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Message: <blockquote data-quote="kenobi65" data-source="post: 2799845" data-attributes="member: 1515">Just because it's obvious from this thread that I know way too much about the restaurant industry in general....It might interest you guys to know how the restaurant industry itself classifies different types of restaurants.- Quick Service is what most people would call "fast food".  Fairly limited menu, often with a specialty (hamburgers, tacos, fish, etc.)  Almost always has "counter service" (i.e., you go to the counter to place your order), and often has a drive-thru.  Usually has a dining area (tables & chairs).  Usually open for both lunch and dinner, and maybe breakfast.  Fairly inexpensive prices.  Alcohol almost never served.  Examples: McDonald's, Taco Bell, Subway, and a zillion others.- Fast Casual is sort of an "upgraded" Quick Service, and is a fairly new segment.  Typically positioned as higher-quality food than Quick Service, and is usually a little more expensive.  Usually has counter service, and a dining area.  Usually open for lunch and dinner.  Some offer beer and / or wine.  Examples: Boston Market, Chipotle.- Family Restaurants provide more of a "dining" experience than Quick Service.  Almost always has table service (i.e., waitstaff).  Frequently has a wide menu, usually including breakfast items.  Lunch / dinner items often include sandwiches as well as "dinners".  Many are open all day / 24 hours.  Typically very family-friendly.  Moderately priced.  Rarely, if ever, serve alcohol.  Examples: Denny's, Cracker Barrel.- Buffet Restaurants offer a wide range of menu items (usually including breakfast items) served as an "all-you-can-eat" buffet.  Has a dining area, but typically no waitstaff.  Moderately priced, and usually family-friendly.  Rarely, if ever, serves alcohol.  Examples: Old Country Buffet, Golden Corral, Luby's.- Casual Dining Restaurants offer a bit more of an upscale experience than Family Restaurants.  Almost always has table service.  Usually features a large menu, though menu may be focued on a theme (e.g., Italian, southwest, etc.).  Some are more family-friendly than others; many have a decidedly "adult" atmosphere.  Many have a bar as part of the establishment.  Almost all serve alcohol.  Usually open for lunch and dinner; some may offer Sunday brunch.  Typically at least a bit more expensive than a Family Restaurant.  Examples: Applebee's, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Chi-Chi's.- Fine Dining Restaurants (a.k.a. "white tablecloth") are, in most ways, just a more upscale (and pricier) version of Casual Dining.  Fairly rare to see families with kids at these, unless it's a special occasion (and most would be considered "family-tolerant", at best).  Fairly few chains of any size compete in this segment.</blockquote>

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