Despite a trend towards flexible working policies, a significant shift is happening in the legal industry, with more Biglaw firms now enforcing in-person workdays. This pivot could potentially expand the customer base for nearby lunch spots, but the reality is somewhat different for popular fast-casual chains like Chipotle, Cava, and Sweetgreen.

As more employees return to office buildings, these dining favorites are facing unexpected economic hurdles. Recent reports from Business Insider highlight a troubling trend: a decrease in patronage from younger demographics, particularly Gen Z and millennials, which has led to a noticeable dip in stock values. Over the past month, Chipotle's stock plummeted by 26%, Cava's by 27%, and Sweetgreen’s by 21%.

The declining interest from younger consumers is attributed to several factors, including heightened economic pressures such as increased unemployment and rising living costs. Furthermore, the recent branding of their offerings as “slop bowls” might be tarnishing their image, deterring the health-conscious and digitally vocal younger crowd.

In response to these challenges, Sweetgreen's CEO has announced a strategic turnaround plan aimed at rejuvenating customer interest and sales. This plan includes increasing portion sizes of popular proteins like chicken and tofu, revising pricing strategies, and making other key enhancements to their menu and service.

In the short term, these adaptations might not only help stabilize their business but could also lead to an evolution in what lunchtime favorites look like on the desks of office workers. With firms like those in the Am Law 50 implementing more stringent in-office policies, the lunchtime dynamics in urban business districts may be poised for a change.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how effective Sweetgreen's and other chains' strategies will be in recapturing the loyalty of their once-core customer base. Will bigger portions and revamped menus be enough to counteract the broader economic forces at play, or is the fast-casual industry facing a more fundamental shift in its clientele and business model? Only time will tell.