Originally Posted by pinniped

I still think of it all as fast food, but I do appreciate the brands that try to do a fresher less-processed take on the concept, or generally adhere to a more pleasant, cleaner, modern ambiance.

It's hard to put a finger on it. I think of Potbelly's as a cut above Subway. It's literally the exact same ingredients, but Potbelly's presents it better and in most cases takes better care of the restaurants. Same with McAlister's.

I think of Noodles & Company as a cut above most of the rest of the fast food universe. I think that was the chain with which I first saw the "fast casual" term. Definitely a higher quality experience than, say, a Taco Bell.