Chain Profiles
Each article provides in-depth profile on an emerging or innovative chain, focusing on the restaurant layout, menu and how foodservice equipment works with these attributes to deliver service to consumers.
Joe’s Crab Shack Is “100% Shore” about its New Direction
- Published on Wednesday, May 01, 2013
A new brand position and new prototype that focuses on back-of-house efficiency and food safety are redefining this 22-year-old seafood chain.
TCBY Sweetens its Value Proposition
- Published on Monday, April 01, 2013
The grande dame of the red-hot fro-yo space leverages a vibrant new look, a new self-serve format and product innovation to become fresh and compelling again.
Joe’s American Bar & Grill
- Published on Friday, February 01, 2013
A commitment to treat patrons like "guests in your own home" and scratch cooking of classic comfort foods defines this New England-based upscale casual chain.
Blaze Pizza
- Published on Friday, February 01, 2013
A new fast-casual concept bakes up signature or customized artisanal, Neapolitan-style pizzas in a flash. Its franchise-savvy founders expect it to spread like wildfire.
Chain Profile: The Big Salad
- Published on Wednesday, January 02, 2013
A just-in-time inventory system, supporting local compost programs and strict controls for produce purchasing and handling are among the practices allowing this growing chain to minimize waste and focus on maintaining high-quality menu items.
Fresh To Order
- Published on Monday, December 03, 2012
Emerging Atlanta-Based Chain Carves Out “Fast Fine” Niche
Smallcakes Goes Bigtime
- Published on Monday, October 01, 2012
Mix together some television exposure, savvy marketing and a low-overhead business model and you have Smallcakes' recipe for making a name for itself in the thriving cupcake niche.
Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina
- Published on Monday, September 03, 2012
Producing freshly prepared menu items in an efficient kitchen helps this Southwestern grille and cantina-themed restaurant chain compete successfully in the quick-service burrito channel.
McAlister’s Deli
- Published on Monday, September 03, 2012
Updated décor and new operational efficiencies sweeten the growth prospects for this 25-year-old fast-casual chain.
Togo’s: New Look, New Prospects for 40-Year-Old West Coast Original
- Published on Wednesday, August 01, 2012
A vibrant, refreshed look paired with a new, more efficient prototype has this chain poised to take a bigger bite out of the sandwich segment.
Wingstop Sports
- Published on Monday, July 02, 2012
An expanded menu, including grilled chicken salads and sandwiches, and a larger footprint with more seats and widescreen televisions than the traditional units positions this new sports concept for an appealing entry into new markets.
