Fast food outlets ceding ground to healthier chains

Time-pressed New Yorkers still want their food fast. But, increasingly, they want it fresher, better and healthier.

While the number of Burger Kings dropped from 92 in 2008 to 83 this year and Wendy’s went from 50 to 43 in the same period, salad joints are growing, according to a report issued by the Center for an Urban Future. Chop’t jumped from eight locations last year to 11 this year. Just Salad almost doubled in outlets, from six last year to 11 in 2013.

The traditional fast-food restaurants gained little ground in NYC in the past few years, “but specialty food retailers have seen a lot of growth,” said Jonathan Bowles, executive director of the Center for an Urban Future. "People are interested in different food options and healthier options,” he said.

Chipotle is a particularly remarkable stand out: “From 2008 to 2013, the number of Chipotle stores more than doubled, from 21 to 43. I don’t know if burritos and tacos are all that much healthier, but they are a step above traditional fast food,” said Bowles.

There has also been a notable increase in “healthier” ice cream and yogurt shops, noted Bowles, citing the growth of chains such as Pinkberry, Red Mango and 16 Handles. “What is really growing are healthier versions and premium options,” in all the food categories, he said.

The number of health club outlets in the city — which are also chains of a sort —has remained fairly constant since 2008. “They peaked earlier,” said Bowles.