Four of the 10 newcomers to this year's Top 100 Independents list are Chicago steakhouses: Maple & Ash, RPM Steak, Swift & Sons and Prime & Provisions broke into RB's ranking based on their 2017 sales. In addition, Farmers Restaurant Group landed another concept on the list this year—Farmers Fishers Bakers—after adding two Founding Farmers locations last year. And Junior's new 49th Street restaurant also made its inaugural appearance, despite having only been opened for part of 2017. Read on to see the rest of the restaurants new to the ranking.
The Bottom Line: The coffee shop giant’s sales struggles worsened earlier this year, despite a flurry of efforts to improve operations and employee satisfaction.
After a strong first quarter, Dallas-based Wingstop expects double-digit same-store sales growth this year, as it plans on becoming a Top 10 global restaurant brand.
Behind the Menu: Favorites like mac and cheese, bowls and salads join the fast casual’s Afro-Portuguese-rooted dishes, including the signature peri-peri chicken.