Fast-casual restaurants are taking over the world, one burrito, burger and bowl of pasta at a time, offering customers the convenience of quick-service joints and some of the atmosphere and ingredient quality of sit-down places. And given Colorado's casual lifestyle and entrepreneurial spirit, it's not surprising that this state has been the birthplace of some of the country's most popular -- and lucrative -- fast-casual concepts.

Here's our list of Colorado's top five homegrown chains -- and what customers love about them. The eateries may be fast-casual, but their fans' devotion is very, very serious.

See also: - Larkburger lands in Northglenn...with a new BLT sandwich - Smashburger offers many opportunities for delicious deviation - New summer salads at Noodles & Company: two outta three ain't bad