Thrillist: 12 Chains About to Blow Up

Chipotle, everyone’s favorite food coma, is getting a little competition. Thrillist compiled a list of 12 brands that are making headway in the fast casual segment. The publication gauged these on concept, expansion strategy and “practical use of tinfoil.” Which one would you stop at first?

Pancheros

Est. 1992, Iowa City, IA
Number of locations: 65
What they do: Burritos with fresh tortillas and ingredients that are thoroughly mixed together with what they call "Bob the Tool"
Why they might blow up: They carve out their own section of the burrito-market pie by upping the ante on ingredients and combating one of the food group's biggest pet peeves, uneven distribution of filling wealth.

Sugarfish

Est. 2008, Los Angeles, CA
Number of locations: 8
What they do: Fast-casual sushi with a strict sushi chef mentality
Why they might blow up: Their signature use of warm rice makes the sushi experience more palatable for Americans. Also important: reasonable prices.