Top 100 Independents sneak peek

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Each year, Restaurant Business ranks the top-grossing independent restaurants across the country. Every time, new trends and themes emerge. One trend to pop out of this year’s list: a resurgence of steakhouses. More than 30 meat-centric concepts from across the U.S. made the ranking, including a few newcomers. 

With check averages often above the $100 mark, these concepts are winning with more than just beef. Menu specialties and attention to ambiance are helping these indies stay a cut above the rest. 

Chicago alone houses nine steakhouses from this year’s ranking, including newcomer Swift & Sons, owned by multiconcept operator Boka Restaurant Group, which is helmed by James Beard Foundation Awards finalists for outstanding restaurateur, Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz.

For a peek into what Swift & Sons is doing right—and what it’s like to operate in today’s restaurant climate—Restaurant Business got the tour and sat down with chef and partner Chris Pandel. Take a look:

In addition to Swift & Sons, other steakhouses found success over the past year, winning guests with classics as well as inventive fare. Here’s a sneak peek at the full list of steakhouses, and where they fell on the list. Stay tuned for the full list, launching Tuesday, Oct. 23.

Steakhouses on the Top 100

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