Restaurant Trends - Growing And Emerging Concepts - Change and Activity Nov 29, 2011

Growing Concepts  Concepts that have grown by at least 5% (if less than 50 units). 

Irving, TX-based M CROWD RESTAURANT GROUP (founded 1991) has increased by 5 units for the Mi Cocina concept, from 15 to 20 (33% concept growth) and 1 unit for Taco Diner, from 5 to 6 (20% concept growth).  The company also operates Mercury Grill (1).  Overall company increase was from 21 to 27 (29% growth).  These are family/casual Mexican concepts, open for lunch and dinner.  Per person check average is $6-$15+.  The restaurants have full bar and seating for about 200.  Catering and banquet services are available.  All locations are in TX.

TX-based PIRANHA KILLER SUSHI (founded 2001) has increased by 1 unit, from 4 to 5 (25% growth).  This is an upscale sushi concept, open for lunch and dinner.  Per person check average is $15-$50+.  The restaurants have full bar and seat about 90.  Catering and private party options are available.  All locations are in TX.  A 6th unit is scheduled to open soon in San Antonio.

NEW YORK PIZZERIA based in Houston, TX (founded 1992) has increased by 4 units for their New York Pizzeria concept, from 19 to 23 (21% concept growth).  Their second company concept called Russo's NY Coal Fired Pizza has decreased by 1 unit, from 7 to 6.  Overall company growth is from 26 to 29 (12% growth).  Concepts tend to be family/casual Italian and pizza restaurants with full bar and seating for around 100.  Meal periods are lunch and dinner.  Per person check average is around $6-$15+.  Locations are in TN and TX.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

Concepts with 20 units or less who grew by at least 2 units.

Atlanta, GA-based TWISTED TACO (founded 2002) has increased by 2 units, from 4 to 6 (50% growth).  These are family/casual restaurants, open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20 per person price range.  Units have full bar and seating for around 250.  Catering, delivery, and banquet services are available.  The restaurants are individually owned and operated and all are located in GA.

VA-based THE SKINNY DIP FROZEN YOGURT BAR (founded 2008) has increased by 2 units, from 8 to 10 (25% growth).  The stores are quick serve, open for lunch and dinner hours.  Per person price range is $2-$6.  Stores have limited seating.  Trading areas are NC and VA.

RANCHERITO'S MEXICAN FOOD of Salt Lake City, UT (founded 1997) has increased by 3 units, from 14 to 17 (21% growth).  These are quick serve Mexican restaurants with seating for around 80.  Locations are open 24 hours.  Per person check average is around $4-$10.  All locations are in UT.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months.

Dallas, TX-based DICKEY'S BARBECUE PIT (founded 1941) has increased by 58 units, from 166 to 224 (35% growth) and entered into CT, ND, OH, OR, WA, and WI.  This fast casual concept is open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$12 per person check average.  Units seat around 150 and offer catering and online ordering services.  Full bar is served at select locations, others offer beer and wine.  All stores are franchised and trade in AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, and WY.  We last featured this concept on 9/8/10 (11% growth) and on 5/24/11 (19% growth).  

Ann Arbor, MI-based ESPRESSO ROYALE CAFÉ (founded 1987) has increased by 2 units, from 22 to 24 (9% growth).  These quick serve coffee shops are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, with a $2-$6 per person check average.  Units seat around 40 and offer catering and online ordering services.  Trading areas are CA, IL, MI, MN, and WI.  We wrote about this concept on 9/14/10 (5% growth).

JET'S PIZZA of Sterling Heights, MI (founded 1978) has increased by 19 units, from 228 to 247 (8% growth).  These are take-out restaurants serving lunch and dinner.  Delivery and online ordering are offered.  Locations are more than 80% franchised and are in AL, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, NC, OH, TN, TX and WI.  We last reported on this concept on 6/28/11 when they had 8% growth.



Contact
Keith Gellman
Restaurantchains.net
1 Bridge St, Unit 94
Irvington, NY 10533
914-591-4297

http://www.restaurantchains.net
keith@restaurantchains.net

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