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).

Santa Fe Springs, CA-based BLIZZ FROZEN YOGURT (founded 2009) has increased by 1 unit, from 7 to 8 (14% growth). These quick serve yogurt shops are open for lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Shops have limited seating. Catering service is offered. Locations are franchised and trade in CA and NV.

Houston, TX-based LA CANTINA MEXICAN GRILL has increased by 1 unit for the Chulas Sports Cantina concept, from 4 to 5 (25% concept growth). The company also operates 3 La Cantina locations. Overall company increase was from 7 to 8 (14% company growth). These family/casual Mexican sports bar concepts are open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. Average seating is for about 300, offering catering and private party services. All the restaurants are in TX.

Minneapolis, MN-based GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY (founded 1999) has increased by 1 unit for the Granite City concept, from 34 to 35 (3% concept growth). The company also operates the 5-unit Cadillac Ranch concept. Overall company increase was from 39 to 40 (3% company growth). The restaurants are family/casual, serving American cuisine. Meal periods are lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. The restaurants have full bar and seating for about 250. Trading areas are FL, IA, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, TN and WI.

Burlington, ON-based SIR CORP (TSE:SRV.UN) has increased by 3 units for the Jack Astor\’s concept, from 38 to 41 (8% concept growth) and entered into NL. The company also increased by 3 units for the Scaddabush Italian Kitchen concept, from 2 to 5 (150% concept growth). The company also operates Alice Fazooli\’s (2), Canyon Creek Chophouse (8), Duke\’s Refresher + Bar (1), Loose Moose (1) and Reds (2). The restaurants are family/casual, serving American and Italian cuisines. Per person check average is $10-$30+, open for lunch and dinner. Locations have full bar service and average seating for about 200. Catering and private party services are available. Trading areas are AB, NL, NS, NY, ON and PQ.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

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

Pasadena, CA-based LAWRY\’S RESTAURANTS INC (founded 1938) has increased by 1 unit for the Lawry\’s The Prime Rib concept, from 9 to 10 (11% concept growth) and by 1 unit for the Side Door concept, from 1 to 2 (100% concept growth) for an overall company increase from 14 to 16 (14% growth). Other company concepts include: Five Crowns (1), Lawry\’s Carvery (2) and Tam O\’ Shanter Inn (1). These upscale restaurant concepts serve American and Irish cuisines and are open for lunch and dinner. Per person check average is $15-$50+. Restaurants have full bar service and seating for about 300. Catering is available. Trading areas are CA, IL, NV and TX.

Overland Park, KS-based TANNER\’S BAR & GRILL (founded 1985) has increased by 5 units, from 16 to 21 (31% growth) and entered into IA.  This family/casual bar and grill concept is open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average.  Units seat about 200 and offer catering, online ordering and private party services.  Trading areas are IA, KS, MO, NE and WI.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months. 

Toledo, OH-based MARCO\’S PIZZA (founded 1978) has increased by 72 units, from 706 to 778 (10% growth). These quick serve pizzerias are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Units have limited seating and offer catering, delivery and online ordering options. All locations are franchised and trade in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI and WV. We last featured this concept on 7/19/16 (23% growth).

Bloomington, IL-based MEAT HEADS BURGERS & FRIES (founded 2007) has increased by 1 unit, from 16 to 17 (6% growth). This fast casual burger concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Units seat about 60. Trading areas are IL and IN. We last wrote about this company on 8/25/15 (33% growth).