The restaurant industry is booming, with many chain restaurants experiencing rapid growth in 2025.
From fast-food favorites to casual dining establishments, these chains are expanding their reach and captivating audiences with innovative menus, tech-savvy operations, and unique concepts.
Top 10 Fastest Growing Chain Restaurants
1. Dave’s Hot Chicken: This Nashville-style hot chicken chain is leading the pack, with plans to open 75 new locations in 2025. Dave’s Hot Chicken has already grown to over 260 locations, with $406 million in sales.
2. Jersey Mike’s Subs: Jersey Mike’s Subs is surging to nearly 2,900 locations, ranking second on Entrepreneur’s 2025 QSR list after 45% growth in three years.
3. Bojangles: Bojangles is expanding west with new stores in California and Nevada, including its first Las Vegas opening and more planned across Southern California.
4. Culver’s: Culver’s is nearing the 1,000-location milestone, with 55 new restaurants planned for 2025, fueled by its reputation for quality fast food and Midwestern hospitality.
5. Sweetgreen: Sweetgreen has grown to 921 restaurants across 24 states, with new menu items like Ripple Fries and a revamped SG Rewards program.
6. Wingstop: Wingstop is expanding globally, with 200+ new locations planned, including in France.
7. QDOBA: QDOBA is regaining momentum with bold flavors and ambitious growth, planning 70 new locations in 2025.
8. Shake Shack: Shake Shack plans to open 80 new U.S. restaurants in 2025, aiming for 1,500 long term.
9. MOD Pizza: MOD Pizza operates 485+ locations across 28 states, pursuing refranchising, new markets, and flexible store formats.
10. Slim Chickens: Slim Chickens has grown to 300+ restaurants, with plans to expand to 500 nationwide and 1,000 globally within five years.
Emerging Chains to Watch
1. Peach Cobbler Factory: This Southern-inspired fast-casual chain specializes in an array of chicken salad flavors, with over 280 locations across 21 states.
2. Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken: A rapidly expanding Nashville-style hot chicken franchise.
3. Parlor Doughnuts: A unique dessert concept with a growing presence.
4. Jaggers: A fast-growing food franchise with a focus on innovative cuisine.
5. Kalaveras: A Mexican-inspired chain with a loyal following.
Growth Strategies
These fastest-growing chain restaurants are employing various strategies to drive expansion:
1. Franchising: Many chains are leveraging franchising to accelerate growth and expand their reach.
2. Digital Innovation: Chains are investing in tech-savvy operations, including online ordering and mobile apps.
3. Menu Innovation: Unique and innovative menu offerings are helping chains stand out in a crowded market.
4. Expansion into New Markets: Chains are targeting new geographic areas, both domestically and internationally.
5. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations and partnerships are helping chains expand their offerings and reach new customers.
The fastest-growing chain restaurants in 2025 are a testament to the power of innovation, quality, and customer-centricity in the restaurant industry. As these chains continue to expand, they will undoubtedly shape the future of dining and inspire new trends in the culinary world.
