Future 50: Emerging Brands
Restaurant Business magazine's annual ranking of the fastest-growing small chains in America
Future 50: Emerging Brands
WaBa Grill
WaBa Grill touts its devotion to healthy cuisine by making diners aware of its use of skinless, fat-trimmed chicken, lightly steamed veggies and other additive-free ingredients.
Future 50: Emerging Brands
Showmars Restaurant
Showmars offers up fast, made-to-order food in a family-friendly atmosphere. It is open for all dayparts, providing a varied menu of American and Greek items to cater to a wide customer base.
Billing itself as an easy way to get your daily fruits and veggies, Robeks aggressively expanded under former CEO Sheri Miksa. Founded in 1996 and franchising since 2001, Robeks roots are in southern California—only natural for a chain promising its customers an easy way to a healthier lifestyle. Today it has locations in 17 states and the District of Columbia. Owned by investors including Emigrant Capital, Maverick Capital, John Cushman III, Robert Kirby, Halsey Minor, Robert Pitts Jr., and David Robertson, Robeks plans to add 50-plus new units in 2008.
The unique "loose meat" ground beef sandwich has been Maid-Rite's claim to fame since 1926, when company lore has it that barber Fred Angell combined a special cut and grind of meat with select spices to create a sandwich that a customer said was "made right." With retro décor—black and white tile floors, red diner-style stools and plenty of polished chrome—and an emphasis on customer service, the chain makes the most of its heartland roots. CEO and part-owner Bradley L. Burt is targeting the central and southwestern United States for expansion this year.