Fast Casual location counts and four year growth chart

Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators

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

Lawrenceville, GA-based RIVERSIDE PIZZA (founded 1999) has increased by 1 unit, from 9 to 10 (11% growth). These quick serve pizzerias are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person check average. Seating is for about 10 and catering is available.  All the stores are in GA.

Hopkins, MI-based RUSSO\’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT (founded 2003) has increased by 1 unit, from 3 to 4 (33% growth). These family style Italian restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average.  The restaurants have a full bar and seating for about 100. Catering is available.  All locations are in MI.

Bronx, NY-based ROBERTO’S RESTAURANT has increased by 1 unit for their Trattori Zero Otto Nove concept, from 2 to 3 (50% concept growth) for an overall company increase from 3 to 4 (33% company growth). The company also operates Roberto (1). These upscale Italian restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $15-$50+ per person check average. Full bar service is available and seating is for about 70. All the restaurants are in NY.

Houston, TX-based RUGGLE\’S RESTAURANTS (founded 1993) has increased by 1 unit, from 4 to 5 (25% growth). These family style restaurants serve American cuisine and are open for lunch and dinner. Per person check average is $10-$30+. Full bar service is offered and seating is for about 250. Catering is also available.  All the locations are in TX.

Aventura, FL-based BENIHANA (founded 1964) has increased by 5 units for the Benihana concept, from 71 to 76 (7% concept growth) and by 1 unit for the Ra Sushi concept, from 26 to 27 (4% concept growth).  The company also operates the 7-unit Haru Sushi concept.  Overall company increase was from 104 to 110 (6% company growth).  These upscale Japanese concepts are open for lunch and dinner, with a $15-$50+ per person check average.  The restaurants have full bar service and seating for about 250.  Catering is available.  Trading areas are AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, MN, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI, Aruba, Panama, El Salvador and Brazil.

Scottsdale, AZ-based PF CHANG\’S CHINA BISTRO (founded 1993) has increased by 43 units for the PF Chang\’s concept, from 238 to 281 (18% concept growth) and entered into Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.  The company also increased by 8 units for the Pei Wei Fresh Kitchen concept, from 204 to 212 (4% concept growth) for an overall company increase from 442 to 493 (12% company growth).  Both concepts are family/casual, serving Chinese cuisine.  Meal periods are lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average.  Seating is for about 250, with full bar and private party facilities. Catering service is also available. Trading areas are AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PQ, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI and 16 other countries worldwide.

Auburn, CA-based MR PICKLE\’S SANDWICH SHOP (founded 1995) has increased by 6 units, from 36 to 42 (17% growth).  This fast casual sandwich concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range.  Seating is for about 40.  Online ordering is available. All the stores are located in CA.

Edmonton, AB-based SAWMILL RESTAURANT GROUP (founded 1976) has increased by 1 unit for the Sawmill Prime Rib & Steak concept, from 8 to 9 (13% concept growth) and entered into SC.  The company also operates a 1-unit concept called Moose Factory.  Overall company increase was from 9 to 10 (11% growth).  These upscale steakhouses are open for lunch and dinner, with a $15-$50+ per person check average.  Locations have full bar service and average seating for about 175.  Catering and banquet services are available. Trading areas are AB and SK.  Franchise opportunities are now available.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

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

Austin, TX-based HOPDODDY BURGER BAR (founded 2010) has increased by 9 units, from 7 to 16 (129% growth) and entered into CA.  This family/casual burger concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average.  Locations have full bar and seating for about 200.  Trading areas are AZ, CA, CO and TX.

Edgewater, MD-based LAND & SEA GROUP (founded 1988) has increased by 1 unit for the Buddy\’s concept, from 1 to 2 (100% concept growth) and added a new concept called The Harbor Grill.  Other company concepts are Big Fish Grille (1), Fat Boys (1), Poncho N Pepe\’s (1), Red Sky Steak & Fish House (1), The Markethouse Deli Seafood Bar And Café (1) and Yellowfin Steak & Fish House (1).  Overall company increase was from 7 to 9 (29% growth).  These family/casual seafood concepts are open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average.  The restaurants have full bar service and seating for about 350.  Catering and banquet services are available. All the restaurants trade in MD.

Morris Plains, NJ-based HARVEST RESTAURANTS (founded 1996) has increased by 1 unit for the Roots Steakhouse concept, from 2 to 3 (50% concept growth) and added a new concept called Addams Tavern.  Other company concepts include 3 West (1), Grato (1), Huntley Taverne (1), Tabor Road Tavern (1), Trap Rock (1) and Urban Table (2).  Overall company increase was from 9 to 11 (22% growth).  The restaurant concepts are upscale, serving multiple cuisine types.  Per person check average is $15-$50+, with full bar and seating for 150.  Banquet rooms are available.  All the restaurants are located in NJ.

Sandy Springs, GA-based RISING ROLL GOURMET CAFE (founded 1996) has increased by 2 units, from 17 to 19 (12% growth) and entered into VA. These fast casual sandwich restaurants are open for breakfast and lunch, with a $4-$12+ per person check average. Seating is for about 40 and catering is available. Trading areas are FL, GA, KY, TX and VA.

The Woodlands, TX-based SHOGUN JAPANESE GRILL & SUSHI (founded 2003) has increased by 8 units, from 10 to 18 (80% growth). These upscale Japanese restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $15-$50+ per person check average. Full bar service is available and seating is for about 150. Catering is also available. All the locations are in TX.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months.
 

Virginia Beach, VA-based YNOT ITALIAN (founded 1993) has increased by 1 unit, from 5 to 6 (20% growth).  This family/casual pizzeria is open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person price range.  Locations serve beer and wine and seat about 50.  Catering and online ordering options are available.  All the restaurants are in VA.  We last wrote about this concept on 3/3/15 (20% growth).

New Castle, PA-based PIZZA JOE\’S (founded 1980) has increased by 1 unit, from 46 to 47 (2% growth). These quick serve pizza restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person check average. Seating is for about 40. Trading areas are OH, PA and SC.  We last featured this concept on 4/21/15 (7% growth).