Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators

Burbank, CA-based POQUITO MAS (founded 1984) has increased by 1 unit, from 9 to 10 (11% growth). This fast casual Mexican concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Beer and wine is served and seating is for about 90. Catering, delivery and online ordering services are available. Units are franchised and trade in CA.

Richmond, BC-based KEG STEAKHOUSE & BAR (founded 1971) has increased by 7 units, from 101 to 108 (7% growth). This family/casual steakhouse concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average. Seating is for about 250. Trading areas are AB, AZ, BC, CO, MB, NB, NL, NS, ON, PQ, SK, TX and WA. About half the locations are franchised.

Lewiston, ME-based SAM\’S ITALIAN SANDWICH SHOPPE (founded 1939) has increased by 1 unit, from 12 to 13 (8% growth). The restaurants are family/casual, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person check average. Beer and wine are served and seating is for about 100. Catering is available. All the locations are in ME.

Elkhorn, NE-based SAM & LOUIE\’S NY PIZZA (founded 1994) has increased by 1 unit, from 11 to 12 (9% growth) and entered into CO. The restaurants are family/casual, open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person check average. Beer and wine are served and seating is for about 125. Catering is available. Units are franchised and trade in CO, IA, KS, MT, NE and WI.

Chicago, IL-based GIBSONS RESTAURANT GROUP has increased by 1 unit for the Hugos Frog Bar & Fish House concept, from 3 to 4 (33% concept growth) and entered into PA. Other company concepts are Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse (3), Chisox Bar & Grill (1), Luxbar (1), Quartino Ristorante (1), R L Restaurant (1), The Boathouse (1) and The Montgomery Club (1). Overall company increase was from 12 to 13 (8% growth). The restaurants are upscale, serving steak, seafood and Italian and American cuisines. Average seating is for about 300, with banquet rooms available. Trading areas are IL and PA.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

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

Irving, TX-based BREAD ZEPPELIN has increased by 2 units, from 3 to 5 (67% growth). These fast casual salad restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person check average. Seating is for about 50 and catering is available. All locations are in TX.

Point Pleasant, NJ-based BUBBAKOOS BURRITOS (founded 2007) has increased by 5 units, from 9 to 14 (56% growth). These fast casual Mexican restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person check average. Seating is for about 50. Catering, drive-thru and private party services are available. All stores are located in NJ.

Hilton Head Island-SC based PINO GELATO (founded 2010) has increased by 9 units, from 7 to 16 (129% growth). This quick serve concept is open for lunch and dinner hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range. Locations have limited seating. Trading areas are FL, GA, NC and SC.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months. 

Michigan-based AUBREE\’S PIZZERIA & GRILL (founded 1972) has increased by 1 unit, from 10 to 11 (10% growth). This family/casual pizzeria is open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average. The restaurants have full bar and seating for about 90. Catering, delivery and private party services are available. All the locations are in MI. We last featured this concept on 5/17/16 (38% growth).

Knoxville, TN-based THE COPPER CELLAR FAMILY OF RESTAURANTS (founded 1975) has added a new concept called Corner 16 (1 unit). Other concepts include: Calhoun\’s (9), Cappuccino\’s (1), Cherokee Grill (1), Chesapeake\’s Seafood House (1), Copper Cellar (3) and Smoky Mountain Brewery & Restaurant (4). Overall company increase was from 19 to 20 (5% growth). The concepts are family/casual, open for lunch and dinner, service American, Italian, steak and seafood. The locations have full bar and average seating for about 250. Catering and banquet services are available. All the restaurants trade in TN. We last wrote about this company on 6/14/16 (6% growth).

Missoula, MT-based HUHOT MONGOLIAN GRILL (founded 1999) has increased by 4 units, from 58 to 62 (7% growth) and entered into IL. This family/casual Asian concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $10-$30+ per person check average. Beer and wine are served and seating is for about 200. Catering is available. Locations are franchised and trade in CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, OK, SC, SD, TX, UT, WA and WI. We featured this concept on 5/31/16 (10% growth).