In-N-Out Burger

As part of a plan to boost slipping profits, the burger giant plans to sell a chunk of company-owned units—largely outside the U.S.—to franchisees by the end of 2016.

It’s important to understand what consumers think of your operation, but getting in-the-moment feedback isn’t always an easy task. That's why Los Angeles-based Umami Burger from restaurateur Adam Fleischman rolled out its "Umamify the Guest" program.

We went back to seven of the past Future 50 chain leaders to glean insights on how they've prospered through ups and downs in the economy, consumers' changing preferences and other challenges over the past 10 years.