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Future 50: Emerging Brands

Restaurant Business magazine's annual ranking of the fastest-growing small chains in America

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Crispers

 Jul. 21, 2014

Established in 1989, Crispers took its time about growing: It was almost a decade before a second unit opened. Since then, growth has clearly been on this fast-casual gourmet salad and sandwich chain’s agenda.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Lizard’s Thicket

 Jul. 21, 2014

The name Lizard’s Thicket was one its founders, Bob and Anna Williams, heard while in Alabama 30 years ago and later decided fit their “country cooking” concept in Columbia, South Carolina.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Freshii

Jun. 17, 2015

The health-focused fast casual is in the middle of a growth spurt; it announced in late November that it plans to open 160 franchised units in 2015.

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Pie Five Pizza Co.

Jul. 11, 2016

While the beginning of 2016 was a bit of a rough spot for the DIY fast-casual pizza chain, Pie Five has proven to be the workhorse fueling parent Rave...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Andy's Frozen Custard

Jul. 11, 2016

With a focus on fresh fruit and housemade ingredients, the QSR mixes from-scratch brownies, pies and shortcake into its frozen desserts. It has added nine...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Burger Lounge

Jul. 04, 2017

The only burger concept among the top 20 on this list, this fast casual declares “We do a common thing uncommonly well.” Burger Lounge emphasizes American grass-fed beef, as well as free-range turkey ...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

City Barbeque

Jul. 04, 2017

City Barbeque has seen accelerated growth since selling part of the company to private-equity firm Freeman Spogli last year. The chain positions itself as celebrating “the craft of barbecue,&rdq...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Sep. 12, 2013

Nothing Bundt Cakes is a quickservice concept that describes its restaurants as “bundtiques.” Customers can order online or at a counter. The bundt cakes...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

El Fenix Café

Sep. 13, 2013

Tex-Mex food style pioneer Miguel Martinez opened El Fenix Café on the eve of Diez y Seis 1918 in Dallas, Texas. Half a century later, with “Café”...

Future 50: Emerging Brands

Flat Top Grill

Jun. 25, 2014

Flat Top Grill is a traditional casual-dining chain that gives customers the chance to assemble their own stir-fry dishes and watch as their creations are cooked on an exhibition-style flat-top grill.

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