RestaurantChains.net Alerts Newsletter
December 12, 2006
Data reflects change and activity during the most recent four-month period from:
08/09/06 to 12/09/06
A free weekly newsletter covering public and
private restaurant chains featuring under-reported unique
facts relating to growth. Pertinent information is
gathered, verified and analyzed in-house using
proprietary methods created in our research and
library departments.
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In this issue
* Restaurant Incubator Index updated
* Emerging Concepts/Trading area expansions
* Re-emerging concept
* Units Decreased
* Coming in January
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Emerging Concepts/Trading area expansions
Bradenton, FL-based FIRST WATCH RESTAURANTS
(founded 1983), has increased 7 units during the
period, from 60 to 67 (12% growth). They have
expanded into the states of MD and VA, but have also
pulled out of CA with the closure of 2 locations.
Restaurants are family casual, with a per person
check average of $2-$6. All locations are open
only for breakfast and lunch. Units seat about 150 (3500
sq ft). 90% of locations are company owned and
operated. Trading areas are AZ, FL, KS, KY, MD, MO,
OH, OK, VA, and WV.
Scottsdale, AZ-based KONA GRILL (founded
1998-NASDAQ: KONA), has opened 4 units, from 10 to
14 (40% growth) and expanded into the state
of FL. Restaurants serve American Grill
cuisine, with a per person check average of $8-
$20. Locations are open for lunch and dinner, with
seating for 300 (7000 sq ft). Two locations have accommodations for
private parties. Trading areas are AZ, CO, FL, IL,
IN, MO, NE, NV, and TX.
WISHBONES FAMOUS FINGERS & WINGS
based in Knoxville, TN (founded 2001) has increased by 1 unit
during the period and 1 unit during the previous
period growing from 3 to 5 units, (66% growth in eight
months). Locations are fast casual with seating for
about 80 and a per person check average of $3-
$8. There are now 4 Wishbones locations and 1 Denton’s
Big Orange Steakery. All units are corporate and
located in TN.
AMANTE PIZZA & PASTA of Seattle, WA has
increased by 2 units, from 7 to 9 (29% growth) and
expanded into MD. Five of the locations are
family/casual with full bar, seating for about 40
and a check average of $6-$15 per person. The
remaining locations are quick service with beer and
wine. The units are 88% franchised and located in
WA and MD. The family style locations offer
catering and banquets.
RUNZA of Lincoln, NE (founded 1949) has
increased by 3 units, from 74 to 77. They opened 2
new Runza locations and 1 new Braeda location.
Current locations are Braeda Fresh Express Café (4)
and Runza (73) in CO, IA, KS and NE. Runza stores
are quick service sandwich units with seating for
about 80 and a check average of about $3-$8 per
person. Braeda stores are fast casual. The
locations are about 50% franchised.
SAN FRANCISCO OVEN of Cleveland, OH
(founded 2001) has opened a new location from 14 to 15 (7%)
units and expanded into DE. Locations are fast
casual pizza stores that serve beer and wine with
seating for about 150. They have a $4-$10 per
person check average. Stores are located in DE,
FL, IA, LA, MO, OH, SC and TX. Locations are mostly
franchised.
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Re-emerging concept
San Diego, CA-based PAT & OSCAR’S (founded
1991), has increased 2 units during the last 4
months, from 17 to 19 (12% growth). During the
prior 4-month period (Feb ’06 to Jun ’06), the
company had a 19% downsizing, closing 4 units.
Restaurants are fast casual and open for lunch and
dinner, with a per person check average of $6-$15+
Seating is for 250 (7000 sq ft). Beer and wine is
served. All locations are in CA.
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Units Decreased
Fayetteville, AR-based SHAKE’S FROZEN CUSTARD
(founded 1991), has closed 3 units during the
period, from 41 to 38 (7% downsizing). The company
is no longer operating in the state of GA. During
the 4 month period prior (Mar ’06 to Jul ’06), the
company had also closed 3 units. These quick serve
ice cream parlors are open for lunch and dinner,
with a per person check average of $2-$6. Units
seat about 30 (1250 sq ft). Over 90% of locations
are franchised. Stores currently operate in the
states of AL, AR, FL, KS, MO, OK, TN and TX, with
plans to open a location in IN next year.
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Coming in January
You can expect to see some changes In January.
1)A published list of the top 10 growth
chains. Taking into account a specific set of
parameters, you can expect to see a list each
calendar quarter displaying the top growers from the
preceding three month period.
2)A larger, more enhanced newsletter. We will
continue to publish a free newsletter and we will
also be publishing a paid version that will be
larger and display more company specifics. Current
clients of the RestaurantChains.net directory will
receive the enhanced version free as part of their
subscription.
Copyright 2006. All data is a representation of in
house research including the perpetual surveying of
more than 7300 restaurant chain concepts. Publisher
accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Reproduction is allowed, but please give credit.
RestaurantChains.net must be listed as the source.
Media inquiries are welcome. Please call 914-591-4297.
Keith Gellman
Restaurantchains.net
1 Bridge St
Irvington on Hudson, NY 10533
1-914-591-4297
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