Waffle House

2016 Top 500 restaurant chains

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.

2016 Top 500: Family-dining chains

Family-dining chains from the 2016 Top 500 ranking grew sales by 3.2% to about $15 billion, buoyed by gains from leaders IHOP, Denny’s and Cracker Barrel.

Breakfast-and-lunch-only concepts continue to be the growth stars among the Top 500 family style chains.

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.

The concept added gift cards for the first time at the end of 2016

The quick-service chain is also planning a permanent memorial at the unit where the shooting occurred.

Restaurateurs and customers shushed their inhibitions and indulged some decidedly wicked impulses this week, securing them a prime spot on Santa’s naughty list.

See which 10 chains are meeting consumers’ morning cravings the most.

While some of the legacy brands (such as IHOP and Bob Evans) saw declines, Technomic Chief Insights Officer Darren Tristano expects breakfast-and-lunch concepts to keep growing.

Joe Rogers, Sr., was working at a Toddle House when he decided he had a better idea.

  • Page 3