Future 50: Emerging Brands
Restaurant Business magazine's annual ranking of the fastest-growing small chains in America
Future 50: Emerging Brands
Lime Fresh Mexican Grill
Last year, after diversifying into a bunch of concepts, Ruby Tuesday decided to back away from all but one of the ventures.
Future 50: Emerging Brands
Stoney River Legendary Steaks
“Steak. Seafood. Sanctuary.” is what Stoney River promises at its polished casual steakhouses. Every Stoney River is “a little bit unique,” but all serve warm hush puppies with honey butter, tempura lobster tails and, of course, steak—“comfort food dressed up in a sports jacket”—for a wide range of diners.
Customers wake up and smell the coffee at Dunn's, where every unit roasts beans on site. This year, the 97-unit chain plans to open 15 to 20 more, says CEO Chris Eilers. Beverages run five to 10 cents more than the competition's, but the freshly roasted product "makes a difference in taste that customers are willing to pay for." While franchise inquiries are down slightly this year, same store comps are positive, Eilers says.
Since 1998, Montana Mike's has prospered in B and C niche markets by offering large portions of naturally aged steaks, hand cut in house, at moderate prices. Today they're seeking growth with a new 7,000-square-foot, ground-up construction modeled after a rustic mountain lodge. Owned by Tom Ford, Terry Harstad, Steve Schmidt and Doug Freiling, the restaurants are part of Stockade Companies, LLC, which also owns the Sirloin Stockade and Coyote Canyon chains.