5 growing branded concepts to consider

Looking to add a branded concept to your operation but don’t know where to start? Foodservice Director’s sister publication Restaurant Business has released its 2024 Future 50 list which compiles the top 50 fastest-growing small to medium-sized restaurants using data from research sister, Technomic. Here are five chains on the list that might make a good fit for your next branded concept. 

Based out of Boulder, Colorado, Rush Bowls’ menu is comprised of smoothies and smoothie bowls. Each menu item can be “boosted” with a variety of health-focused ingredients, including pea protein, spirulina and vanilla whey protein. The chain now has over 50 locations in 23 states. 

At Wing Snob, the wings, which are always served fresh and never frozen, come in boneless and traditional varieties and can be topped with several different sauces. While most of the menu is centered around meat-heavy dishes, it does also include vegetarian options such as Impossible tenders and cauli wings made with cauliflower.  

The chain has already made its first foray into the onsite foodservice industry. It opened a location at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus earlier this year. 

Bubble tea chain Happy Lemon was founded in Taiwan in 2006 and opened its first location stateside in 2014.  

Along with bubble tea, its menu includes smoothies and bubble waffles. Many of its drinks come with a layer of salted cheese on top. 

Snarf's offers made-to-order oven-toasted sandwiches, salad, soup and more and its menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options as well. The chain began in the 90’s in Boulder, Colorado and now has over 30 locations. Each location is outfitted with custom decor and is unique to the community it resides in. 

Protein bowls make up a majority of the menu at Original ChopShop. Guests can build their bowls from a base of vegetables, greens, quinoa or rice and then top them with a variety of toppings. There is also a full breakfast menu as well as dairy free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. The chain was started in 2013 by a couple in Arizona who grew tired of eating Chipotle. It now has 24 locations, all of which are company owned.