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Fast-food chain Cava is the fastest-growing food spot in the U.S. this year, according to a new data of Yelp has revealed.
The review site has revealed the 35 fastest-growing food and restaurant companies in the US, amid its roundup of the 50 fastest-growing brands for 2024.
To compile the list, the company took several measures into account. This included new business openings, the number of times consumers visited a business page or posted photos and reviews, and the number of searches for a brand on the platform.
The top five companies on the list are the so-called “challenger brands”, defined as companies that are not market leaders but that aim to compete by revolutionizing the industry and that are quickly becoming household staples. Established names like Popeyes and Cinnabon are also present.
So is your favorite on the list?
The review site has revealed the 35 fastest-growing food and restaurant companies in the US.
1. dig
Topping the list is Cava, the fast casual restaurant that aims to bring Mediterranean traditions and cuisine to the masses.
In 2023 alone, the chain, which aims to offer a healthier dining option, opened 72 new locations across the United States.
According to Yelp data, the brand saw a 54 percent increase in consumer interest nationwide as of 2023 compared to 2022, not to mention earning the fastest-growing brand spot in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Alabama.
While they’re known for their healthy bowls, Cava’s drinks are especially popular, including pineapple-apple-mint and blueberry-lavender ones, which customers regularly rave about on the site.
The company went public through an initial public offering (IPO) in June 2023, raising nearly $318 million.
2. Scooter Cafe
This Midwest chain saw a 51 percent increase in consumer interest in 2023 compared to the previous year, Yelp said.
Founded in Nebraska in 1998, the chain recently began expanding more rapidly through franchised locations, posting a 53 percent increase in net new locations in 2023. This was the highest percentage growth of any food brand on the list.
Self-serve coffee was also the fastest-growing brand specifically in the Midwest, with a 50 percent increase in consumer interest in the region.
3. LongHorn Steakhouse
This casual restaurant, owned and operated by Darden Restaurants, is based in Orlando, Florida.
Consumer interest in the brand increased 38 percent last year, according to Yelp.
According CNBCThe restaurant had more than 560 locations in the U.S. at the end of fiscal 2023 and plans to open at least 50 more in fiscal 2024.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the brand’s sales have consistently outperformed industry averages, which has been driven in part by the growth of its takeaway business.
4. The Habit Burger Grill
The burger chain had fewer than 280 locations when it was purchased by restaurant company Yum! Brands in 2020.
By the end of last year, this number had risen to 378, according to CNBC.
According to Yelp metrics, the brand has seen a 29 percent increase in consumer interest.
5. Wawa
While Wawa may be known as a chain of convenience stores and gas stations, it also serves Philly favorites, including hoagies and cheesesteaks.
Interest in the brand increased a whopping 88 percent in 2023, Yelp said, as it expanded out of the city and into other parts of the country.
Wawa saw its takeout offerings resonate, with nationwide consumer interest increasing 88 percent. According to Yelp data, the chain saw its fastest growth in Virginia, Florida and New Jersey, where consumer interest increased 137 percent.
6. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
It’s no secret that Americans love fried chicken, putting this beloved comfort food spot among the fastest-growing brands.
The chain, founded in New Orleans in 1972 and with more than 3,000 restaurants in the United States, saw consumer interest increase by 34 percent in 2023.
According to Yelp, it was also the third-fastest growing brand in the Northeast, where it saw a 52 percent increase.
7. Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Beef Burgers
Freddy’s sells Midwestern comfort food that reflects the warmth and familiarity of the region’s cuisine.
In particular, it made significant gains in the tri-state area, with a flood of consumer interest in New Jersey, up 232 percent from the previous year, Yelp said.
8. Olive garden
The Italian-inspired chain is the most successful restaurant owned and operated by Darden Restaurants.
With almost 900 restaurants in the United States and more than $4.9 billion in annual sales, it represents almost half of the company’s total revenue.
In fiscal 2023, it also opened about 20 new locations across the country.
9. Jersey Mike Substitutes
With around 2,700 locations, Jersey Mike’s is the second-largest sandwich chain in the US, trailing only Subway.
It’s also growing quickly, according to CNBC, with most of its restaurants in California, Florida and Texas.
10. Sprout Farmers Market
Despite its name, Sprouts Farmers Market is not just a grocery chain, it also offers deli-style food to go.
The Phoenix-founded company opened its first store in 2002 “in an effort to make natural foods accessible to everyone,” he said.
Today it has more than 380 stores in 23 states with approximately 31,000 team members.
Other fast food chains and restaurants that are included in the top 35 include longtime favorites like Jack in the Box, Panera Bread, Panda Express, Cinnabon and Waffle House.