Restaurant and Food Service Blog

Based on a study of changes and activity in restaurant concepts by RestaurantChains.net from November 30, 2008 to March 30, 2009, the following trends emerged[*These are concepts that changed by at least 5% (if less than 50 units).]:

• The Egg Harbor Café of Lincolnshire, IL grew by 7% with the introduction of one new unit. This increased its units from 14 to 15. These family/casual American restaurants offer breakfast and lunch for around $3 to $8 per person.
• Sweet Lorraine’s of Southfield-MI grew by 33% with the addition of one new unit (now totaling four). Additionally, the restaurant chain ventured into the state of Pennsylvania. Serving American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an upscale concept environment, patrons can expect a per-person check average of between $15 and $30
• Ann Arbor, MI-based Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea experienced 50% growth when it increased its units from 2 to 3. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, these quick-serve cafes offer meals averaging between $2 and $6.
• Mr. Greek Restaurants of Toronto, ON increased its number of units by 4, growing from 13 to 17—an increase of 31%. These family/casual Greek restaurants offer lunch and dinner with a full bar option and a check average between $6 and %15+ per person. There is also a second restaurant concept called Mr. Greek Express, which grew by 18% during the same period, with the addition of four new units (22 to 26).
• New York-based Il Mulino grew by 9% with the addition of an additional unit (now totaling 12). Additionally, the restaurant chain expanded into the state of Georgia. These upscale Italian restaurants offer dinner with a full bar option and have a check average of $15 to $50+ per person. In addition to its locations in NY and GA, Il Mulino can also be found in DC, FL, IL, NJ, and NV.