Newcomers to the Top 100 Independents

Leading the way for this year's newcomers to the Top 100 is multiconcept operator Specialty Restaurants Corp., which made its debut on the ranking with three concepts: Rusty Pelican (No. 49), Castaway Burbank (No. 80) and Whiskey Joe’s Tampa (No. 98). And Farmers Restaurant Group added two more concepts, Farmers & Distillers (No. 95) and Founding Farmers in King of Prussia, Pa. (No. 99), bringing the number of its restaurants on the list to five. Click through to learn more about them and the other newcomers.

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Opened in 2017, this latest addition to the Gibson family follows a winning formula.

Location: Chicago

Top 100 rank: 24

2018 sales: $20.4M

Meals sold: 229,887

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A $7 million renovation reinvigorated the contemporary American eatery known for its panoramic view.

Location: Miami

Top 100 rank: 49

2018 sales: $16.9M

Meals sold: 152,351

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Open since 2016, the second location is outpacing the original Original Joe's.

Location: Daly City, Calif.

Top 100 rank: 55

2018 sales: $16.6M

Meals sold: 457,341

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Steak and hilltop views are a winning combination.

Location: Burbank, Calif.

Top 100 rank: 80

2018 sales: $13.7M

Meals sold: 175,170

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Stephanie Izard's flagship, this perennial hot spot stays that way with innovative small plates.

Location: Chicago

Top 100 rank: 91

2018 sales: $12.7M

Meals sold: 182,500

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Carmine's is known for its family-style versions of Southern Italian specialties.

Location: Las Vegas

Top 100 rank: 92

2018 sales: $12.7M

Meals sold: 128,385

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Seven private dining rooms can accommodate up to 700 guests.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Top 100 rank: 94

2018 sales: $12.2M

Meals sold: 147,748

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A popular cocktail bar and brisk lunch trade keep this location buzzing.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Top 100 rank: 95

2018 sales: $11.9M

Meals sold: 359,605

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One of three in Indianapolis, it's the sibling of St. Elmo Steak House.

Location: Indianapolis

Top 100 rank: 96

2018 sales: $11.8M

Meals sold: 110,000*

*RB estimate

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Original Joe's anchors a prime spot in the heart of San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood.

Location: San Francisco

Top 100 rank: 97

2018 sales: $11.8M

Meals sold: 252,180*

*RB estimate

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A barefoot tiki bar is situated literally on the beach.

Location: Tampa, Fla.

Top 100 rank: 98

2018 sales: $11.8M

Meals sold: 270,766

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Open since 2017, this location serves breakfast or brunch, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Location: King of Prussia, Pa.

Top 100 rank: 99

2018 sales: $11.6M

Meals sold: 394,297

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One of four Urban Farmers, all of which are located in hotels.

Location: Portland, Ore.

Top 100 rank: 100

2018 sales: $11.6M

Meals sold: 146,282

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