Chipotle, Jeni’s and Which Restaurant Chains Are Growing

Why It Matters

Concentrated growth underscores vulnerability and opportunity—few brands are driving sector gains, so strategies that boost unit expansion or standout menu hits can disproportionately lift performance; meanwhile, macro trends and franchisee instability create both headwinds and openings for operators and investors.

Summary

The Techonomic 2026 Top 500 report shows restaurant growth in 2025 was concentrated: full-service sales gains of about $2 billion were driven largely by Texas Roadhouse, Chili's and Olive Garden, while five chains—Wingstop, Cinnabon, Chipotle, Seven Brew and Jersey Mike’s—accounted for 45% of net unit additions. A major Hardee’s franchisee, Ark Burger, filed for Chapter 7 liquidation after franchise agreements were terminated and ensuing litigation over operational failures. Industry speakers at the Restaurant Leadership Conference highlighted macro pressures—geopolitical-driven fuel costs, cannabis normalization, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and demographic slowing—while urging chains to prioritize customer experience. Operational news: Jenny’s tapped former Ben & Jerry’s exec David Stever as CEO to accelerate franchise and retail growth, and Chipotle is reintroducing its top-performing limited-time offer, Honey Chicken, including a new high-protein cup option on April 28.

Original Description

Chipotle is bringing back its hardest hitting LTO. Jeni’s has a new CEO who knows a bit about ice cream. And which restaurant chains grew the most last year?