Multiconcept operators, those companies that own and operate at least three unique restaurant concepts with annual sales of $10 million or more, find themselves in a best-of-both-worlds scenario. These companies are able to take advantage of the economies of scale and efficiencies characteristic of chain restaurants, while also enjoying the local patronage and menu flexibility of independent restaurant operators.
Such operators run the gamut from industry giants like Lettuce Entertain You, Levy Restaurants and Wolfgang Puck Companies, to smaller operations such as Kalamazoo’s Millennium Restaurant Group (6 concepts), Cincinnati’s Tavern Restaurant Group (5 concepts and 15 units), and Denver’s Sage Restaurant Group (9 concepts).
While the companies may not command market share comparable to the country’s largest chains, they do occupy a potentially important niche for foodservice suppliers and distributors, with 116 of the top 200 Multiconcept Operators (MCOs) having annual sales of at least $30 million. Overall, the top 200 MCO companies represent 1,448 concepts, 2,367 units and over $5 billion in annual sales
“There are a number of trends contributing to multiconcept operators' current success,” says Technomic Director Mary Chapman. “The Food Network has given a number of chefs celebrity status, and that has provided an eager customer base for their concepts. These concepts are more easily able to offer seasonal menus and focus on local relationships that make the experience feel unique to diners. Many customers may not even be aware of the relationships between concepts and think of these restaurants in the same way they view other local independent restaurants in their area.”
Chapman also points out that these companies can quickly rebrand units, utilize unused space within a particular concept to introduce a new brand, or easily change the allocation of resources between brands in order to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to industry trends.
In order to help operators and suppliers better understand this vital restaurant segment, Technomic introduced The Top 200 Leading Multiconcept Operators Restaurant Report, which includes rankings and detailed profiles for 200 of the nation’s leading multiconcept operators. The report is based on Technomic’s ongoing tracking of chain and independent restaurant operators, as well as interviews with operators. In addition, the report draws from a number of recent Technomic studies dealing with the foodservice industry’s composition and trends, as well as secondary research conducted through Technomic’s Knowledge Center, one of the most comprehensive foodservice libraries in the world.
The Top 200 Leading Multiconcept Operators Restaurant Reportis available as part of Technomic’s Digital Resource Library (DRL), an online database delivering comprehensive operator intelligence. Subscribers can search and download continuously updated profiles (with key contacts for leading U.S. and international chains, retailers, multi-concept and noncommercial operators) as well as industry financials with expert insights from Technomic reports and news briefs.
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