Many of the Top 100 Independent restaurants get a big traffic boost because of their locations in tourist-heavy cities. These concepts have an added boost from nearby guests: potential customers staying in the hotel in which they are located.
California's AB1228 pushed the fast-casual chain's wage up 20% and menu price hikes will cover the cost. But with first-quarter traffic up more than 5%, Chipotle officials are not worried.
The vegetarian fast-food chain emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after just a few months with plans to grow to 60 locations around New England within five years.