Red Lobster

Two in five people say they are willing to spend more on meals that showcase new and interesting flavors, finds a recent Technomic study of consumer flavor trends. And consumers—especially Millennials—are seeking a broader spectrum of food choices, indicating that options for more authentic and traditional foods are increasingly important. Adding or adjusting sauce applications is just one easy and economical way to satisfy this customer craving.

RB's 2015 Top 100 Independents rankings spotlights the country’s top-grossing restaurants with no more than five locations. Here are some findings from the list.

Unexpected developments abounded in the restaurant business, from a surge in popularity of hurling hatchets to new revelations about how much some restaurants pay.