Newcomers to the 2018 Top 500 list
By Sara Rush Wirth on Jun. 25, 2018Top 500
These emerging chains have managed to grow enough to break into the Top 500 ranks. Even during a difficult time for the restaurant industry, they've grown sales and units, in part by differentiating their brands through menu, design, marketing and more.
Serafina
Top 500 rank: 363
2017 sales: $73.9M*
2017 units: 15
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar
Top 500 rank: 369
2017 sales: $73M
The sports bar with a New Orleans flair has grown from its Louisiana roots to nearly 20 locations in two states, with more on the way. Late last year, the chain sold its catering business, a move designed to fuel the sports bar’s growth. Now, the brand—which brought on NFL quarterback Drew Brees as a co-owner in 2015—is focused solely on development and franchising of its restaurants.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Jinya Ramen Bar
Top 500 rank: 420
2017 sales: $626.6M*
2017 units: 30
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Bubba's 33
Top 500 rank: 434
2017 sales: $59.8M*
2017 units: 20
Texas Roadhouse’s 5-year-old growth vehicle is still working out the kinks, as results have been mixed. The sports bar brand focuses on Southern hospitality and a signature burger blend made with 33% ground bacon, as well as TVs viewable from every seat. Its parent is in the midst of evaluating its size and style of operation, while continuing to push expansion. “Our unit economics on Bubba’s are still very much a work in progress,” said Scott Colosi, president of Texas Roadhouse, in an earnings call earlier this year. “We continue to tweak our prototype and, similar to Roadhouse, are very focused on the strength of our day-to-day execution.”
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Andy's Frozen Custard
Top 500 rank: 448
2017 sales: $57M*
2017 units: 57
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Pressed Juicery
Top 500 rank: 456
2017 sales: $55.4M*
2017 units: 128
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
True Food Kitchen
Top 500 rank: 464
2017 sales: $54.2M*
2017 units: 23
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar
Top 500 rank: 466
2017 sales: $53.3M
2017 units: 26
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report
Erbert & Gerbert's Sandwich Shop
Top 500 rank: 476
2017 sales: $51.8M*
2017 units: 115
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
City BBQ
Top 500 rank: 481
2017 sales: $51.1M*
2017 units: 43
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Bartaco
Top 500 rank: 487
2017 sales:$50.2M*
2017 units: 15
The more casual sister concept of Barcelona Wine Bar, Bartaco is a street food-style taco joint with a beach-inspired, laid-back ambiance. The 15-unit chain and its sister brand were recently acquired by Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group as part of an effort to “capture market share in the experiential dining segments, while mitigating the risk of seasonality and economic downturns,” said Del Frisco’s CEO Norm Abdallah. With four more units currently in development, Del Frisco’s believes the chain could grow to 200 to 300 locations nationwide.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
North Italia
Top 500 rank: 488
2017 sales: $50.2M*
2017 units: 12
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
B.Good
Top 500 rank: 489
2017 sales: $50M*
2017 units: 53
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Boiling Point
Top 500 rank: 491
2017 sales: $49.6M*
2017 units: 19
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
Top 500 rank: 492
2017 sales: $49.6M
2017 units: 28
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
Top 500 rank: 493
2017 sales: $49.3M*
2017 units: 22
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
HopCat
Top 500 rank: 496
2017 sales: $48.7M*
2017 units: 16
Self-dubbed “the anti-chain chain,” HopCat is known for its extensive beer menus that feature a wide range of regional and global brews. The concept strives to deliver on a singular mission: “To bring you great beer.” Each unit is designed to have an independent feel, with some of the decor as well as the beer having a local focus.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Black Walnut Cafe
Top 500 rank: 497
2017 sales: $48.4M*
2017 units: 16
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Luna Grill
Top 500 rank: 499
2017 sales: $48.2M*
2017 units: 40
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill
Top 500 rank: 500
2017 sales: $48.2M*
2017 units: 38
The youngest brand in private-equity firm Roark Capital’s portfolio, the fast-casual concept is known for its shawarma, handmade falafel and fresh-baked pitas, which guests can order as they work their way down the create-your-own line. Already in seven states and the District of Columbia, Naf Naf is currently 100% company-operated, but it is set to begin franchising later this year. To help with that franchising and growth effort, the brand brought in Paul Damico, a former executive of the heavily franchised Focus Brands, as CEO last summer.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Return to the Top 500: full list.