Restaurant Trends - Growing And Emerging Concepts - Data reflects change and activity from March 21, 2008 to July 21, 2008

Growing Concepts that have grown by at least 5% (if less than 50 units).
San Diego, CA-based GARDEN FRESH RESTAURANT CORP (founded 1978) has increased by 1 unit for the Souplantation concept, from 35 to 36 (3% concept growth) and by 3 units for Sweet Tomatoes, from 70 to 73 (4% concept growth). Overall company increase was from 105 to 109 (4% company growth). The restaurants are buffet style salad bars, with a $6-$12 per person check average. Meal periods are lunch and dinner. Seating is for about 250. Catering is available. Trading areas are AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, KS, MO, NC, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, and WA.

Lake Forest, CA-based DEL TACO (founded 1964) has increased by 31 units, from 508 to 539 (6% growth) and entered into OH and WI. These are quick serve Mexican restaurants, open for lunch and dinner, with a $3-$8 per person check average. Seating is for about 80. Trading areas are AZ, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, MI, MO, MT, NM, NV, OH, OR, TN, UT, WA, and WI. About half of locations are franchised.

Dallas, TX-based CORNER BAKERY CAFÉ (founded 1991) has increased by 5 units, from 99 to 104 (5% growth). The restaurants are fast casual, with a $3-$8 per person check average. Meal periods are breakfast, lunch and dinner. Seating is for about 80. Catering is available. Trading areas are CA, CO, DC, GA, IL, MD, PA, TX, and VA. About 10% of units are franchised.

STRAW HAT PIZZA of San Ramon, CA (founded 1959) has increased by 1 unit, from 39 to 40 (3% growth). These are family/casual restaurants with full bar and seating for about 90. Catering and banquets are offered. Locations are in CA and NV.

LAS MARGARITAS of Powell, OH has increased by 1 unit, from 5 to 6 (20% growth). These are family/casual Mexican restaurants with seating for about 200. Full bar and catering are offered. All are located in OH.

MANGIA CHICAGO STUFFED PIZZA based in Austin, TX (founded 1988) has increased by 1 unit, from 7 to 8 (14% growth). Units are family/casual with full bar. Seating is for about 150 with banquets and catering offered. Stores are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All are located in TX.

JOJO'S PIZZA KITCHEN based in Chino Hills, CA (founded 1968) has increased by 1 unit, from 5 to 6 (20% growth). These are family/casual restaurants serving Italian & pizza. Seating is for about 80 and beer and wine are served. Catering and banquets are offered. All locations are in CA.

Concepts with 20 units or less who grew by at least 2 units.
Scottsdale, AZ-based EDDIE V'S RESTAURANTS INC has increased by 1 unit for the Roaring Fork concept, from 2 to 3 (50% concept growth) and by 1 unit for Wildfish Seafood Grille, from 2 to 3 (50% concept growth). In addition, the company also operates Eddie V's restaurants (3 units). Overall company increase was from 7 to 9 (29% company growth). The restaurants are upscale steak & seafood concepts, with a $30-$50 plus per person check average. Locations are open for dinner only. Seating is for about 250, with a full bar. Banquet facilities are available. Trading areas are AZ, CA, and TX.

PIZZA PIT based in Madison, WI (founded 1969) has increased by 2 units, from 17 to 19 (12% growth). These are take/out and delivery pizza units. Catering is offered. Locations are more than 90% franchised and are in IA and WI.

SAMMY'S WOODFIRE PIZZA based in La Jolla, CA (founded 1989) has increased by 2 units, from 14 to 16 (14% growth. Units are family/casual with full bar. Seating is for about 150. Catering and banquets are offered. Locations are in CA and NV.

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months.
Conshohocken, PA-based SALADWORKS (founded 1986) has increased by 6 units, from 88 to 94 (7% growth) and entered into CA. We wrote about this concept on 10/30/07 (12% growth). Locations are fast casual, with a $4-$10 per person check average. Meal periods are lunch and dinner. Seating is for about 70. Catering and delivery are available. Trading areas are CA, DC, DE, FL, IL, MD, NC, NJ, and PA. More than 90% of units are franchised.

Dallas, TX-based DICKEY'S BBQ PIT (founded 1941) has increased by 5 units, from 85 to 90 (6% growth) and entered into AZ, CA, GA, and PA. We wrote about this concept on 6/19/07 (14% growth), 11/20/07 (5% growth) and on 4/22/08 (10% growth). The restaurants are fast casual, with seating for about 150. Per person check average is $6-12. Meal periods are lunch and dinner. Beer and wine are served. Catering is available. Trading areas are AZ, CA, CO, DE, GA, IA, ID, MO, MS, NC, NE, NM, OH, PA, TN, TX, and VA. More than 90% of units are franchised.

Dallas, TX-based PIZZA PATRON (founded 1986) has increased by 6 units, from 74 to 80 (8% growth). We wrote about this concept on 4/17/07 (8% growth) and on 4/1/08 (10% growth). These take-out pizzerias are open for lunch and dinner. Trading areas are AZ, CA, CO, FL, NV, and TX. More than 90% of units are franchised.


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