# Artisanal Toast Cafes Toasta & Co. Offers Gourmet Versions of an Iconic Snack Food By Jana Pijak | Published 2016-08-18 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toast-co References: [broadsheet.au](https://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne/food-and-drink/article/toasta-opens-west-melbourne) & [toastaandco.au](http://www.toastaandco.com.au/gallery/) Melbourne's Toasta & Co. cafe offers gourmet versions of an iconic snack food and features a menu that consists of both grain-based and [gluten-free options](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gluten-free-texas-toast). Some best-sellers include options like [artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grilled-cheese-restaurant), [schnitzel plates and burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toasted-sandwiches) that are made with and without meat. Additional menu options include popular sides like shoestring fries, poutine and house-made coleslaw portions. Starting off as a popular food truck business, Toasta & Co. now operates out of a full service restaurant that offers options catering to patrons seeking breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Catering to urban snack lovers, this Melbourne restaurant is ideal for those seeking a small or shareable meal rather than a more traditional or hearty food option. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## 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 - **Artisanal Snack Foods:** The trend of offering gourmet versions of iconic snack foods presents opportunities for creating unique and high-quality artisanal treats. - **Gluten-free Options:** The growing demand for gluten-free options provides an opportunity for businesses to cater to a niche market and expand their customer base. - **Food Truck to Restaurant:** The transition from a popular food truck to a full-service restaurant allows for increased visibility, customer reach, and the ability to offer a wider range of menu options. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of offering artisanal snack foods, expanding their product offerings and appealing to food enthusiasts. - **Catering:** The demand for gluten-free options provides catering businesses an opportunity to specialize in serving this market segment, catering to events and gatherings with dietary restrictions. - **Hospitality:** The success of Toasta & Co.'s transition from a food truck to a restaurant highlights opportunities for hospitality businesses to elevate their offerings and create unique dining experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Croissant-Style Bakery Breads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/croissant-toast.md) - [Seasonal Toast Restaurant Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toast-dishes.md) - [Health-Oriented Fast-Casual Dining Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fastcasual-dining.md) - [Hot Sandwich Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toastyfresh-autoserve.md) - [Made-to-Order Elevated Toasts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toast-creations.md) - [Heat-and-Eat Toasts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rudis-bakery.md) - [Hybrid Hot Snack Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ginsters-pastry-toastie.md) - [Avocado Toast QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tim-hortons-menu-items.md) - [Melty Artisan Sourdough Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jasons-sourdough-toasties.md)