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).

California-based DISH N DASH RESTAURANT (founded 2001) has increased by 1 unit for the Dish N Dash concept, from 1 to 2 (100% concept growth).  The company also operates Dishdash (2 unit).  Overall company increase was from 3 to 4 (33% company growth).  This family/casual Middle Eastern concept is open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average.  Unit seat about 60 and serve beer and wine.  Catering and online ordering services are available.  All the restaurants are located in CA.

Illinois-based EMMETT\’S TAVERN & BREWING CO (founded 1999) has increased by 1 unit, from 3 to 4 (33% growth).  This upscale American restaurant concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $15-$50+ per person check average.  Locations have seating for about 250, offering catering and banquet services.  All the restaurants are in IL.

Jacksonville, FL-based FAMOUS AMOS (founded 1967) has increased by 1 unit, from 6 to 7 (17% growth).  This family/casual concept is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving American cuisine.  Per person price range is $4-$12+, with seating for about 80.  Catering is available.  All the locations are in FL.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

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

Pawleys Island, SC-based EGGS UP GRILL (founded 1986) has increased by 3 units, from 8 to 11 (38% growth) and entered into GA.  These restaurants are family/casual, open for breakfast and lunch, serving American food.  Units have seating for about 90.  Trading areas are GA and SC.  Franchising is available.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months.
 

Lebanon, TN-based CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE (NASDAQ:CBRL; founded 1969) has increased by 12 units, from 625 to 637 (2% growth).  The restaurants are family/casual, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person check average.  Units seat about 175.  Trading areas are AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI and WV.  We last featured this concept on 2/4/14 (1% growth).

Broomfield, CO-based NOODLES & CO (NASDAQ:NDLS; founded 1995) has increased by 41 units, from 464 to 505 (9% growth) and entered into MT and ON.  The restaurants are fast casual, open for lunch and dinner.  Per person check average is $6-$15+, with seating for about 90.  Most locations serve beer and wine, some have full bar.  Catering is available.  Trading areas are AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, ON, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA and WI.  We wrote about this concept on 2/4/14 (19% growth) and on 11/18/14 (13% growth).  Franchise opportunities are available.

Oak Brook, IL-based PORTILLO\’S (founded 1963) has increased by 2 units, from 38 to 40 (5% growth).  This fast casual hot dog concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range.  Beer and wine are served and seating is for about 100.  Catering, drive-thru and private party services are available.  Trading areas are AZ, CA, IL and IN.  We wrote about this concept on 11/11/14 (3% growth).

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