Caribou Coffee

More than half of the restaurant industry’s $491 billion in sales come from the Top 500 chains. And these giants grew at a modestly stronger rate, both in terms of sales and store counts, than the industry overall. Restaurant Business focused on the leading 250 performers to identify trends for our first-ever special report delivering lessons from Technomic’s annual Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report. This special package includes lessons for all operators from the largest chains by segment, menu category and more.

With consumers prowling stores and the internet for gift ideas, some restaurants are ready with suggestions that could also make their holidays a little happier.

A look at the top chains winning with solo diners—as well as those scoring high with most consumers but missing the mark when it comes to dine-alone guests.