Whether you are planning a special night out or need to grab a quick bite on the go, deciding which restaurant to choose is not as easy as it sounds. Sure we all have our “go-to” restaurants which seem to fit the bill when you can’t decide where else to go, but what do you do when your “go-to” is not an option? What do you do when you’re forced to actually answer the timeless question, “Where do you want to go to eat?” With over 600 thousand restaurant choices in America it’s easy to become overwhelmed, especially if you are on the hunt for something new.
Over the last ten years dining establishments have transformed dramatically. What used to be an easy choice between “fast-food” or ”sit-down” has grown into the more complicated choice of fine dining, casual dining, fast casual, quick service and even mobile dining. With all these fancy titles and classifications flying around deciding which establishment best fits your needs has become challenging.
Here’s a breakdown that might help you keep things straight and help make your next dining experience exactly what you want it to be.
The first thing to remember is no matter what changes were made to a restaurant’s classification they all still fall under these two simple categories.
Limited Service Restaurant (LSR): Traditionally known as “fast-food” restaurants. LSR’s are establishments which are set-up for speed and convenience. Orders are placed and purchased at a counter, window or using a touch screen. Patrons are welcome to eat-in or take-out. Food is usually served/delivered/picked-up at a counter, window or place of residence. After dining patrons are expected to clean up after themselves.
OR
Full Service Restaurant (FSR): Traditionally known as “sit-down” restaurants. FSR’s are establishments in which patrons are invited to sit, relax, talk and enjoy their dining experience. A Host/Hostess greets patrons at the door and escorts them to an appropriate table. Orders are placed with a waiter/waitress or a tablet stationed at the table. Food is brought directly to the table by the waiter/waitress or server. After dining the patron is required to pay the check plus gratuity. Bus-people then clears and cleans the table.
Where it starts getting confusing is each category can then be broken down into classifications. These are what give consumers the appropriate expectations of each location.
Limited Service Restaurants (LSR):
Over the last ten years dining establishments have transformed dramatically. What used to be an easy choice between “fast-food” or ”sit-down” has grown into the more complicated choice of fine dining, casual dining, fast casual, quick service and even mobile dining. With all these fancy titles and classifications flying around deciding which establishment best fits your needs has become challenging.
Here’s a breakdown that might help you keep things straight and help make your next dining experience exactly what you want it to be.
The first thing to remember is no matter what changes were made to a restaurant’s classification they all still fall under these two simple categories.
Limited Service Restaurant (LSR): Traditionally known as “fast-food” restaurants. LSR’s are establishments which are set-up for speed and convenience. Orders are placed and purchased at a counter, window or using a touch screen. Patrons are welcome to eat-in or take-out. Food is usually served/delivered/picked-up at a counter, window or place of residence. After dining patrons are expected to clean up after themselves.
OR
Full Service Restaurant (FSR): Traditionally known as “sit-down” restaurants. FSR’s are establishments in which patrons are invited to sit, relax, talk and enjoy their dining experience. A Host/Hostess greets patrons at the door and escorts them to an appropriate table. Orders are placed with a waiter/waitress or a tablet stationed at the table. Food is brought directly to the table by the waiter/waitress or server. After dining the patron is required to pay the check plus gratuity. Bus-people then clears and cleans the table.
Where it starts getting confusing is each category can then be broken down into classifications. These are what give consumers the appropriate expectations of each location.
Limited Service Restaurants (LSR):
| Quick Service Restaurants (QSR):
|  |
 | Fast Casual Restaurants
|
| Mobile Restaurants
|  |
Full Service Restaurants (FSR):
 | Casual Dining
|
| Fine Dining
|  |
Studies show when people are deciding where to go to eat they consider taste, cost, service, consistency, freshness, variety and convenience. Today’s restaurant industry must diligently work and evolve to meet the customer’s higher expectations. Offering healthier options, all day breakfast and curbside service has helped some restaurants stay in operation, however continuous change is key to survival in the restaurant industry.
We hope this guide of restaurant classifications will help you make a better informed decision when it comes to your next meal out. The most important thing to remember is to pick the restaurant that best fits your needs, taste and lifestyle.
Written by: Becky Simmons
Edited by: Carrie Hershey
We hope this guide of restaurant classifications will help you make a better informed decision when it comes to your next meal out. The most important thing to remember is to pick the restaurant that best fits your needs, taste and lifestyle.
Written by: Becky Simmons
Edited by: Carrie Hershey
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