Notes from the researchers desk,

1) Food trucks have not taken over the world. There are very few multi-unit food truck companies.

We estimate the entire universe of documented food trucks to be between 9,000- 15,000 nationwide.

2) Almost no one wants to be called QSR anymore. Although the sit down restaurant continues for the neighborhood pub and the special occasion event, fast casual is at the heart of most meal period restaurant choices today.

Independents have finally caught on to the virtues of the fast casual  restaurant. Mom and pop fast casual restaurants are opening everywhere that until recently, have been the domain of fast growing chains.

Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators

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

Tampa, FL-based BERN\’S STEAKHOUSE (founded 1956) has opened a new concept called Elevage.  The company also operates Bern’s Steakhouse and Haven.  Overall company increase was from 2 to 3 (50% company growth).  The restaurants are upscale steakhouses, open for dinner, with a $15-$50+ per person check average.  The restaurants have full bar service and average seating for about 150.  All locations are in FL.

California-based BRUXIE GOURMET WAFFLE SANDWICHES (founded 2006) has increased by 1 unit, from 6 to 7 (17% growth).  The restaurants are fast casual, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Per person price range is $4-$12+, with seating for about 70.  All locations are in CA.

Berkeley, CA-based CHAAT CAFE (founded 1999) has increased by 1 unit, from 4 to 5 (25% growth).  This family/casual Indian restaurant concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $8-$20+ per person check average.  Restaurants serve beer and wine and seat around 70.  Catering, delivery and online ordering services are offered.  All the restaurants are in CA.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

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

Lansdowne, VA-based BGR THE BURGER JOINT (founded 2014) has increased by 3 units, from 17 to 20 (18% growth).  This family/casual burger concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person check average.  Locations serve beer and wine and have seating for about 50.  Catering and private party services are available.  Trading areas are CT, DC, FL, GA, MD, NY, SC, TN and VA.  About 50% of units are franchised.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months.
 

Denver, CO-based ILLEGAL PETE\’S has increased by 1 unit, from 6 to 7 (17% growth).  This family/casual Mexican concept is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person check average.  Locations have full bar and seating for about 80.  Catering, delivery and online ordering services are available.  All locations are in CO.  We wrote about this company on 2/11/14 (20% growth).

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