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Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators

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

California-based STEFANO\’S SOLAR POWERED PIZZA has increased by 1 unit, from 3 to 4 (33% growth). This fast casual pizzeria is open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Units seat about 40 and offer beer and wine service. Catering, delivery and online ordering options are available. All the locations are in CA.

Westlake Village, CA-based STONEFIRE GRILL (founded 1988) has increased by 1 unit for the Stonefire Grill concept, from 7 to 8 (14% concept growth). The company also operates a 1-unit concept called Rattlers. Overall company increase was from 8 to 9 (13% company growth). The restaurants are family/casual, serving American cuisine. Meal periods are lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. Beer and wine are served and seating is for about 300. Catering and online ordering options are available. All the restaurants are located in CA.

Gold River, CA-based STRINGS ITALIAN CAFE (founded 1999) has increased by 1 unit for the Strings Italian Cafe concept, from 19 to 20 (5% concept growth). The company also operates Strings Urban Kitchen (1). Overall company increase was from 20 to 21 (5% company growth). The concepts are family/casual, open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. Beer and wine are served and seating is for about 100. Catering, delivery and private party options are available. Locations are franchised and trade in CA.

Austin, TX-based ZEN JAPANESE FAST FOOD (founded 1999) has increased by 1 unit, from 3 to 4 (33% growth) and entered into MO. The restaurants serve beer and wine and seat about 60. Per person check average is $4-$12+, with catering, online ordering and private party facilities. Trading areas are MO and TX.

West Des Moines, IA-based B BOPS (founded 1988) has increased by 1 unit, from 7 to 8 (14% growth). This quick serve burger restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Locations have limited seating and offer drive-thru service. Between 10% and 20% of the units are franchised. All are located in IA.

Minneapolis, MN-based BAJA SOL TORTILLA GRILL (founded 1997) has increased by 1 unit, from 7 to 8 (14% growth). This fast casual Mexican concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Locations seat around 50 and serve beer. Catering, delivery and online ordering options are available. About half the locations are franchised. All the restaurants are located in MN.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

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

New York, NY-based WHISKEY TOWN (founded 2007) has added 2 new concepts called The Big Whiskey and Tom And Joan\’s Whiskey Bar. Other company concepts are The Little Whiskey (1), Whiskey Annex (1), Whiskey Brooklyn (1), Whiskey Tavern (1) and Whiskey Town (1). Overall company increase was from 5 to 7 (40% growth). The restaurants are family/casual bar & grills, open for dinner. Per person check average is $10-$30+, with seating for about 60. All the restaurants are located in NY.

Philadelphia, PA-based LA COLOMBE COFFEE (founded 1994) has increased by 9 units, from 14 to 23 (64% growth) and entered into MA. This fast casual coffee shop is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 60. Trading areas are DC, IL, MA, NY and PA.

Andover, MA-based BURTON\’S GRILL (founded 2005) has increased by 2 units for the Burton\’s Grill concept, from 10 to 12 (20% concept growth). The company also operates Red Heat Tavern (2). Overall company increase was from 12 to 14 (17% company growth). The restaurants are upscale, serving American cuisine. Per person check average is $15-$50+, open for lunch and dinner. The restaurants have full bar service and seating for about 200. Catering is available. Trading areas are CT, MA, NH, SC and VA.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months. 

Indianapolis, IN-based YATS CAJUN CREOLE (founded 2001) has increased by 1 unit, from 14 to 15 (7% growth) and entered into TN. This fast casual concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Units seat about 60 and offer catering and private party services. Trading areas are IN, OH and TN. We wrote about this concept on 12/1/15 (27% growth).

Rochester, NY-based DIBELLA\’S SUBS (founded 1918) has increased by 3 units, from 43 to 46 (7% growth). This fast casual sandwich shop is open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Units seat about 30 and offer catering. Trading areas are CT, IN, MI, NY, OH and PA. We last featured this concept on 12/8/15 (19% growth).

Sarasota, FL-based LINKSTERS MANAGEMENT (founded 2001) has increased by 3 units for the Paddy Wagon Irish Pub concept, from 10 to 13 (30% concept growth) and added a new concept called Tap 72 (1). Other company concepts are Central Tavern (1), Legends Sports Pub (1), Linksters Tap Room (10) and The Old Venice Pub (1). Overall company increase was from 23 to 27 (17% growth). These family/casual bar & grill restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. Seating is for around 150. All the restaurants are located in FL. We last featured this company on 12/15/15 (21% growth).