# Casual BBQ Eateries 'Carve' Aims to Be America's First Fast Casual Barbecue Chain By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-07-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southern-hospitality References: [bizjournals](http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2015/07/02/southern-hospitality-is-taking-its-bbq-concept.html) & [southernhospitalitybbq](http://www.southernhospitalitybbq.com/) [Southern Hospitality BBQ](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/genetic-optimization) is best known as a restaurant founded by Justin Timberlake that has since expanded to three locations in Colorado—and it doesn't plan on stopping here. This brand has its sights on becoming the first major [fast casual barbecue chain](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-barbeque-fall-menu) in the country with a new concept called Carve. In terms of competition, Southern Hospitality BBQ is mostly up against [Dickey’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dickeys-barbecue-pit-2) Barbecue Pit, since there are hardly any other restaurants that offer specialized cooking in the same manner. Just as restaurants with menus with build-your-own pizza and burger options flourished a few years ago, this chain is hoping to have the same appeal. Carve will feature a smaller set of menu options than what's offered at Southern Hospitality, featuring dishes that will be paleo-friendly like a "barbecue salad." Although meat will be a big focus of the menu, health-conscious options will be a staple of the fast casual Carve. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Fast Casual Barbecue Chains:** The rise of fast casual concepts in the barbecue industry presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for creating a streamlined and convenient dining experience. - **Paleo-friendly Menu Options:** Introducing paleo-friendly dishes, such as a 'barbecue salad,' in fast casual restaurants can cater to health-conscious consumers and tap into the growing demand for healthier dining choices. - **Specialized Cooking Restaurants:** Creating specialized cooking establishments that focus on a single cuisine, like barbecue, presents an opportunity for unique dining experiences and building a dedicated customer base. ### Where This Applies - **Restaurant:** The restaurant industry can explore the potential of fast casual barbecue chains and paleo-friendly menu options to attract customers and stay ahead of the evolving food trends. - **Health and Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can collaborate with fast casual barbecue chains to promote paleo-friendly options and attract health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious food choices. - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can tap into the demand for specialized cooking by exploring concepts that focus on a single cuisine, such as barbecue, to cater to diverse consumer preferences and create unique dining experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smoky BBQ QSR Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/culvers.md) - [Wood-Smoked Plant-Based Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoked-plant-based-meat.md) - [Barbecue-Themed Burger Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smoky-bbq-menu.md) - [Regionally-Inspired Barbecue Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbq-road-trip.md) - [Fully-Cooked Foodservice Barbecue Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smithfield-smokenfast.md) - [BBQ-Specific Grocery Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fully-catered-southern-bbq-menu.md) - [Intentionally Charred BBQ Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carolina-bbq-burnt-ends-burger.md) - [Summertime Barbeque Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bold-stacked.md) - [Backyard Cookout-Inspired Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tender-greens-summer.md)