to better understand how national fast food chains and high end restaurants are executing fried chicken sandwiches, as well as the marketing material around them. We then conducted a creative session using our Chefs’ Council members to identify the most delicious and differentiated execution of this customer favorite. Our R&D team then developed a benchtop prototype, including sourcing ingredients and outlining the commercial processing parameters.

BENEFITS
Within 1 year, our client launched a test market brick-and-mortar fast casual restaurant. The concept tested extremely well and was quickly followed up with talks of extending to a permanent location.

For more information, contact Aimee Leigh Davis at 415-727-0329 or [email protected].