Watch Your Step!
Encouraged by a strong economy, restaurant chains are growing with confident—if somewhat conservative—steps. Whereas a year ago, some companies posted nearly 150% growth from the year before in terms of sales and/or unit counts, a mere handful were pleased just to crack the 100% mark in either category on this year's charts.
Yet there is considerable growth going on out there, and far more than the years prior to 2004, when countless chains were either shuttering units, or focusing their energies on existing ones. Whereas a small number of hyperactive concepts posted gaudy numbers a year ago, many more chains fall into the healthy 30-50% growth range now. While upstarts like Claddagh Irish Pub, Outback seafood concept Bonefish Grill, and Ted Turner's bison concept Ted's Montana Grill catch the eye by doubling their sales or unit counts, a robust gang of middle-of-the-packers seems to believe that, as the adage goes, slow and steady wins the race.
The current batch of growth chains, as always, shows a wildly divergent mix of concepts. There's ice cream and hot wings, coffee and beer, burritos and Hawaiian barbecue. While some have opted to dive right into the pool, others—like the fondue concept on the list—prefer a casual dip. -RESEARCH PREPARED BY TECHNOMIC INC.
External Source - For the complete article click here
Source - Restaurant Business
The current batch of growth chains, as always, shows a wildly divergent mix of concepts. There's ice cream and hot wings, coffee and beer, burritos and Hawaiian barbecue. While some have opted to dive right into the pool, others—like the fondue concept on the list—prefer a casual dip. -RESEARCH PREPARED BY TECHNOMIC INC.
External Source - For the complete article click here
Source - Restaurant Business
