Future 50: Emerging Brands

Restaurant Business magazine's annual ranking of the fastest-growing small chains in America

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Genghis Grill

Mongolian Barbeque restaurants have been popular for years, but the 29-unit Ghengis Grill appears to have adapted the cuisine perfectly for a fast-casual concept. Using what the chain calls an “interactive style of exhibition cooking,” customers select an array of meats, oils, vegetables and sauces and then hand them over to a “Grill Master” who transforms the ingredients into a meal.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Tender Greens

High-end chefs sometimes guarantee they’ll get enough fresh produce by partnering with farmers to have it grown specifically for them.

The Future 50 offers a snapshot of restaurant concepts on the rise: the up-and-comers that are the ones to watch, invest in or be inspired by.

The big draw at this QSR is a wide selection of tart and conventional frozen yogurts featuring live and active cultures.

This limited-service chain takes its name to heart by offering classic American favorites with record fast drive-thru service.

Darden Restaurants moves decidedly upmarket with Seasons 52, a stylish grill and wine bar. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and healthful preparations form the menu, which boasts that no item exceeds 475 calories.

Founder Kevin Blackwell created the Surf City concept back in 1981. The company designs, builds and franchises units targeted for siting at premier fitness clubs, upscale shopping centers and university campuses. The chain's menu is aimed at the health and fitness crowd.

Fadó Irish Pub, founded by CEO and President Kieran McGill with a group of entrepreneurs in 1996 in Atlanta, imports authentic interiors and decor to create a different type of Irish pub in the New World, honoring the culture, food and music of the Emerald Isles.

Clean labels are the name of the game for this Queens-born chain. Its customizable burgers (including elk, bison, vegetarian options and more), sandwiches...

Iron Hill features a rotating list of handcrafted beers and specialty brews and a varied culinary-driven menu.

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