Edit

Which Wich

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: Fast-casual chains

Fast casual continues full speed ahead, with two decades of double-digit growth. With $34 billion in sales—an 11.5% increase—the segment now comprises about 12% of the Top 500.

C-Store vs QSR

By Dana Tanyeri, Amanda M. Westbrooks, Patricia Cobe, Tom Starner, Restaurant Business Staff and Abbie Westra on Aug. 01, 2012

In one corner, c-stores, trying to reinvent themselves and steal customers from restaurants by beefing up the quality and quantity of their food.

My best mistake

By Patricia Cobe and Restaurant Business Staff on Jul. 26, 2011

"I lost my cool—at the wrong person."— Kat Cole, President, CinnabonAccording to a business fable that’s made the rounds, a mid-level executive...

The Future 50 2008

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jun. 23, 2008

Restaurant Business Magazine's annual ranking of the fastest growing small chains in America.

The Future 50 2009

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jun. 23, 2008

Restaurant Business Magazine's annual ranking of the fastest growing small chains in America.

The Future 50 2010

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jun. 23, 2008

Restaurant Business Magazine's annual ranking of the fastest growing small chains in America.

Cheese: Whey To Go

By Restaurant Business Staff on Apr. 07, 2008

In its 2007 year-end analysis, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board states that the overarching food trend that favors small batch, homemade products and...

Breakfast: A Bite of the Morning Meal

By Restaurant Business Staff on Jan. 07, 2008

Concepts large and small are paying more attention to breakfast. There are even a few emerging chains—First Watch, Cereality and the Egg & I—dedicated...

On the road with Jane and Michael Stern

By Restaurant Business Staff on Mar. 11, 2007

We’ve asked America’s evangelists of “Roadfood,” the authors of the indispensable guide of the same name, to design four custom-made, mouth-watering vacations just for Restaurant Business readers. So clear your calendar and top off the tank. It’s time to take a road trip.