Despite a challenging economic environment in 2025, several U.S. restaurant chains are continuing to expand. These chains have either extended their physical presence, added to their menus, or developed their use of technology to attract and retain their customers. Below are the 9 top restaurant chains that are continuing to expand (in relation to the retail meltdown) in the USA in 2025:
1. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle is still a powerhouse in fast-casual dining while continuing to reinvent itself. This year, Chipotle intends to expand with more than 300 new stores. Many of these locations will feature “Chipotlanes,” which are digital order drive-thru lanes. App users can order from anywhere and then access the stores drive thru where they can pick up their meals.
Chipotle also spends a significant amount on technology like app-based loyalty programs and automation in food preparation, along with improving speed and service. Even with the economic challenges, Chipotle continues on a strong growth pattern.
2. Cava
Cava is quickly gaining national attention with its youth and health-conscious consumers. In 2025, it plans to open up 62 to 66 new locations, expanding to over 360 restaurants in the USA. Cava has significantly stabilized pricing amid a spate of inflation challenges by leveraging vertical integration and optimizing its supply chain.
The company’s revenues grew an impressive 35.1% in 2024, with an uptick of another 24.1% anticipated in 2025. Cava wants to reach 1,000 locations by 2032 and become a prominent national brand.
3. Wingstop
Wingstop has capitalized on America’s enduring love for chicken wings by embracing technology and operational innovation. They introduced their Smart Kitchens that just rolled out this 2025. Smart kitchens will automate various aspects of cooking and assembly using artificial intelligence to greatly reduce the wait times for delivery.
This technology not only helps improve efficiency and consistency, but Wingstop can also take and fulfill a higher number of orders while using fewer personnel, which is especially helpful given the current labor shortages. Wingstop is paving the way for a new, high-tech franchise model that caters to consumer comfort.
4. Port of Subs
Port of Subs is a long-established but relatively unknown sandwich chain that is now growing quickly. The chain will be opening more than 300 new locations this 2025, with the prospect of growing its locations in California and Minnesota. Port of Subs has a vision to surpass 500 total locations in the next five years.
This growth is being fueled by local franchise agreements and plenty of demand for high quality sub sandwiches. The chain is uniquely situated to meet the consumer demand for fresh, fast sandwich options in suburban and urban areas.
5. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken went from a street food stand in Los Angeles to a national phenomenon with over 283 locations in less than 10 years. With the surge of Nashville-style hot chicken being all the talk right now, Dave’s bold, spicy flavors and their adaptability with a smaller menu appeal to young customers and food enthusiasts.
The demand for franchises is high, allowing for rapid growth. Dave’s Hot Chicken is affordable and has a strong social media presence, which has made it popular for Gen Z and millennial consumers in 2025.
6. Bonchon
Bonchon is a Korean fried chicken restaurant chain that’s growing fast by taking advantage of the current rising popularity of Korean food. Bonchon’s fried chicken serves as a unique alternative to the traditional fried chicken we see.
In 2024, Bonchon signed more than 40 franchise deals, along with opening over 25 sites, with plans to expand that number in 2025. With the blend of authentic Korean culinary techniques with a scalable business model, Bonchon is establishing itself as a leader in the fast-casual segment to continue to be well-equipped for growth in the competitive U.S. restaurant industry.
7. MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza has carved out a niche with a customizable, fast, and easy build-your-own pizza and salad concept. MOD has over 500 stores in the U.S., with plans to continue opening stores in 2025, supported by strong engagement of customers and good experiences from franchisees.
What sets MOD apart from others is its commitment to inclusion and social responsibility, including second-chance hiring practices that employ individuals from marginalized communities. This mission-driven effort resonates well with socially conscious consumers and makes it possible for MOD to enhance the “why” of its brand moving forward.
8. Shake Shack
Shake Shack is in an aggressive expansion phase this 2025, as they open new stores across the globe, and some of these have drive-thrus. This is while also retaining strong revenues and loyal customers here in the USA.
With a focus on quality ingredients and continuing innovation, the brand will continue to flourish through uncertain economic conditions. With a full-scale loyalty program to be announced this year, Shake Shack should continuously strengthen its customer relationships and obtain repeat transactions.
9. Culver’s
Culver’s, which has made a name for itself with its Butter Burgers and fresh frozen custard, is close to opening its 1,000th restaurant and intends to add approximately 55 units in 2025. At the end of 2024, Culver’s had 997 locations, all of which are franchised except for seven company-owned locations.
This growth reflects the company’s franchise model of an owner/operator, wherein each franchise owner focuses on incorporating double drive-thrus and modern elements into the layouts of their restaurants. Additionally, Culver’s continues to grow volumes in suburban and urban communities, which provides convenience and flexibility for consumers.