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).

New York, NY-based PAPAYA KING (founded 1932) has increased by 2 units, from 2 to 4 (100% growth) and entered into NV. These quick serve hot dog restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person check average. Seating is for about 30 and catering is available. Trading areas are NY and NV.

American Fork, UT-based ROXBERRY JUICE CO (founded 2008) has increased by 1 unit, from 8 to 9 (13% growth). These fast casual smoothie shops are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Limited seating is available. Locations are franchised and trade in UT.

San Diego, CA-based WINE STEALS (founded 2003) has increased by 1 unit, from 2 to 3 (50% growth). This upscale wine bar concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $15-$50+ per person check average. Beer and wine service is served and seating is for about 60. Banquet services are available. The restaurants are in CA.

Brentwood, TN-based BAR-B-CUTIE (founded 1950) has increased by 1 unit, from 11 to 12 (9% growth). These quick serve BBQ restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 90 and catering is available. The restaurants are franchised and trade in GA, OH, TN and TX.

Oakland, CA-based BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE (founded 2015) has increased by 11 units, from 22 to 33 (50% growth) and entered into Japan. These quick serve coffee shops are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 30. Trading areas are CA and NY.

San Francisco, CA-based PAT KULETO RESTAURANTS (founded 1985) has added a new concept called Prospect, for an overall company increase from 4 to 5 (25% growth). Other company concepts include: Boulevard (1), Epic Steak (1), Farallon (1) and Waterbar (1). The concepts are upscale, offering multiple cuisine types and are open for lunch and dinner. Per person check average is $15-$50+, with full bar service and seating for about 150. Catering and banquet services are available. All the restaurants are in CA.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

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

Portland, OR-based SALT & STRAW (founded 2011) has increased by 5 units, from 4 to 9 (125% growth). These quick serve ice cream/yogurt shops are open for lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 40 and catering service is available. Stores are in CA and OR.

Mesa, AZ-based ANGRY CRAB & BBQ RESTAURANT has increased by 3 units, from 3 to 6 (100% growth). These family casual Cajun/Creole 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 200. Locations are in AZ.

Ventura, CA-based YOLANDA\’S MEXICAN CAFE (founded 1982) has increased by 2 units for the Snapper Jack\’s Taco Shack, from 2 to 4 (100% concept growth) for an overall company increase from 6 to 8 (33% company growth). The company also operates Yolanda\’s Mexican Cafe (4). These family style 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 200. Catering and private party services are available. All the restaurants are located in CA.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months. 

Northbrook, IL-based LOU MALNATI\’S PIZZA (founded 1971) has increased by 4 units, from 43 to 47 (9% growth) and entered into AZ. These Italian/pizza restaurants are mostly family/casual, open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person check average. Full bar is available and seating is for about 200. Some locations are take-out/delivery service only. Catering, banquet and online ordering options are also available. The restaurants trade in AZ and IL. We last featured this concept on 9/8/15 (19% growth).