CA, US & World
Rising Prices Push Young Workers Away From Fast-Casual Dining Chains
The fast-casual dining boom that brought trendy “slop bowls” to millions of American workers may be losing steam as younger consumers tighten their budgets.
Chains like Cava, Chipotle, and Sweetgreen have all reported declining traffic and lower sales growth, signaling a shift among customers aged 25 to 35 who are cutting back on $15 lunch bowls. Many are now packing lunches or opting for cheaper fast-food alternatives.
Brian Vaccaro, a restaurant analyst at Raymond James, says “softer wage and spending growth” is now affecting middle-income and young professional consumers — groups that had previously been driving sales. Analysts also point to anxiety surrounding the government shutdown and the appeal of discounted meals at fast-food chains.
Cava CEO Brett Schulman cited the resumption of student loan payments, weak consumer sentiment, and higher unemployment among Gen Z as reasons for declining traffic. The company recently lowered its sales forecast after flat growth for two straight quarters.
Chipotle has also seen sales drop by half this year, with executives admitting that many younger customers are cooking more at home to save money. Sweetgreen, once a Wall Street favorite, has suffered the steepest losses, with same-store sales down nearly 10% and its stock price dropping more than 80% in 2025.
Despite the pullback, analysts believe fast-casual dining could rebound, driven by ongoing demand for fresh ingredients and customizable meals at reasonable prices.
Credit: CNN Newsource
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By: NBC Palm Springs
November 11, 2025
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