5 'Fast-Casual' Restaurants In East Cobb And Other Parts Of Metro Atlanta

EAST COBB, GA -- Fast-casual is the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience.

Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.

The craze hasn't escaped metro Atlanta, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years. Here are five restaurants that have opened their doors or will do so soon in 2017:

Teriyaki Madness -- East Cobb: “Cobb County is a good launch for this area because it’s getting several new restaurants,” co-owner Joe Cleveland, who owns the franchise with his wife Robin, told Patch.

BullGogi -- Decatur: Craving some top-shelf Korean food? You're in luck. Fast-casual concept eatery BullGogi opened last week in Decatur. The restaurant is located at 2140 N. Decatur Road in the old spot that was Seven Hens, which closed both of its metro Atlanta restaurants last year.

Gusto -- Buckhead & Midtown: This fast-casual concept features grilled proteins tricked out with sauces and spices. Gusto has locations in south Buckhead and Midtown Atlanta, both on Peachtree Street.

Salata -- Atlantic Station: Dallas-based Henry Investment Group recently announced that the eatery was making a major investment in the area, opening 20 restaurants in the Atlanta market over the next few years.

Roast -- Midtown: Roast will be a fast-casual eatery featuring Brazilian cuisine and serve-yourself protein bowls. The restaurant will be inside the expanded Whole Foods store on Ponce De Leon Avenue.

The fast-casual trend is here to stay in metro Atlanta. Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments?

Image via Craig Johnson / Patch