In today's competitive marketplace, independent operators face bigger challenges when it comes to maintaining market share. With more than 945,000 restaurants throughout the United States, standing out requires a determined focus and consistent brand experience. These seven brands, in no particular order, have carved a name for themselves through a variety of methods. From upscale menu items to high-quality ingredients and interior designs, the independents listed below top our list of ones to watch now and in the future.
The Mixx, Kansas City
No. of locations: 1
What makes it special: Jo Marie Scaglia was living in California when she came up with the idea for The Mixx, her Kansas City-based restaurant that features freshly prepared salads and gourmet sandwiches. The restaurant serves about 500 people a day and was built around the ideas of fresh foods and unique ingredients – both of which Scaglia got used to while living in California.
Scaglia's menu items, such as a grilled beefsteak sandwich served with balsamic-grilled inions and blue cheese aioli, are what makes this place so special, especially with Kansas City's "it" crowd.
Bread & Company, Nashville
No. of locations: 4
What makes it special: The brand's use of high-quality ingredients gives it an exceptionally loyal following among Nashville residents. In 2008, Bread & Company did an estimated $10 million in sales across its four locations. The eatery also made Inc. magazine's list of the 5,000 fastest-growing companies in 2007 and 2008, one of about 120 restaurants to do so.
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Inside one of four Nashville Bread & Company locations.
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Founded by Ann Clay in 1992, the restaurant's menu features freshly baked bread and other items in addition to homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Food left over at the end of the day also is given to local charities.
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Boloco, Boston
No. of locations: 16
What makes it special: Variety is the spice of Boloco's burrito offerings. Voted the best in Boston in 2006 and 2007, menu options include the Mediterranean, Summer and Bangkok burritos, which feature ingredients such as hummus, mango salsa and Asian slaw.
John Pepper, Boloco's co-founder, came up with the concept after living in San Francisco where he would frequent a local restaurant that featured a variety of burrito ingredients and options. The San Francisco restaurant failed, but it laid the foundation for Pepper's entry into the restaurant business.
The average annual unit volume was $525,000 in 1997. Today it's $1 million.
Swich Pressed, New York City
No. of locations: 1
What makes it special: The brightly colored green and white façade of Swich Pressed makes it a stand-out among the brick and concrete backdrop that is New York City. The hot-pressed sandwiches such as the Inigo Montoya and Earthy McGee, and the refreshing banana lemonade further add to the restaurants appeal.
Founded by John Gargiulo in 2005 after an exhaustive and inconclusive search for a sandwich, the eatery seats about 50 and will be joined by a second location near Wall Street by the end of 2009.
Click here to view a slideshow of Swich Pressed.
Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches, Louisville, Ky.
No. of locations: 6
What makes it special: Very few fast casuals boast a Sunday morning omelette station where, after placing their orders, patrons can watch chefs prepare their breakfast.
Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches garnered national attention several years ago when "Papa John" Schnatter, of pizzeria fame, bought a minority interest in the company. Since then, Schnatter and founder Mark Bates have grown Calistoga from one location to three in Florida and three in Schnatter's home state of Kentucky.
Java Green, Washington, D.C.
No. of locations: 1
What makes it special: Java Green is as "green" as they come. Starting with its use of organic fruits, vegetables, breads and other products, the company believes in supporting small farmers by buying "Fair Trade" products and offsets its carbon footprint through the purchase of wind power.
Java Green has been named the best vegetarian restaurant in the Washington, D.C., metro area for two years in a row. Java Green does not offer meat, fish or eggs on its menu. Items include sandwiches made with soy ham, beef, chicken and turkey, vegan burgers and gluten-free bread. Drinks include raw nut milk and raw coconut milk, vegan shakes made with raw vegan nut ice cream and an assortment of organic smoothies.
Italian Oven Café, West Palm Beach, Fla.
No. of locations: 1
What makes it special: The Italian Oven Cafe taps into technology to help drive sales, offering Web-based and text ordering options as well as using a self-serve order kiosk placed outside the restaurant's doors.
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Italian Oven Cafe's Heirloom Tomato Tower.
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Guests are greeted with a small plate of olives, but it's the overall experience that makes this Florida restaurant a destination for hungry diners, some of whom have eaten there more than 70 times in a seven-month period. Italian Oven Cafe executives project first-year revenue to top $1.7 million, with a check average of about $9.50.
Click here to view a slideshow of Italian Oven Cafe.
