Target is getting into the fast casual food biz

Salads and fancy pizza will soon be on the menu at a very limited number of Target locations.



Starting in October, the retailer plans to test fast-casual concepts in some 14 stores as it responds to customers looking for higher-quality food and more of a café atmosphere,USA Todayreported.



Target will replace its existing cafes, which offer such standard items as popcorn, hot dogs and nachos, in the 14 locations with one of three options. The health-focused Freshii chain will go into nine stores, while Pizza Hut will open restaurants featuring “artisan” pies in three locations. And two Target stores on Minneapolis will get outposts of local Italian fave D'Amico & Sons, whose founders have been semifinalists for a James Beard award multiple times.



The idea has been in the works since shortly after Brian Cornell took the helm of the company in August 2014, the report said.