Build-Your-Bowl Battle: CAVA, Chipotle, and Sweetgreen Face Off

The sentence highlights a fascinating dynamic: while inflation squeezed most of the restaurant industry, 'build-your-own-bowl' restaurants thrived. This 'elastic halo' effect, where consumers were willing to pay a premium for customization and perceived value, is a powerful getaway shootout indicator of consumer behavior. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues and if these restaurants can maintain their competitive edge in 2025.