Up and Coming Restaurant Chains

We love food and because of this we have restaurants all over the place. Last year the food industry took a big hit because of covid. While many restaurants suffered, there were many new guys on the block that still managed to thrive, despite the virus. Certain chains such as Starbucks and Subway will always have lots and lots of locations and will be successful, but they better watch out for these up-and-coming restaurants.

1. Shake Shack

In 2001 Shake Shack started in Madison Square Park as a hot dog cart. Now, it is one of Americas best burger and shake joints. Last year alone Shake Shack opened 49 locations. The restaurant has made a special focus on using the best ingredients and grinds the burgers fresh every night from the best cuts of meat. Reports also indicate that people love the design and atmosphere, making for a great dining experience. Lastly, expect great hospitality each time you choose to eat at Shake Shack.

2. First Watch

Ken Pendery and John Sullivan started First Watch after leaving a breakfast chain in Colorado. The first location was in Pacific Grove, California in 1983 and now has over 300 locations. Texas, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, and Ohio are states with the most locations. First Watch closes at 2:30 PM and has breakfast items such as lemon ricotta pancakes, smoked salmon eggs benedict, avocado toast, and coffee. The chain grew by 24.8% last year and you can expect it to continue to grow.

3. Raising Canes

I recently went on a trip to Arizona. We stayed in the Phoenix area, enjoyed the sunshine, and went to the Grand Canyon. Nothing against Arizona, but the best part of the trip was going to Raising Canes. They have chicken that is out of this world, complemented by the absolute best piece of toast. It was so good that on our way back home we stopped there again in Las Vegas. Just as good as the food was the service. We were greeted by someone holding the door open for us, there was no line, and the food came out fast, all the while the workers were friendly and happy. Raising Canes now has nearly 400 locations to bless the lives of people in the United States, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon.

4. Chick Fil A

Sticking with the chicken, Chick Fil A is continuing to grow and is a favorite for many across the country. The sauce, the waffle fries, the sandwich, the milkshakes is all worth singing about. It is no surprise that Kanye West sings about Chick Fil A in his song titled “Closed on Sunday.” The company now operates over 2,00 locations in every state except Alaska, Hawaii, and Vermont. It seems everywhere I go I see a new construction site with cement, pipes, and conduit spacers preparing the foundation for yet another Chick Fil A location.

5. Wingstop

Wings need to be more appreciated and Wingstop is making that happen. Wings are for more than Sunday Afternoon football but can be a regular meal. Wingstop started in Garland, Texas, and now has over 1,000 locations in 12 countries. The menu includes wings, chicken strips, and a variety of dips and sides. Hickory smoked barbecue, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, mild, spicy Korean, mango habanero, and Louisiana rub are some of the fan favorites.

6. Tropical Smoothie

Last but certainly not least Tropical Smoothie has the best smoothies in America. The first location was in Tallahassee, Florida and now has close to a thousand locations around the united states. Last year the café experienced a 21% increase in sales.

It is becoming easier and easier to say goodbye to the groceries and hello to the quick and convenient drive-thru lines. When you do, be sure to hit up these up-and-coming joints.