Notes from the researchers desk,

1) Food trucks have not taken over the world. There are very few multi-unit food truck companies.

We estimate the entire universe of documented food trucks to be between 9,000- 15,000 nationwide.

2) Almost no one wants to be called QSR anymore. Although the sit down restaurant continues for the neighborhood pub and the special occasion event, fast casual is at the heart of most meal period restaurant choices today.

Independents have finally caught on to the virtues of the fast casual  restaurant. Mom and pop fast casual restaurants are opening everywhere that until recently, have been the domain of fast growing chains.

Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators

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

Nashville, TN-based VILLAGE INN has increased by 4 units, from 206 to 210 (2% growth).  These family/casual restaurants serve American cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Per person check average is $6-$15+ and seating is for about 150.  Locations are franchised and trade in AK, AR, AZ, CO, FL, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, NM, OK, OR, TX, UT, VA, WA and WY.  Village Inn is a subsidiary of American Blue Ribbon Holdings.

Irvine, CA-based JUICE IT UP (founded 1995) has increased by 2 units, from 81 to 83 (2% growth) and entered into OR.  This fast casual juice bar concept is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range.  Catering is available.  Units are franchised and trade in AZ, CA, NM, OR and TX.

Seattle, WA-based ELYSIAN BREW PUB (founded 1996) has added a new concept called Elysian Bar.  They also operate 3 Elysian Brew pub locations.  Overall company increase was from 3 to 4 (33% company growth).  This family/casual bar and grill is open for lunch and dinner, serving American cuisine.  Per person check average is $8-$20+, with seating for about 450.  Banquet services are available.  All the restaurants are in WA.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

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

New York, NY-based CHARLIE PALMER GROUP (founded 1988) has increased by 1 unit for the Charlie Palmer Steak concept, from 3 to 4 (33% concept growth).  The company also added 3 new concepts called Charlie Palmer at the Knick, Jake’s at the Knick and Harvest Table.  Other company concepts include Aureole (2), Briscola (1), Burritt Room + Tavern At The Mystic (1), Crimson & Rye (1), Dry Creek Kitchen & Spirit Bar (1), and Upper Story (1).  The company no longer operates Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s.  Overall company increase was from 11 to 14 (27% growth).  The restaurants are upscale steakhouse concepts, open for lunch and dinner.  Per person check average is $15-$50+, with catering and banquet services.  The restaurants have full bar and average seating for about 200.  Trading areas are CA, DC, NV and NY. 

Panama City, FL-based POFOLKS has increased by 1 unit for the Pofolks concept, from 7 to 8 (14% concept growth) and added a new concept called Treble Hooks Bar & Grill.  The company also operates Triple J Steakhouse.  Overall company increase was from 8 to 10 (25% company growth).  The restaurants are family/casual, serving American cuisine.  Meal periods are lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average.  Average seating is for about 90.  Treble Hooks and Triple J have full bar service, Pofolks does not serve alcohol.  Catering is available.  Trading areas are AL and FL.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months.
 

Portland, OR-based MIO SUSHI (founded 1995) has increased by 1 unit, from 16 to 17 (6% growth).  The restaurants are family/casual, open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average.  Beer and wine are served and seating is for about 60.  Catering is available.   Trading areas are OR, WA and India.  We last featured this concept on 2/4/14 (7% growth).

Whitehall, OH-based MASSEY\’S PIZZA (founded 1949) has increased by 1 unit, from 11 to 12 (9% growth).  The restaurants are fast casual, open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person price range.  Average seating is for about 70.  Catering and online ordering services are available.  Between 60% and 70% of the restaurants are franchised.  Trading areas are OH and SC.  We last featured this concept on 1/7/14 (10% growth).

Contact Us