FACT-Demystified- Restaurant Chains are NOT closing in droves, Independents are. See the real story…

Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators

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

Delray Beach, FL-based BROOKLYN WATER BAGELS (founded 2009) has increased by 3 units, from 21 to 24 (14% growth). These fast casual sandwich restaurants are open for breakfast and lunch, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 50 and catering is available. Locations are franchised and trade in CA, FL, GA, MA, MD and NC.

Eau Claire, WI-based ERBERT & GERBERT\’S SUBS & CLUBS (founded 1988) has increased by 4 units, from 65 to 69 (6% growth). These fast casual sandwich shops are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person check average. Seating is for about 30 and catering is available. Locations are franchised and operate in AZ, CO, MI, MN, ND, NY, SD, TX and WI.

Boca Raton, FL-based GYROVILLE REALLY FRESH REALLY GREEK (founded 2010) has increased by 1 unit, from 9 to 10 (11% growth). These fast casual Greek sandwich restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 30. The restaurants are located in FL.

Las Vegas, NV-based PEPE\’S TACOS has increased by 1 unit, from 4 to 5 (25% growth). This quick serve Mexican concept is open 24 hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range.  Average unit seats about 80 and offers catering service.  All the restaurants are in NV.

Kirkland, WA-based MAD ANTHONY\’S INC (founded 1969) has increased by 2 units for the Anthony\’s concept, from 25 to 27 (8% concept growth) and entered into ID.  They company has also added a new concept called Bud\’s Broiler. Other concepts include Chinook\’s (1) and Harbor Lights (1). Overall company increase was from 27 to 30 (11% growth).  These family/casual seafood restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average.  The restaurants have full bar service and seating for about 200.  Private party facilities are available.  Trading areas are ID, OR and WA.

Florida-based LITTLE GREEK (founded 2004) has increased by 5 units, from 24 to 29 (21% growth) and entered into GA and KY.  This fast casual Greek concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a  $4-$12+ per person check average.  Units seat about 40 and offer catering and online ordering services.  All locations are franchised and trade in AR, FL, GA, KY and TX.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

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

Seattle, WA-based EZELL\’S FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN (founded 1984) has increased by 3 units, from 10 to 13 (30% growth). These quick serve chicken restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person check average. Seating is for about 40 and catering is available. All the locations are in WA.

College Station, TX-based GRUB BURGER BAR (founded 2012) has increased by 9 units, from 9 to 18 (100% growth) and entered into CA, DE and FL. This family casual burger concept is open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average.  Full bar service is available and seating is for about 150. Trading areas are CA, DE, FL, GA, LA, PA and TX.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months. 

Orlando, FL-based YARD HOUSE RESTAURANT (founded 1996) has increased by 6 units, from 59 to 65 (10% growth).  The restaurants are family/casual, serving American cuisine and are open for lunch and dinner. Per person check average is $10-$30+, with full bar and average seating for about 300.  Catering, banquet and online ordering services are available.  Trading areas are AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, KS, MA, MN, NC, NV, NY, OH, OR, SC, TX, VA and WA.  We last featured this concept on 10/20/15 (11% growth).  Yard House is a subsidiary of Darden Restaurants.