Houlihan's

2016 Top 500 restaurant chains

More than half of the restaurant industry’s $491 billion in sales come from the Top 500 chains. And these giants grew at a modestly stronger rate, both in terms of sales and store counts, than the industry overall. Restaurant Business focused on the leading 250 performers to identify trends for our first-ever special report delivering lessons from Technomic’s annual Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report. This special package includes lessons for all operators from the largest chains by segment, menu category and more.

Food

3 ethnic fried chicken styles on the rise

Asian fried chicken recipes reign supreme.

Restaurants take sampling beyond beer and wine to waffles, pies, sauces and more.

The contemporary chain serves scratch-made American fare

Dedicated snack menus are on the rise in casual dining to capture anytime eaters.

See what deals operators are unloading for the big feast.

The consent agreement settles a three-year action brought by the Department of Labor.

Surprising skewered foods bring Instagram-worthy delight.

Casual-dining veteran and Houlihan's CEO Mike Archer spoke with Restaurant Business on what changes he’s brought in—and still plans to make—that should keep competitors on their toes, from bar revamps to delivery service. There are even a few lessons from Houlihan’s that others pushing to modernize can learn.

Overall, the varied menu category is flat, up .3% in sales to $23.9 billion and .5% in units to 7,792.

  • Page 3