FSR August 2023

FSR 30

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN 24 By the time Jeff Warne was promoted to CEO of Califor nia Pizza Kitchen in Decem ber 2022, the 146-unit chain was on the upswing after filing for bankruptcy in mid-2020, and had returned to pre-pandemic sales levels thanks to investments in CPK Rewards, menu innovation, and improvements to the digital guest experience. PERKINS RESTAURANT & BAKERY 25 The 65-year-old classic diner chain shook up its traditional operating model recently with a refreshed prototype, virtual partnerships, and new labor-saving technology, which lowers develop ment costs for franchise owners. In March, the restaurant and bakery chain announced the signing of a new franchise agreement to grow its presence across Ohio. THE CAPITAL GRILLE 26 At 61 locations, The Cap ital Grille represents the fine-dining side of Darden Concept’s portfolio. The steak house seeks to draw in customers through its extensive wine menu and private dining experiences. Overall, Capital Grille performed well during the fiscal year of 2022, sharing an 11.7 percent same-store sales growth in Q3 with Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

DAVE & BUSTERS 21 Dave & Buster’s is looking to own the eatertainment category for all ages with its $835 million acquisition of Main Event. Strategies are underway to make guest flow more efficient and decrease complex ities in back-of-house operations, plus develop the right staffing model, reporting tools, and management approach to maximize throughput.

DAVE & BUSTER'S

CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL 22 Carrabba’s opened a restau rant in Tampa in Q3 of 2022, marking its first new loca tion since 2015. Bloomin’ Brands CEO David Deno said the 218-unit Italian chain earned the right to expand after landing among the company’s top performers for the past several years.

BOB EVANS 23 Despite inflationary pres sures, Bob Evans Restau rants manages to fulfill its promise of “keeping the entire family full and happy for less.” The New Albany, Ohio-based Ameri can casual dining chain has loca tions in 18 states and offers more than 30 meals for less than $8.99.

METHODOLOGY: The FSR Top 30 Report leverages multiple data products and services from Circana’s unmatched research prod uct portfolio, combined with experienced analyst estimates. Sales estimates represent each chain’s total U.S. system for the year ending December 2022, and are anchored on CREST ® , Circana’s flagship syndicated study of consumer purchases of restaurant

prepared meals, snacks, and beverages. Unit counts source to the Fall 2022 release of Circana’s ReCount ® service, a census of chains and independent res taurant locations regularly updated since 1988. Today, ReCount provides unit counts and trends for over 1.2 million foodservice operators. These primary sources, combined with other proprietary Circana data, public reporting, and analysis, generate this new, industry-standard restaurant ranking. Circana is the leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior. Through unparalleled technology, advanced analytics, cross-industry data and deep expertise, we provide clarity that helps almost 7,000 of the world’s leading brands and retailers take action and unlock business growth. We under stand more about the complete consumer, the complete store, and the complete wallet so our clients can go beyond the data to apply insights, ignite innovation, meet consumer demand, and outpace the competition.

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