[ChesterCopperpot]

Not sure if many people on here ever went there or not – but McCarthy’s Irish Pub at 1801 Gerrard Street East is closing its doors on Saturday.
A real shame as it was one of the few authentic Irish pubs in the city.

So the pub that is replacing McCarthy's is set to open on June 4th

 

[GKW]

Mr.Sub will be relaunching many stores nationwide as "fast-casual" in the upcoming months

 

[Skeezix]

What does that even mean?

 

[DSC]

What does that even mean?

According to Wiki: "A fast casual restaurant is a type of restaurant that does not offer full table service, but promises a higher quality of food and atmosphere than a fast food restaurant. It is a relatively new and growing concept positioned between fast food and casual dining. The typical cost per meal is in the $8–$15 range.[1]" I was recently in the US and actually ate in several places that would probably describe themselves that way; often one orders at a counter but someone brings your food to you when it is prepared. " The Fresh Corn Grill in West Hollywood - a great place - being a good example: http://www.freshcorngrill.com/main.html

 

[Skeezix]

Thanks.

 

[PinkLucy]

So ... Panera and Williams come to mind?

I was reading somewhere that Panera in particular is doing very well in the US -- people prefer it to the longer waits of places like Red Lobster. The one where I spent some Florida time this past winter was always lined up.

 

[prosperegal]

What does that even mean?

Basically places like Sliced Gourmet (their warm items, anyway), Delica Kitchen, etc... I assume. Even Michel's Bakery/Baguette and Big Smoke Burger could be termed "fast casual," I guess... Order at the counter, wait and they'll bring it to the table (or call your number).

 

[GKW]

I guess Tim Horton's is the best example of the "fast-casual" trend and KFC are doing it with KFC Select...I guess they need a new plan as Subway has totally dominated them in the past 20 years...I don't think I've seen a new Mr.Sub location downtown since in that time...but I was shocked to read in magazine this week that they still have over 300 locations in Canada!

 

[khris]

Mr. Sub tastes better than Subway in my opinion, but they have very few locations.

 

[Torontovibe]

I'll take Mr. Sub over Subway, any day.

 

[Bruno Republic]

Couldn't disagree more. I think Subway is vastly superior to Mr. Sub in every way.

 

[devjohnson]

Only if Quizinos wasn't going down and/or was much cheaper. Their chicken subs are everything.

 

[Therion]

A recent article I read somewhere highlighted Chipotle as the originator and epitome of fast casual, FWIW.

 

[Bayer]

My first visit to Panera, earlier this week, was anything but "fast casual"; all we wanted were an espresso and a cup of decaf, but it turned into a 10-minute comedy of errors.

 

[gabe]

I quit going to Quizno's when they got rid of the torpedo subs. Not everyone wants to spend that kind of money on 9 inch sub when you can go to Subway and get a 12 inch for only $5 bucks.