Many restaurant groups have become integral to the dining landscape, growing from small, independent operations to large, multi-location entities. These groups are influential in shaping restaurant industry trends and customer expectations.
In this article, we will explore 20 notable restaurant groups, analyzing their impact, success factors, and the key elements that have driven their growth.
Key Takeaways
- Restaurant groups: A collection of restaurants operated under one company, showcasing diversity and scalability.
- Independent restaurants: Small-scale, often unique operations that stand out for their individuality in the market.
- Hospitality: The driving force behind customer satisfaction, influencing both the dining experience and brand loyalty.
- Growth and expansion: Vital components for restaurant group success, fueled by strategic investments and market adaptation.
- Success factors: The importance of quality, reputation, and innovation in sustaining long-term business growth.
What is a Restaurant Group?
A restaurant group is a collection of multi-location restaurants operated under a single company, ranging from independent restaurants that scale to restaurant chains with national reach.
Below you can read the list of 20 notable restaurant groups that have significantly impacted the restaurant industry. These groups excel in key areas such as hospitality, restaurant customer service, and business innovation.
Some have expanded into multiple locations across different cities, while others have become national or even global brands.
1. Union Square Hospitality Group
Founded by Danny Meyer, Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) is renowned for its commitment to genuine hospitality and exceptional dining experiences. Notable establishments include Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, and Blue Smoke, a beloved restaurant known for its Southern barbecue with a modern twist.
USHG has set a standard for high-end dining and exceptional service, influencing the hospitality landscape nationwide.
2. Tao Group Hospitality
Tao Group Hospitality, led by Co-CEOs Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss, operates over 80 branded locations across four continents, offering unique culinary and entertainment experiences through renowned brands like TAO, Hakkasan, OMNIA, and Marquee.
Acquiring Hakkasan Group in 2021, the company continues to set industry standards for innovation and creativity in the hospitality sector, while being part of Mohari Hospitality, an investment firm focused on luxury lifestyle and hospitality.
3. Boka Restaurant Group
Founded by Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm in 2002, Boka Restaurant Group operates a variety of critically acclaimed restaurants in Chicago.
Their portfolio includes high-end dining concepts such as Boka and Girl & The Goat, and they are known for their creative menus and focus on locally sourced ingredients.
4. Gastamo Group
Gastamo Group, founded by Philippe Failyau in 2009 with the opening of Park Burger, aims to create inviting community spaces centered around high-quality food and gourmet ingredients.
The group’s diverse restaurants, including Homegrown Tap & Dough, Park & Co., Perdida, and Lady Nomada, are united by a shared commitment to exceptional food and bringing people together.
5. Ciccio Restaurant Group
Ciccio Restaurant Group, founded by James Lanza over 25 years ago, is named after his father, Frank “Ciccio” Lanza, a successful Fortune 100 CEO. Based in Tampa Bay, the group focuses on creating health-conscious, flavorful meals committed to restaurant sustainability.
Ciccio Restaurant Group prides itself on fostering a strong team culture and building lasting relationships with customers, vendors, and employees.
6. Ethan Stowell Restaurants
Ethan Stowell Restaurants, founded in 2003 with the opening of Union in Seattle, is known for its simple, elegant menus and comfortable dining experiences. Today, the group operates 12 unique concepts across 20+ locations, maintaining a focus on unfussy sophistication and community involvement.
7. Cohn Restaurant Group
Cohn Restaurant Group, founded in 1981 by David and Lesley Cohn, has expanded from a single diner to 24 unique dining concepts across San Diego, Long Beach, and Maui. Their diverse portfolio includes establishments like Coasterra, Island Prime, and Vintana wine + dine, each offering distinct culinary experiences.
8. MINA Group
Founded by celebrity chef Michael Mina, the Mina Group operates several high-end restaurants including PABU and Michael Mina.
The group is celebrated for its innovation and luxury dining, blending traditional and modern cuisines with exceptional service.
9. Indigo Road Hospitality Group
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, the Indigo Road Hospitality Group operates a collection of diverse restaurants such as Oak Steakhouse and The Cocktail Club.
Known for creating elegant yet accessible dining experiences, the group has become a staple in the Southeast’s hospitality scene.
10. Major Food Group
Major Food Group has made a name for itself with its high-profile restaurants such as Carbone, ZZ’s Clam Bar, and Sadelle’s.
The group is known for its sophisticated, upscale dining experiences and innovative takes on classic Italian-American dishes.
11. FB Society
FB Society, formerly Front Burner Restaurants, is a Dallas-based restaurant group known for creating unique dining experiences with concepts like Whiskey Cake and Sixty Vines.
The group focuses on incubating innovative brands and expanding successful restaurant concepts across multiple locations.
12. The José Andrés Group
Led by renowned chef José Andrés, this group operates a collection of highly regarded restaurants such as Jaleo and Minibar.
Known for its avant-garde approach to Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, the José Andres Group is also recognized for its humanitarian efforts through World Central Kitchen.
13. Patina Restaurant Group
Known for its fine dining and diverse offerings, Patina Restaurant Group operates high-end venues such as Patina and Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse.
The group excels in creating memorable dining experiences, with an emphasis on seasonal, fresh ingredients and exceptional service.
14. Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
Operating a variety of brands, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants is a leader in the upscale casual dining sector.
The group focuses on high-quality steaks and seafood, delivering consistently exceptional dining experiences across its many locations.
15. Thompson Restaurants
Founded in 1992, Thompson Restaurants operates over seventy restaurants across Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Ohio, and South Florida.
As part of Thompson Hospitality, the largest minority-owned food service provider in the U.S., the group focuses on delivering positive experiences to guests, clients, and team members.
16. STARR Restaurant Group
A key player in the high-end dining scene, STARR Restaurants Group operates several top-tier restaurants, such as The Spence and Budakkan.
The group is known for its stylish venues and exceptional service, providing fine dining experiences in both New York and Philadelphia.
17. Landry’s, Inc.
Landry’s Inc. operates a variety of restaurants, from fine dining to casual chains like McCormick & Schmick’s and Rainforest Cafe.
The company, headed by Tilman Fertitta, is one of the largest hospitality and entertainment conglomerates in the world, known for its focus on customer experience and premium service.
18. Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Founded in 1971 by Rich Melman and Jerry A. Orzoff, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants began with the opening of R.J. Grunts and has grown to manage over 60 brands and 130 restaurants across multiple states.
The company’s philosophy, rooted in partnership and a “culture of caring,” continues to drive innovation and growth, offering opportunities for its talented teams to develop in diverse restaurant concepts from fast casual to Michelin-starred fine dining.
19. Hal Smith Restaurants
Hal Smith Restaurants, founded in 1986, operates over 85 locations across the Midwest, offering a variety of dining concepts.
Their portfolio includes Charleston’s, Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, each known for unique atmospheres and exceptional service.
20. Hillstone Restaurant Group
Hillstone Restaurant Group, founded in 1977, operates a collection of upscale casual dining concepts, including Houston’s, Hillstone, and R+D Kitchen.
Known for their exceptional service and quality ingredients, each restaurant provides a unique dining experience in thoughtfully designed spaces.
Factors Key to Restaurant Group Success
Restaurant groups use marketing strategies such as restaurant social media, special events, and promotions to draw attention to their brands. This helps them stand out and reach customers across multiple locations.
Consistent marketing ensures their restaurants stay top-of-mind, especially during high-demand periods like the holiday season when customer expectations are at their peak.
However, reputation and quality are key to long-term success. A strong reputation for excellent service and high-quality food builds customer loyalty.
The Future of Restaurant Groups
The future of restaurant groups is shaped by evolving consumer preferences and emerging restaurant trends.
Technology continues to play a significant role, with innovations like contactless payments, restaurant mobile apps, and QR code menus enhancing the dining experience and improving customer convenience.
Restaurant sustainability is another growing trend, as consumers increasingly seek restaurants that prioritize eco-friendly practices, from sourcing locally to reducing food waste.
Restaurant groups that adopt these practices will appeal to environmentally conscious customers and strengthen their position in the market.
