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Future 50: Emerging Brands

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

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Pal’s Sudden Service

 Jul. 14, 2014

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

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Seasons 52

 Jul. 18, 2014

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.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Surf City Squeeze

Jul. 19, 2014

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.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Wildfire Restaurant

Jul. 21, 2014

Wildfire offers a step back in time to the 1940s when dining out meant a special occasion, with a steak and chophouse concept featuring open-flame cooking and food spit-roasted over wood.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Billy Sims Barbecue

Jun. 17, 2015

Former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Rookie of the Year Billy Sims, along with partner Jeff Jackson, got into the regional barbecue game to sling Oklahoma-style ’cue.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Native Grill & Wings

Jun. 17, 2015

In 2014, Native New Yorker officially changed its name to Native Grill & Wings to reinforce the chain’s signature: its 19 flavors of chicken wings.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot

Jul. 11, 2016

The all-you-can-eat communal soup chain seems to be rebounding since last year, when it weighed heavily on parent company Yum Brand’s portfolio. In 2015,...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Jinya Ramen Bar

Jul. 04, 2017

Started in 2000 in Tokyo by Tomonori Takahashi, Jinya crossed over to California a decade later. It now has units in five states, serving housemade ramen noodles and rice bowls. It opened its first Ea...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Caffebene

Jul. 04, 2017

The South Korean bakery-cafe giant’s unit growth belies its performance. After making its U.S. debut in 2012 in NYC’s Times Square, Caffebene has ballooned to some 50 stateside units (among 1,600 glob...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Baumhower’s Restaurant

Sep. 13, 2013

Bob Baumhower made the transition from Miami Dolphins nose tackle to restaurateur in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he had been an All-American college football...

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