All Special Reports

Future 50: Emerging Brands

The unlikely rise of The Halal Guys

It’s an unlikely success story—a Cinderella saga of how a concept transformed from a New York City hot dog cart to the country’s fastest-growing small chain.

Clean Plate Awards

Tracing the trends from 10 years of Clean Plates

Winning dishes have showcased myriad notable trends, many of which continue to influence the industry today.

Change agents facing the greatest challenges in the restaurant industry today.

From a 160-year-old classic to a music venue enjoying the success of a pop culture namesake, Washington, D.C., is home to six of the Top 100 Independents.

Restaurant Business identified the 20 fastest-growing small chains that have fewer than 20 units, at least 20% sales growth from 2015 to 2016, and under $25 million in total sales.

The Sunshine State is home to eight of the Top 100 Independents; last year, the count was six. Three of the highest-grossing restaurants in Florida are on Disney properties.

Whether these concepts grew their incremental sales, opened up or asked to be considered, they made the list of Top 100 Independents for the first time this year.

While many of the Top 100 Independent restaurants on this years ranking are standalone spots, many operate within hotels, providing a built-in group of diners.

The top-grossing independent restaurants located in hotels of 2017.

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