Nevertheless, the 15 concepts with the largest sales increases in 1998 are running at a respectable clip. Global giants may object that it's easier for small chains, which still have markets wide open to development, to post impressive sales leaps, and that's true to a degree.
Guests also can watch handcrafted beers being brewed.
Company executives say the combination of its rapid unit expansion last year and higher per-unit averages accounts for its increase. The other top sales performances come from a wide array of menu niches. Freshness is the top draw at Corner Bakery and Maggiano's, both owned by Dallas-based Brinker International. Another 47 Corner Bakery units stand alone. Maggiano's focuses its growth in major cities.