Food Fun & News
Aug 13Nation’s Restaurant News recently released its list of the fastest-growing chains in the country, based on American sales growth in 2017. These are the top five restaurants making a mouthwatering name for themselves.
5. Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant
Casual dining chains like Red Lobster, T.G.I. Friday’s, and Applebee’s haven’t been thriving, but Cooper’s Hawk certainly is. The small winery and restaurant chain, which calls itself an “upscale casual restaurant,” only has 30 locations, none of which are located farther west than Kansas City. However, their sales increased by 30 percent in the last year to reach $ 241 million. We see more locations in their future!
4. First Watch
If you haven’t heard of this chain, think of it as a faster, cleaner, fresher family-friendly diner for breakfast and lunch. They boast creative dishes like the Elote Mexican street corn hash and the açai bowl for a balanced, delectable meal. With 239 locations (a 21.3 percent increase year over year), First Watch saw sales skyrocket and finish 30 percent higher than last year, according to Business Insider. Don’t miss these first locations of 8 famous fast food restaurants.
3. Shake Shack
Shake Shack, which hit 100 locations (both nationally and internationally) this year, clocks in at #3 for good reason. The responsibly-sourced ingredients for their delicious burgers and creamy “concretes” make this restaurant less “fast food” and more “indulgent getaway.” Shake Shack’s sales went up 32.5 percent in the last year, bringing their total to $ 367.3 million. This burger joint is here to stay.
2. Blaze Pizza
This fast-casual personal pizza restaurant has been around for almost 10 years, but it wasn’t widely recognized until LeBron James gave it a ringing endorsement. From 2016 to 2017, sales leapt 48.9 percent to $ 274.4 million, according to CNBC. And for good reason: The chain has a number of interesting pizza choices, different kinds of dough (regular, hi-rise, and gluten free), and a “build your own” option. Check out these 14 secret menu items you need to order from your favorite fast food restaurants.
