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).

Gaitherburg, MD-based GLORY DAYS GRILL (founded 1996) has increased by 4 units, from 23 to 27 (17% growth). These family style American 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 225. Catering is also available. Trading areas are FL, MD, VA and WV.

San Fransisco, CA-based PACIFIC CATCH (founded 2003) has increased by 1 unit, from 6 to 7 (17% growth). These family style 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 100. Catering is also available. All locations are in CA.

Seattle, WA-based PAGLIACCI PIZZA (founded 1979) has increased by 2 units, from 24 to 26 (8% growth). These fast casual Italian & pizza restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person check average. Locations serve beer and wine service and seating about 70. Catering is available. All the restaurants are located in WA.

UT-based CAFE ZUPAS (founded 2005) has increased by 17 units, from 28 to 45 (61% growth) and entered into IL and MN. These fast casual sandwich shops are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 50.  Catering and private party services are available. Trading areas are AZ, ID, IL, MN, NV, and UT.

Playa Vista, CA-based CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN (founded 1985) has increased by 7 units, from 292 to 299 (2% growth). These family style pizza restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. Full bar service is offered and seating is for about 250. Catering is also available. Between 20% and 30% of the locations are franchised.  The restaurants are located in AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA and WI.

Oklahoma City, OK-based SONIC DRIVE-IN (NASDAQ:SONC; founded 1953) has increased by 31 units, from 3526 to 3557 (1% growth).  This quick serve burger concept is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range.  Seating is for about 50, with drive-thru service. Between 80% and 90% of the stores are franchised.  Trading areas are AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, NE, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV and WY.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

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

Colorado Springs, CO-based PANINO\’S RESTAURANT (founded 1974) has increased by 2 units, from 4 to 6 (50% growth). These family style Italian restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. Full bar service is offered and seating is for about 150. Trading areas are CO and MN.

Idaho Falls, ID-based PAPA KELSEY\’S PIZZA & SUBS (founded 1984) has increased by 3 units, from 11 to 14 (27% growth). These quick serve pizzerias are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Seating is for about 20 and delivery service is available.  Locations are franchised and trade in AZ, ID and UT.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months. 

California-based BLUEWATER GRILL SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS (founded 1996) has increased by 1 unit, from 7 to 8 (14% growth).  This family/casual seafood concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average.  The restaurants have full bar and seating for about 200.  Banquet facilities are available.  Locations trade in AZ and CA.  We last featured this concept on 12/1/15 (17% growth).