80 to 100

80 to 100
January 6, 2006

80. Taco Bueno, Carrolton , Texas. Taco Bueno uses their favorite word, "Bueno," in all of their branding. Their logo reads: "It's more bueno." Taco Bueno has been around since 1967, when its fi rst store opened in Abilene , Texas . Jacobson Partners purchased Taco Bueno in 2001 and Palladium Equity Partners purchased the chain from Jacobson in 2005. We love this brand as they look to make the crossover from QSR to fast casual.

81. Daphne's Greek Café, San Diego. Daphne's claims to take its name from the ancient Greek story of Daphne and Apollo. The laurel that is part of Daphne's logo comes from the story of Apollo creating a laurel wreath for Daphne. The laurel wreath has since been worn by Olympic athletes, world leaders and great champions to signify the pursuit of perfection. The company's restaurants are located primarily in retail areas and shopping centers in Southern California . CEO George Katakalidis, who is a former professional soccer player, opened the fi rst Daphne's location in 1991. There are now more than 50 units across the country.

82. Taco Cabana, San Antonio. Taco Cabana started as a taco stand in San Antonio in 1978. It now operates and fran-chises approximately 130 locations across three states. Serving Tex Mex and traditional Mexican fare, most units are open 24 hours. In 2001, Carrols Corporation of Syracuse , N.Y. , purchased Taco Cabana Inc.

83. Donatos Pizzeria, Columbus , Ohio. Donatos brands itself as the pizzeria that provides goodwill through product, principle and people. Donatos was founded in 1963 by Ohio State University student Jim Grote who remains CEO and chariman of the board.

84. The Coffee Beanery. The Coffee Beanery builds its brand and fran-chises on the principles of exceptional coffee and a warm, relaxing environment with the lovely scents of fresh roasted coffee wafting throughout the shop. The Coffee Beanery began in 1976 before America knew what "specialty coffee" was. Today, there are more than 200 locations throughout the U.S.

85. Wahoo's Fish Tacos, Santa Ana , Calif. Wahoo's specializes in a unique fi sh taco sea- soned with Brazilian and Asian spices. The restaurant was born in Costa Mesa , Calif. , by brothers Ed and Mingo Wing, who spent their childhood summers in San Paolo , Brazil , peeling shrimp for their parents' Chinese res-taurant. There are now more than 30 Wahoo locations in California and in a number of other states across the country.

86. Which Wich, Dallas. Tired of burned out brands, Jeff Sinelli (founder of Genghis Grill) has created a sandwich company that serves just sand-wiches. No soups, no salads, just "wiches" served in an edgy and inviting environment. All 40 sandwich combinations are served hot on Which's specialty buns.

87. Wildflower Bread, Scottsdale , Ariz. "Featuring food you knead." The Wildfl ower concept has established strong brand iden-tity as a unique neighborhood luncheon and dinner destination, providing a distinctive menu of specialty sandwiches, soups, salads and other sundries complimented with the fi nest bakery products and blended gourmet coffee drinks. Conceptualized and developed by Louis and Tracy Basile in 1996 in Scotts-dale , Ariz.

88. Wingstop, Garland , Texas. Branded "The Wing Experts," Wingstop has served buffalo-style chicken wings since 1994. All its wings are made fresh to order as meals, not appetizers. Other menu items include fresh-cut fries, soft drinks, beer and wine. Its 265th location opened November 2005.

89. BD's Mongolian Barbeque. At BD's (named for founder Billy Downs) Mongolian Barbeque, you make your own stir fry meal by choosing from a buffet of raw meats and vegetables along with spices and sauces and then watch as chefs prepare the fare you've concocted. BD's has caught on with more than 20 locations across the nation. BD's is also committed to helping the children of Mongolia . FAST CA

90. Crispers, Lakeland , Fla.

91. Sonic Tuscan Chicken Sandwich, Oklahoma City , Okla.

92. DQ Grill N' Chill, Minneapolis

93. Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlors

94. D ick Rivera, chairman and CEO of Rubicon Enterprises LLC

95. Nature's Table, Orlando , Fla.

96. Potbelly Sandwich Works, Chicago

97. Rib Crib, Tulsa , Okla.

98. Ultimate Franchise Systems

99. Pret A Manger, London

100. Fast Casual magazine the list in 2006.