CHICAGO — Foodservice consultancy Technomic Information Services has issued its "2008 Top 100 Emerging Chain Concept Report," which features 100 up-and-coming operators.
The report segregates the top 100 chains into major operational segments (full-and limited-service, as well as fast casual, fine dining, casual dining and midscale), but also examines them within 16 concept clusters, including: Mexican, pizza, sandwich, beverage and specialty.
- The rising stars in the limited-service segment that have successfully carved out niches through strong points of differentiation such as an emphasis on organic foods, renewable energy and recycling programs, and other areas of corporate social responsibility.
- Three full-service concepts that represent the fine dining and midscale categories, with growth rates of 33 and 32 percent, respectively.
- Several new players which pose unique challenges to restaurants also are examined. For example, NeXstore Marketplace successfully combines a gas station, c-store and fresh food market with a thriving catering program and gourmet meals to go.
"We firmly believe that these 100 up-and-coming chains are driving many of the industry's latest trends and represent the leading emerging concepts," said Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic Information Services. "Larger chains wishing to maintain their competitive edge would be wise to take a closer look at this group."
In addition to providing extensive performance analysis, the "2008 Top 100 Emerging Chain Concept Report" includes detailed profiles on each of the 100 emerging chains and compiles related news summaries from the past two years.
