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In Paris, could the Crousty dethrone the kebab?

undefined undefined 3 mars 2026 undefined 12h00

The Editor

© Tasty Crousty - Paris République

Consumer fatigue, skyrocketing prices, viral new concepts… In Paris, kebabs are shaking under fierce competition. Boosted by social media, the Crousty is becoming the new favorite among the youth. Is it just a trend or a real shift in the hierarchy of street food?

Is the king under threat? Introduced to France in the 1970s, popularized in the 1980s, and then massively spread throughout the 1990s, the kebab has long reigned supreme in French fast food. In Paris, it has become a urban landmark as well as a tasty reflex.

But the scene has changed. According to a study published in March 2025 by Strateg’eat for the Snack Show, snacking is doing well : in 2024, it represents 22.3 billion euros, which is 38% of the restaurant sector. Leading the sales are pizza, followed by burgers and sandwiches. The kebab is no longer alone at the top.

In some cities, the concentration of fast-food places is considered excessive, creating a sense of saturation. Sushi, tacos, poke, fried chicken… The options have multiplied. To this, we can add the rise in ingredient prices: the legendary 5-euro kebab-and-drink combo is now a thing of the past. In Paris, those deals often exceed 8 or 9 euros, blurring its image as a truly unbeatable meal economically. So, has the kebab become too ordinary, perhaps even too expensive, for a generation searching for something new ? 


Le Crousty, engine of a new fast-food era

In this competitive landscape, Le Crousty is making its moves. The idea: fried chicken drizzled with sauce on a generous portion of rice, all served in a tray. A dish that’s simple, hearty, and perfectly sized for short videos.

Some brands have experienced explosive growth. One such example is Tasty Crousty, which has gone from two restaurants in the Paris region to over twenty across France in just one year. With each opening: promotional events, free trays for the first hundred customers, and massive communication on TikTok and Instagram.


A Viral Snack in the Era of TikTok

What’s the strength of the concept? Its visual appeal. Sauce drips, crispy chicken, XXL portions: the Crousty is designed for the algorithm. While many kebab shops have taken their time to embrace video, new establishments are betting everything on virality and influencers.

Some content creators even participate directly in the entrepreneurial adventure, blurring the lines between entertainment and dining. In an attention economy, the Crousty isn’t just selling a meal, but a moment to post.


A Youth in Search of Newness

The Strateg’eat study emphasizes that, despite inflation, Generation Z spends an average of more than 40 euros per week on eating out, more than Generation Y. However, their criteria have evolved: originality, flexibility, curiosity. Since Covid, routine has given way to spontaneity. Current desires and innovations drive their choices. In this context, the kebab may suffer from its status as a staple. Too familiar, too established.

In Paris, where trends spread quickly and competition is constant, the Crousty embodies this promise of renewal. It hasn't replaced the kebab just yet, but it challenges its symbolic centrality. Like the taco before it, it captures part of the flow. Now, the question remains whether the Crousty will establish itself permanently in the Parisian scene or if it will join the list of fleeting fads. One thing is certain: in the capital, street food has become a playground for experimentation. And the kebab is no longer untouchable.