FSR April 2023

NEXTGEN 25

Picnik AUSTIN, TEXAS

Keke’s Breakfast Café ORLANDO, FLORIDA

its newest model, the 6,000-square-foot Wild cat) to ensure the chain’s growth in a shifting real estate market. This year, the focus is expanding to its technological infra structure, as Walk-On’s partners with Lunchbox and Toast to upgrade its online ordering platform, guest loyalty program, and POS management system.

UNITS: 3

FOUNDED: 2013

UNITS: 54

FOUNDED: 2006

In Austin, Texas, Pic nik combines whole some ingredients and an expansive menu to satisfy a variety of fla vor palates and specialty diets, from gluten-free to vegan to paleo. The better-for-you restau rant started as a ship ping container–turned– food trailer a decade ago and has since expanded to include two brick and-mortar restaurants that also serve week end brunch. Now it’s set ting its sights beyond the home market with an eye trained on Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas; Den ver; and Nashville, Ten nessee.

Walk-On’s BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Rib & Chop House BOZEMAN, MONTANA

UNITS: 75

FOUNDED: 2003

For 22 years, Keke’s Breakfast Café expanded its Florida footprint through steady, sustainable growth. Now, the brand is ready to blast into hyperdrive fol lowing its $82.5 million acquisition by Denny’s last summer. The deal not only val idates the predicted longevity and market potential of the better breakfast segment, but it also affirms Keke’s stand ing as a player to watch. Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade has even described the brand’s popularity as a “cult-like following.” “That following is what gives us confidence in our ability to really grow this brand,” Valade said at the ICR Conference in January. “Keke’s fran chisees will continue to grow in Florida, but we know there’s so much potential to go to new markets in 2023 and beyond.” At present, Keke’s is a

Channeling the spirit of walk-on athletes, the Lou isiana-based sports grill finds success through adaptability and seizing opportunities. At pres ent, that means continu ally innovating new store prototypes (including

UNITS: 12

FOUNDED: 2001

In an increasingly crowded field of loyalty programs, Rib & Chop House might be king. Last year, the Montana based concept unveiled a Royalty Card, a monthly subscription program that targets frequent, high-spending guests and offers perks like pri ority seating and $600 worth of gift cards annu ally. In terms of foot print, Rib & Chop House recently launched a fran chising program that will target smaller markets and feature a slimmer prototype.

PICNIK

PICNIK / WALK-ON’S / RIB & CHOP HOUSE

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APRIL 2023

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