Post on Sit-down Service unit openings vs all new openings for the past 5 years. Click here

Post on Counter Service unit openings vs all new openings for the past 5 years. Click here

Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators

Concepts that have grown by at least 5% (if less than 50 units).

Millbrae, CA-based CREAM (founded 2010) has increased by 5 units, from 25 to 30 (20% growth) and entered into FL. These quick serve ice cream shops are open for lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 40 and catering is available. Locations are franchised and trade in CA, FL and NV.

Plano, TX-based MAIN EVENT (founded 1998) has increased by 9 units, from 25 to 34 (36% growth) and entered into FL, IN, KS, NM and OH. These family/casual American restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. The restaurants are bowling alley/entertainment bar concepts. Seating is for about 750. Trading areas are AZ, IN, FL, GA, IL, KS, KY, MO, NM, OH, OK, TN and TX.

Austin, TX-based MAUDIE\’S CAFE (founded 1992) has increased by 1 unit, from 6 to 7 (17% growth). These family style Mexican restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. The restaurants have full bar and average seating for about 150. Catering and delivery are available. All the restaurants are located in TX.

Duncansville, PA-based MEADOWS ORIGINAL FROZEN CUSTARD (founded 1950) has increased by 1 unit, from 25 to 26 (4% growth). These quick serve ice cream shops are open for lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Stores have limited seating and drive-thru service. Locations are franchised and trade in DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA and VA.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

Concepts with 20 units or less who grew by at least 2 units.

Thibodaux, LA-based EL PASO MEXICAN GRILL has increased by 11 units, from 11 to 22 (100% growth). These family/casual Mexican restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. Full bar service is available and seating is for about 150. All the locations are in LA.

San Antonio, TX-based LAS PALAPAS (founded 1981) has increased by 3 units, from 10 to 13 (30% growth). These family style Mexican restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person check average. Beer and wine service is offered and seating is for about 100. Catering is also available. The restaurants are all located in TX.

Huntington Beach, CA-based LAZY DOG RESTAURANT & BAR (founded 2003) has increased by 4 units, from 18 to 22 (22% growth). These family/casual restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average, serving American cuisine. Seating is for about 300. Catering is available. Trading areas are CA and NV.

Golden, CO-based MAD GREENS (founded 2004) has increased by 18 units, from 17 to 35 (106% growth) and entered into TX and UT. These fast casual salad restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person price range. Beer and wine is served and seating is for about 60. Catering and delivery services are available. Trading areas are AZ, CO, TX and UT.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months. 

Dallas, TX-based DAVE & BUSTER\’S (NASDAQ:PLAY; founded 1982) has increased by 17 units, from 80 to 97 (21% growth). These family style arcade-themed restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average. Full bar service is offered and seating is for about 450, serving American cuisine. Catering and private party services available. Trading areas are AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NE, NM, NY, OH, OK, ON, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA and WI. We last featured this concept on 9/22/15 (14% growth).

Dearborn, MI-based LEO\’S CONEY ISLAND (founded 1972) has increased by 2 units, from 56 to 58 (4% growth). These family style sandwich restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person check average. Beer and wine service is offered and seating is for about 100. Catering is also available. The restaurants are franchised and trade in MI.

Orlando, FL-based MILLER\’S ALE HOUSE (founded 1988) has increased by 7 units, from 71 to 78 (10% growth). The family/casual bar and grill concept is open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. Full bar service is offered and seating is for about 300. Catering is also available. Trading areas are located in FL, GA, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NV, NY, OH and PA. We last wrote about this company on 9/29/15 (6% growth).