Below are some of the hottest fast-casual restaurant chains that are expanding throughout the country. Many of these chains are looking to enter new markets this year, as well as test out new unit types.
Greek concept brings its first drive-thru unit to Texas
West Coast-based Nick the Greek recently opened a unit in Porter, Texas, which is the first location in the Houston MSA and the fourth restaurant in the Lone Star State. Existing units are in College Station and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The new Porter location includes the first unit for the brand with a drive-thru window. Keep an eye out for additional Nick the Greeks coming to the state.
The fast-casual chain is known for serving authentic Greek food and counts on ample expansion going forward with plans to have more than 90 units by year’s end. Existing locations are in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Utah. The chain hopes to enter the new state of Tennessee with a unit planned in Nashville, as well as bring second locations to Phoenix, Kansas and Utah. The chain also recently added a location in Pinole, Calif., with a first-time franchisee. Additional restaurants are in the works for California including Fresno, San Francisco, Palo Alto, Irvine and Laguna Niguel. Units are typically around 1,000 to 2,000 s.f. Downtown, street-front, shopping center and lifestyle center locations are desired.
A taste of Miami coming to Walmart
Miami Grill, the fast-casual restaurant chain known for its Miami-inspired atmosphere and diverse menu of wings, burgers and subs, has expanded into Walmart. The first Walmart unit opened in Las Vegas earlier this year. A second Miami Grill Walmart location will open in Oceanside, Calif., this summer. The Walmart locations will offer popular dishes, including authentic Philly cheesesteaks, Greek gyros, wings and salads. Also, look for additional traditional Miami Grill restaurants coming to Las Vegas and Henderson, Nev.
Miami Grill is well known for its equity partner, celebrity rapper Pitbull, who came on board in 2012. Units are typically in the 2,000- to 4,000-s.f. range, while express units start around 1,000 s.f. The chain targets freestanding pads, shopping center and non-traditional units.
WaBa Grill enters two new states
The healthy rice bowl chain WaBa Grill brings its first unit to Nevada with the opening of a Henderson location. The new restaurant is owned and operated by longtime WaBa Grill multi-unit franchisee Raj Sangha of Dhindsa Group of Companies and first-time franchisee Fernando Escobedo. Sangha and Escobedo anticipate opening as many as 10 restaurants in the area. The chain also recently opened its first unit in Texas with a restaurant debuting in Dallas earlier this year.
WaBa Grill plans for 10 new locations in 2024, bringing its total restaurant count to over 200. Also, look for further expansion throughout California and Arizona. Units are typically in the 1,200- to 1,700-s.f. range. Downtown, street-front, shopping center, power center and grocery-anchored sites are targeted. WaBa Grill is known for its healthy options ranging from bowls, plates and salad that guests can customize.
Teriyaki chain has big plans for the Golden State
Teriyaki Madness, the Seattle-based teriyaki chain, counts on rapid expansion throughout California. The brand has an eye on locations in Northern and Central California markets, especially the San Francisco Bay Area. The chain currently operates 17 shops across the state. In the next year alone, Teriyaki Madness hopes to add six more shops in California, with 11 more in the works over the next three years and 15 over the next five years. Look for new units coming to Fresno, San Jose, Bakersfield, North Hollywood, Santa Clarita and Visalia, just to name a few. Units are in the 1,050- to 2,500-s.f. range and shopping center, downtown and street-front locations are desired.
