Store closings from the 1st half of 2015:  4456

Store closings from the 2nd half of 2015: 5124

An increase of 668 locations have closed from the prior period.

Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators

Concepts that have grown by at least 5% (if less than 50 units).

California-based BRANDON\’S DINER (founded 1997) has increased by 1 unit, from 7 to 8 (14% growth).  This family/casual concept is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving American cuisine.  Per person check average is $6-$15+.  Beer and wine are served and seating is for about 80.  Catering is available.  All the locations are in CA.

Whitefish Bay, WI-based BREADSMITH (founded 1993) has increased by 2 units, from 30 to 32 (7% growth) and entered into AZ.  This quick serve bakery/cafe is open for breakfast and lunch hours, with a $4-$12+ per person price range.  Units are franchised and trade in AZ, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, ND, NJ, NY, OH, SC, SD, TX and WI.

Louisville, KY-based EL NOPAL has increased by 1 unit for the El Nopal concept, from 27 to 28 (4% concept growth).  The company also operates EL Nopalito (1 unit).  Overall company increase was from 28 to 29 (4% company growth).  These family/casual Mexican restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with an $8-$20+ per person check average.  Full bar is served and average seating is for about 150.  Locations trade in IN and KY.

Emerging and Re-emerging Concepts

Concepts with 20 units or less who grew by at least 2 units.

Bronx, NY-based SARABETH\’S KITCHEN (founded 1981) has increased 2 units for the Sarabeth\’s concept, from 11 to 13 (18% concept growth). The company also operates Docks Oyster Bar (1).  Overall company increase was from 13 to 14 (8% company growth). These upscale American dining restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a $10-30+ per person check average.  The restaurants have full bar with seating for about 150. Trading areas are FL and NY.
 
Atlanta, GA-based BACCHANALIA (founded 1993) has added 2 new concepts called Little Bacch (1) and Fish Camp (1).  Other company concepts include Star Provisions (1), Floataway Café (1) and Bacchanalia (1).  Overall company increase was from 3 to 5 (67% growth). These upscale American restaurants are open for lunch and dinner with a $15-$50+ per person check average. The restaurants offer full bar and seating for about 60. Locations are in GA.

Holland, OH-based SCRAMBLER MARIE\’S BREAKFAST BISTRO (founded 1990) has increased by 5 units from 20 to 25 (25% growth).  These family/casual American dining restaurants are open for breakfast and lunch, with a $4-12+ per person check average and seating for about 250. Trading areas are MI and OH.

Repeat Growers

Concepts previously written about in the past 18 months.
 

Tampa, FL-based WORLD OF BEER (founded 2007) has increased by 9 units, from 68 to 77 (13% growth) and entered into KY, MA and PA.  The restaurants are family/casual, serving mostly drinks and bar food. Average unit has seating for about 125.  Locations are franchised and trade in AL, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, KY, LA, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA and WI.  We last featured this concept on 3/24/15 (89% growth).

Fort Wayne, IN-based WINGS ETC (founded 1994) has increased by 9 units, from 32 to 41 (28% growth) and entered into OH.  These family/casual chicken restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $6-$15+ per person check average.  Beer is served and average seating is for about 150.  Catering is available.  The restaurants are franchised and trade in IL, IN, MI, MO, NC and OH.  We last wrote about this concept on 1/20/15 (19% growth).