Genghis Grill, Black Bear Diner Lead Way

Currently with 38 locations, franchisor Genghis Grill this report is opening stores at a rapid pace. Below are a few of the top growing restaurants concepts in the last four months, having grown in units by at least 5% if they have less than 50 restaurants. Data reflects change and activity during the most recent four-month period from June 12, 2009 to October 12, 2009. Franchised chains are highlighted in bold.

California-based BLUEWATER GRILL has increased by 1 unit, from 3 to 4 (33% growth), entering into AZ. These are family/casual seafood restaurants, open for lunch and dinner. Per person check average is $10-$30. Average seating is for about 200. Banquet service is available. Locations are in AZ and CA.

IL VICINO WOOD OVEN PIZZA based in Albuquerque, NM has increased by 1 unit, from 9 to 10 (11% growth). These are family/casual restaurants with seating for around 200. Beer and wine are served. Locations are open for lunch and dinner. Banquets are offered. The check average is around $8-$20 per person. Locations are in CO, KS, MO and NM.

Mount Shasta, CA-based BLACK BEAR DINER (founded 1995) has increased by 2 units, from 39 to 41 (5% growth). These are family/casual restaurants, serving American cuisine. Meal periods are breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving beer and wine. Check average is $6-$12. Seating is for about 150. Locations are franchised and trade in the states of AZ, CA, CO, NV, OR, and WA.

FELLINI'S PIZZA based in Atlanta, GA has increased by 1 unit for La Fonda Latina, from 4 to 5 (25% concept growth). There is a second 7-unit concept called Fellini's Pizza. Overall company increase is from 11 to 12 (9% overall growth). These are family/casual with seating for around 70. Patio seating is also available. Units are open for lunch and dinner. All locations are in GA.

Dallas, TX-based GENGHIS GRILL (founded 1998) has increased by 8 units, from 33 to 41 (24% growth) and entered into OK. This is a fast casual Asian concept, open for lunch and dinner. Per person check average is $8-$20, with a full bar service. Average seating is for about 125. Online ordering is available. Locations are franchised and trade in the states of AR, AZ, CO, IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, NM, NV, OK, TN, and TX.

SURIN OF THAILAND of Birmingham, AL has increased by 1 unit, from 4 to 5 (25% growth) and expanded into MS. These are family / casual Thai restaurants with full bar and seating for about 150. The per person check average is around $10-$30. Locations are in AL, GA and MS.

This a sample of RestaurantChains.net's list of fastest growing restaurant concepts. The site publishes more net unit growth figures (each company has their own four-month cycle and companies have varied verification dates, percentages are not annualized as a result) from one four-month period to the next. This is performed by re-verifying net growth figures of approximately 1,000 companies per month. Once researchers identify the following growth results from our research efforts, we highlight a new round of results each week in our newsletter. The featured growth stories above are only a fraction of the growth stories received by clients.