Newcomers to the Top 500
Newcomers to the Top 500
By Sara Rush Wirth on Apr. 22, 2019These 20 chains grew sales enough in 2018 to make it onto this year's Top 500 ranking. Their emergence reflects a variety trends, including the rise of better-for-you options, breakfast-and-lunch-only places and creative cocktails.
Learn more about Technomic's Top 500.
Keke's Breakfast Cafe
Top 500 rank: 419
208 sales: $62.4M*
2018 units: 40
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
California Fish Grill
Top 500 rank: 425
2018 sales: $61.9M
2018 units: 24
The chain focuses on a menu that’s deliberately simple. It offers about a dozen species of fish and shellfish, all sustainably sourced, in a laid-back atmosphere.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report
Paris Baguette
Top 500 rank: 442
2018 sales: $58.9M*
2018 units: 77
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Halal Guys
Top 500 rank: 445
2018 sales: $58.6M*
2018 units: 69
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Kung Fu Tea
Top 500 rank: 454
2018 sales: $57.5M*
2018 units: 165
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
Top 500 rank: 455
2018 sales: $57.2M*
2018 units: 26
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Poke Bar
Top 500 rank: 471
2018 sales: $53.7M*
2018 units: 68
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
CoreLife Eatery
Top 500 rank: 479
2018 sales: $52.6M
2018 units: 49
The health-focused chain serving up bowls and power plates grew sales by nearly 134% in 2018 and expanded its unit count by almost 89%.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Top 500 rank: 485
2018 sales: $51.7M
2018 units: 17
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report
Broken Yolk Cafe
Top 500 rank: 486
2018 sales: $51.5M*
2018 units: 32
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Jimmy's Egg
Top 500 rank: 487
2018 sales: $51.5M*
2018 units: 61
The breakfast-and-lunch chain, founded by a Vietnamese refugee, claims there are 40,000 ways to order its omelets.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar
Top 500 rank: 491
2018 sales: $50.8M*
2018 units: 9
The casual-dining concept from Big Time Restaurant Group is known for having 225 varieties of tequila on the menu—a factor that helps boost its average check to $19.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Vitality Bowls
Top 500 rank: 493
2018 sales: $50.4M*
2018 units: 64
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Top 500 rank: 494
2018 sales: $50.3M*
2018 units: 31
The breakfast-and-lunch-only concept stands out from the pack with its full bar, complete with morning-themed cocktails, and nontraditional riffs on breakfast classics.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Panini Kabob Grill
Top 500 rank: 495
2018 sales: $50M*
2018 units: 14
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Pluckers Wing Bar
Top 500 rank: 496
2018 sales: $49.5M*
2018 units: 24
The idea for the wings concept came when its founders were in college and wanted something besides pizza and Chinese to fill late-night cravings.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Gen Korean BBQ
Top 500 rank: 497
2018 sales: $49.4M*
2018 units: 26
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Roti Modern Mediterranean
Top 500 rank: 498
2018 sales: $49.2M*
2018 units: 39
The Chicago-based chain’s growth was fueled by a $23 million investment early last year; the chain is also using the equity financing to advance its technology to support growth.
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
110 Grill
Top 500 rank: 499
2018 sales: $48.9M*
2018 units: 18
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate
Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar
Top 500 rank: 500
2018 sales: $48.7M*
2018 units: 20
Source: Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report; *estimate