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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

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

 Jul. 18, 2014

Founded in 1996 by childhood buddies Scott Kilpatrick and Rich Howland, the ultra-hip RA Sushi Bar Restaurant grew to four units in Phoenix before catching the corporate eye of Benihana, Inc. In December 2002, Benihana acquired RA and commenced taking the sushi and sake sensation into urban markets throughout the country.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Crispers

 Jul. 21, 2014

Established in 1989, Crispers took its time about growing: It was almost a decade before a second unit opened. Since then, growth has clearly been on this fast-casual gourmet salad and sandwich chain’s agenda.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Lizard’s Thicket

Jul. 21, 2014

The name Lizard’s Thicket was one its founders, Bob and Anna Williams, heard while in Alabama 30 years ago and later decided fit their “country cooking” concept in Columbia, South Carolina.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Freshii

Jun. 17, 2015

The health-focused fast casual is in the middle of a growth spurt; it announced in late November that it plans to open 160 franchised units in 2015.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

10 Trends from The Future 50

By Sara Rush Wirth and Alaina Lancaster on Jul. 19, 2016

Operators can learn lessons from traits chains on the rise share. Here’s how they are helping set the pace of the industry, by way of menu, operations and more.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

NoRTH Italia

Jul. 11, 2016

The upscale Italian chain from restaurateur Sam Fox’s Fox Restaurant Group is known for its handmade pastas and pizzas, made from scratch daily. Across its...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

&pizza

Jul. 04, 2017

As the leading fast-casual pizza concept on the list, &Pizza received a $25 million cash infusion late last year. The funding, from investment firm Avalt, will help the chain expand to New York Ci...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Scotty's Brewhouse

Jul. 04, 2017

What started as a local hangout for Ball State University students has expanded into this 17-unit sports bar chain. The concept remains focused on the college crowd, with units near campuses in Indian...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt

Sep. 12, 2013

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt is a quickservice frozen-yogurt concept known for its variety of flavors and self-service operation.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Bush’s Chicken

Sep. 13, 2013

Bush’s Chicken has made its name with Southern-style fried chicken, sweet tea and speedy drive-thru service for lunch, dinner and snacks. Dine-in and...

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