Future 50: Emerging Brands

Restaurant Business magazine's annual ranking of the fastest-growing small chains in America

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

John Pelletier began Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in Concord, New Hampshire, in 1985.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Rumbi Island Grill

Rumbi takes the tastes and textures of the Pacific islands to heartland America. The fast-casual concept stands out for offering a range of customizable meals in a tropical-themed setting.

Part of the Connors group, which operates three separate concepts, The Chop House serves moderately priced, aged steaks, ribs, prime rib and seafood at units in Tennessee and Ohio. This summer, stores will open in Augusta, Georgia. The chain's goal is "made from scratch food" and "a superior dining experience."

As the name suggests, wings—mild, medium, hot, House on Fire, Dallas (served with a honey-barbecue sauce) and Naked (skinless and baked)—are the order of the day at this casual sports bar complete with WingHouse Girls and TVs everywhere you turn.

When Bill Palmer, co-creator of Applebee’s, went fishing for a new concept, he landed an under-served niche: casual seafood.

Veggie Grill uses only plant-based ingredients on its menu, but the global flavors, seasonal ingredients and chef-inspired dishes draw meat eaters as well as...

Fast-casual pizza chains used those 800-degree ovens to burn their mark into the industry in the past year. Three made the top 10 in The Future 50.

Contemporary Tex-Mex chain The Matador offers a design-focused atmosphere with scratch-made tortas and enchiladas, and a massive tequila selection. Owners...

This breakfast and brunch concept with an extensive morning-cocktail menu reports both strong same-store sales (up 45.5% from 2015-2016) and unit growth. It has an eco-friendly focus, touting its comp...

A sports bar with a New Orleans flair, this brand—which brought on Saints quarterback Drew Brees as a co-owner in 2015—outfits its waitresses in cheerleader uniforms. Tables in some units feature thei...

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