Top 10 Emerging Full-Service Restaurant Franchises That Are About to Take Off

Full-service restaurants are a lucrative segment of the restaurant industry because of their ability to provide customers with a sit-down experience comparable to an independent restaurant, a great menu variety and an affordable price point. Full-service restaurants are particularly ideal for families and large groups in search of a more formal atmosphere than a quick-service chain. 

For prospects looking to take advantage of this strong market potential, here are 10 full-service restaurant concepts that are about to take off in popularity.

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux

Unit Count: 35

Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar is a leading full-service family sports bar that provides gourmet takes on game-day favorites. While Walk-On’s has only been franchising since 2015, it has already grown to feature 35 locations nationwide by offering exceptional support and a proven business model. Walk’s was recently ranked the No. 1 brand in Entrepreneur magazine's 2020 Top New Franchises.

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom

Unit Count: 37

Since starting to franchise in 2000, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom has featured a welcoming casual-dining atmosphere where guests can enjoy Chicago-style deep dish pizza, pasta, calzones, burgers and sandwiches. Franchisees also have access to additional revenue streams, including related food items and a wide ever-changing selection of the best local and regional craft beers, as well as a full range of imported and domestic beers. 

Famous Toastery

Unit Count: 30+

A Famous Toastery franchise allows owners to truly have the best of both worlds: a business with a track record for growth in a high demand market segment with a lifestyle that allows for flexibility and family time. Breakfast/Brunch is now the fastest growing segment in the restaurant industry and Famous Toastery is making a name for itself thanks to quality ingredients and a commitment to excelling in the better-breakfast segment.

DoubleDave's Pizzaworks

Unit Count: 35

David Miller opened the first DoubleDave's Pizzaworks location in College Station, Texas, in 1984. The company found its first fans at Texas A&M University in College Station and the University of Texas, Austin, by serving up pizza, stromboli and their signature pepperoni rolls. Since starting to franchise in 1995, DoubleDave's has continued to appeal to franchisees and has expanded its offerings to feature a salad bar and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet.

The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille

Unit Count: 31

The first Greene Turtle location opened in Ocean City, Maryland, in 1976. Now headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, the family-oriented sports bar and casual dining concept began franchising in 2003, and initially expanded in the mid-Atlantic region. Today, the company has locations open as far north as New York's Long Island and continues efforts to expand throughout the East.

Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar 

Unit Count: 20

This small East Coast chain with a casual bar and American-style menu was founded in 2008 in Pennsylvania and currently has 14 locations, but is rapidly expanding with more than 100 deals in the works across the Northeast region of the country. Arooga’s started franchising in 2014 and is best known for winning the "America's Next Top Restaurant Franchise" competition in 2010 co-sponsored by Sysco Foods and The Franchise Edge.

Buffalo Wings & Rings

Unit Count: 80

Driven by a demand for an alternative to traditional sports bars, Buffalo Wings & Rings was established in 1984 in Cincinnati and focuses on the fun of gathering around sports events and everyday moments, as well as an elevated menu. Franchise owners can carve out a sizable niche in their market as an alternative to more traditional sports bars, where food and customer service are too often treated as an afterthought

Twin Peaks Restaurant 

Unit Count: 78

This casual-dining chain was founded in 2005 near Dallas with a focus on creating the ultimate sports bar and restaurant with an all-female wait staff serving American fare and beer in a cozy lodge atmosphere. In 2014, the brand was named one of the fastest growing restaurants in the U.S. by Bloomberg and now has 78 restaurants in 25 states, with expansion into the Washington and California markets this year. 

Shuckin’ Shack

Unit Count: 16

Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar grew out of a vision for a local establishment that would appeal to families of all ages — a place where friends and family can enjoy fresh, delicious meals and creative cocktails in an environment that exudes relaxation. Since starting to franchise in 2014, Shuckin’ Shack has differentiated itself within the fast-casual segment with its small square footage requirement, low inventory and minimum waste, smaller staff sizes and maximum return on investment. The oyster bar is also uniquely positioned in the market as it has no direct national competition. 

Black Bear Diner

Unit Count: 83

Founded in 1995 and franchised in 2002, this Redding, California-based family dining concept recently received a large investment from PWP Growth Equity to help expand the brand nationwide. Currently, Black Bear Diner has locations in eight states, and is known for its huge portions and memorable bear-themed restaurant décor.