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Casual Dining vs. Fine Dining

Danica A • July 1, 2021

There are two major factors that customers consider when choosing a restaurant: ambiance and price. Those factors are also the key difference between fine dining and casual dining experiences. Knowing what your customer base is looking for can play an important part in your establishment’s success.


If you're thinking about starting a restaurant, selecting the right path is crucial. We're here to compare the differences and key details of both casual and fine dining to help you determine the identity of your future restaurant!


What Is the Difference Between Fine Dining and Casual Dining?


The difference between fine dining and casual dining has to do with their ambiance and prices. Fine dining or formal dining restaurants offer an upscale setting and service while featuring unique and often more expensive menu options, with checks averaging over $50. A casual dining establishment provides a more laid-back atmosphere with more moderately-priced meal selections. It’s important to define what style of establishment you will be opening before you get started.

Starting a Fine Dining Restaurant


There's something special about eating at a fine restaurant. The elegant waiting staff with impeccable manners, fancy cutlery, aroma of expensive wine, and delicious meals give customers a sense of importance. Of course, experiencing the wonderful feelings and savory cuisine that accompany fine dining requires shedding some cash, perhaps more than most people are willing. There are plenty of customers who are willing to pay top dollar for the optimal experience.


Although most of the population will not flock to a fine dining establishment for a quick meal on a weekday, fine dining options are sought out during holidays and times of celebration. A wealthy clientele often gives fine dining restaurants a higher ceiling for success.


Consider the following tips for fine dining start-ups:

  • Select a level of how fancy/pricey your restaurant will be. If the two don't match, customers might be turned off. Research your competitors and other successful businesses to help you formulate a menu and prices.
  • Pick a suitable location and make your presence known. The ideal location for a fine dining restaurant is near middle-upper class residential areas, yet far enough from potential competitors.
  • Stock up on necessary equipment. Every part of your restaurant should match in elegance. Purchase the necessary exquisite porcelain dinnerware and flatware, as well as ornate cloth table covers. Additionally, high-end finishes like elegant furniture and charger plates to accompany your dinnerware can enhance the look and feel of your dining space.
  • Purchase first-rate restaurant equipment. At high-end restaurants, customers expect only the best-quality food.
  • Create a wine list that matches your establishment's menu and style.
  • Establish a good reputation. Remember, customers choose to eat at fine dining establishments not only because of the higher quality of food, but also because of the elevated ambiance and service these establishments offer.

Starting a Casual Dining Restaurant


Since 1950, the number of casual dining restaurants has exploded around the globe. In fact, according to a survey conducted by CHD Expert, fine dining restaurants only account for about .55% of total U.S. restaurants as of December 2017.


Casual restaurants, from which most of the American restaurant industry's profits come, appear in a myriad of forms. With establishments like Panera Bread, Chipotle, and Noodles & Company, casual or fast-casual restaurants dot the American landscape. With so many competitors, how can a new entrepreneur hope to succeed?


Here are some tips to follow:

  • Offer and advertise high-quality food made quickly for a great price.
  • Consider ways to include made-to-order items on your menu. Patrons will be more likely to pay a higher price when customization is an option.
  • Specialize in a certain food category to ensure a higher-quality product than a standard fast-food joint.
  • Offer many healthy options; customers will pay more for healthier food.
  • Maintain a well-run, clean facility. You want your restaurant to distinguish itself from fast-food establishments, so maintaining a clean facility is imperative to your success.


Both casual and fine dining have rich and interesting histories defined by ambitious entrepreneurs with revolutionary ideas for their time. Knowing the history and differences of restaurants allows business owners to make projections for the restaurant industry’s future and stay ahead of the curve. Ultimately, the success of your restaurant, no matter the type, hinges on knowing and satisfying your customers' wants and needs.

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