Key Expansion Insights
- Several multi unit operators increased locations significantly
- Fast casual concepts continue expanding across multiple states
- Franchise models continue driving growth among emerging brands
- Smaller concepts adding 2+ units show early scaling momentum
- Repeat growers demonstrate sustained expansion activity
Growing restaurant chains and multi unit operators continue expanding across multiple U.S. markets. Tracking expanding restaurant brands provides insight into which concepts are gaining traction and where new locations may emerge. Multi unit restaurant growth often signals strong operational performance, franchise demand, and consumer adoption across regions.
Companies analyzing restaurant leads and foodservice leads frequently monitor growing restaurant concepts to identify expansion opportunities, partnership potential, and emerging competitors within specific cuisine segments.
Companies analyzing restaurant leads and foodservice leads often monitor multi unit restaurant growth to identify emerging restaurant concepts and operators gaining traction across cuisine categories and service formats.
Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators
The following restaurant concepts have demonstrated measurable unit growth, indicating continued expansion momentum across multiple markets.
Syracuse, NY-based CORELIFE EATERY (founded 2015) has increased by 22 units, from 41 to 63 (54% growth). These fast-casual vegetarian restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $6–$15+ per person price range. Seating is for about 50 and catering is available. Trading areas are IL, IN, KY, MI, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, and UT. Franchising is available.
Aliso Viejo, CA-based CHRONIC TACOS (founded 2002) has increased by 4 units, from 58 to 62 (7% growth). These fast-casual Mexican restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a $4–$12+ per person range. Beer and wine are served and seating is for about 30. Catering, online ordering, and drive-thru services are available. Locations are franchised and trade in AB, AL, AZ, BC, CA, FL, GA, HI, NC, NV, UT, and WA.
Menomonee Falls, WI-based COUSINS SUBS (founded 1972) has increased by 11 units, from 88 to 99 (13% growth) and entered into IL and IN. These quick-serve sandwich restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4–$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 20. Catering, online ordering, and drive-thru options are available. Stores are franchised and located in IL, IN, and WI.
Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts
Smaller restaurant brands expanding beyond early locations often represent early-stage growth opportunities for suppliers and service providers.
Concepts with 20 units or less who grew by at least 2 units.
Portland, OR-based KILLER BURGER (founded 2010) has increased by 2 units, from 9 to 11 (22% growth). This fast-casual concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $6–$15+ per person price range. Beer and wine are served and seating is for about 60. Locations are franchised and trade in OR and WA.
Repeat Growers
Restaurant brands demonstrating repeated expansion activity over multiple periods often indicate sustained operational performance and franchise development strength.
Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months.
Grapevine, TX-based COTTON PATCH CAFE (founded 1989) has increased by 1 unit, from 55 to 56 (2% growth). This family/casual restaurant serves American cuisine, open for lunch and dinner. Per person check average is $6–$15+, serving beer and wine. Seating is for about 100. Catering and online ordering options are available. Trading areas are AR, NM, OK, and TX. We last featured this concept on 12/18/18 (4% growth).
Yorba Linda, CA-based CREAMISTRY (founded 2013) has increased by 7 units, from 64 to 71 (11% growth). This quick-serve ice cream shop is open for lunch and dinner hours, with a $4–$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 40 and catering is available. Stores are franchised and trade in AZ, CA, GA, LA, NV, NY, and TX. We last wrote about this company on 12/11/18 (49% growth).