These 10 up-and-coming restaurant chains are taking over America

Duffy’s Sports Grill

Everyone knows the names of the biggest restaurant chains in America — McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell. But there’s a pack of up-and-comers ready to take their place.

On Tuesday, Nation’s Restaurant News released its annual Next 20 list, ranking restaurants on the edge of breaking into — and potentially taking over — the restaurant industry. Chains are ranked in terms of US systemwide sales and make the list if they aren’t among the 200 largest restaurant chains in America by systemwide sales, but are still brands that consumers need to know. 

These 10 brands are on the cusp of a breakthrough:

10. STK

Systemwide sales in US: $77.1 million (+22.38%)
US locations: 10 (+42.86%)

This steakhouse has made headlines by opening trendy locations around the world, with locations in cities including Las Vegas, Milan, and Ibiza.

9. Not Your Average Joe’s

Systemwide sales in US: $77.4 million (+17.45%)
US locations: 25 (+13.64%)

The Middleboro, Massachusetts-based chain describes itself as a reasonably priced suburban chain, with locations across the East Coast. 

8. Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill

Systemwide sales in US: $81.3 million (+19.91%)
US locations: 72 (+5.88%)

Costa Vida is angling to attract customers seeking fresh and health-centric Mexican food, with locations primarily on the West Coast. 

7. Cotton Patch Cafe

Systemwide sales in US: $94.6 million (+10.26%)
US locations: 45 (+7.14%)

This casual dining chain is heavy on fried food, serving up options like fried green tomatoes, fried cheese sticks, chicken fried steak, and fried shrimp. Founded in Nacogdoches, Texas in 1989, Cotton Patch now has locations in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

6. Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza

Systemwide sales in US: $101.0 million (+206.06%)
US locations: 105 (+110.00%)

LeBron James is an original investor and an active part of marketing at Blaze Pizza. The company hopes to become the fifth-largest pizza chain in the US by 2017.

5. Duffy’s Sports Grill

Systemwide sales in US: $114.2 million (+20.59%)
US locations: 30 (15.38%)

This South Florida sports-centric restaurant chain resembles a sports bar, but offers a more extensive menu than the average beer-and-wings joint. 

4. Chart House Restaurants

Systemwide sales in US: $136.9 million (+2.09%)
US locations: 29 (-3.33%)

This seafood chain is known for its gorgeous views, from mountains in Colorado to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

3. Wetzel’s Pretzels

Systemwide sales in US: $138.3 million (+12.44%)
US locations: 281 (+6.04%)

Wetzel’s is known for one thing – pretzels. The chain sells pretzels in the form of cinnamon bites, hot dogs, and even pizza. 

2. Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant

Systemwide sales in US: $147.9 million (+26.30%)
US locations: 20 (+11.11%)

The wine-centric chain has figured out how to find its niche in the casual dining industry, producing 50 wines and 15 specialty blends. It also has a wine of the month club, with discounts and wine trips.

1. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

Systemwide sales in US: $160.4 million (+7.72%)
US locations: 134 (0.00%)

Lee’s Chicken has locations in 12 states, but the bulk of the fried chicken chain’s restaurants are in Ohio, Kentucky, and Missouri. The company reports it has grown same-store sales for 26 straight quarters, thanks to a combination of new tech and a simplified menu.