You don’t need to be a big brand to make a big impact. Smaller fast-casual restaurants are using smart, creative marketing strategies to engage customers, build loyalty, and grow their presence. Here are five brands showing how thoughtful campaigns and brand positioning drive results.
Embrace transparency and authenticity
Honeygrow, which offers made-to-order stir fry, has built a loyal following by emphasizing transparency in its food sourcing and operations. By clearly communicating menu ingredients and showcasing the nutritional value of its dishes, Honeygrow creates trust with customers who value honesty and quality.
In addition to transparent communication, Honeygrow leverages local engagement and social media to amplify its message. Highlighting community partnerships, featuring behind-the-scenes content, and showcasing staff stories not only humanizes the brand but also deepens customer connection.
Don’t be afraid of boldness
Velvet Taco has differentiated itself in the fast-casual space through bold, memorable branding and creative offerings. The eatery uses funky fonts on its menus, unique decor in its locations, and promotes itself as a “temple to the liberated taco” and a “funky spot creating international flavors.”
By embracing a fun, vibrant personality in both its marketing and physical locations, Velvet Taco turns a traditional taco meal into an experience, encouraging repeat visits and word-of-mouth referrals.
Cava, which offers fast-casual Mediterranean food, has positioned itself not only as a restaurant but a lifestyle brand that promotes healthy, flavorful eating.
Personalize the customer experience and explore partnerships
Saladworks, which provides customizable wraps, salads, and bowls, focuses on creating personalized experiences for every customer, from customizable menu options to targeted promotions based on purchase history.
The restaurant also partners with colleges and universities across the United States to share its healthy salad concept, allowing students to enjoy fresh, made-to-order salads on campus.
Turn data into decisions and leverage technology
Genghis Grill has modernized its marketing by adopting a data-driven, mobile-first loyalty platform through Punchh, a customer loyalty and technology platform. The system integrates app, web, and in-store interactions, giving the build-your-own stir-fry restaurant clear insights into customer behavior and preferences.
The results speak for themselves: Loyalty participation exceeded industry averages, offer redemptions jumped 90%, and the brand achieved consistent sales growth. By using data to personalize promotions and improve the customer experience, Genghis Grill has built a more engaged and loyal audience.
Build a lifestyle brand
Cava, which offers fast-casual Mediterranean food, has positioned itself not only as a restaurant but a lifestyle brand that promotes healthy, flavorful eating. Its marketing efforts focus on storytelling, community engagement, and brand experiences that go beyond its food.
The restaurant sells fun Cava merchandise online, such as T-shirts that say “Extra Pickled Onions Club” and hats that say “Feta.” In addition, Cava hosts exclusive events to showcase new menu offerings and connect with loyal customers.
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