REI links, ownership references and reuse terms reviewed October 19, 2026. Historical figures reflect the original research periods.
This restored RestaurantChains.net report ranks the top 10 fastest-growing restaurant chains from the January 2007 reporting period.
The list was based on quarter-to-quarter unit growth among smaller restaurant chains, before the 2008 recession changed expansion conditions across much of the industry.
Historical archive note: This report reflects restaurant chain growth activity as originally reported in early 2007. Unit counts, ownership, websites, and operating status may have changed since then.
The Report
REI identifies a current company, parent-company or documented acquirer profile in the Restaurant Enterprise Index. Separately named parents have their own links. Ownership and acquisition notes are distinct from the historical report figures.
| Rank | Chain | Cuisine | Service Type | Starting Units | Units Added | Ending Units | Growth | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Papaya King | Sandwich | Quick Serve | 3 | 5 | 8 | 167% | CT, NY |
| 2 | Starwich Salads & Sandwiches | Sandwich | Fast Casual | 5 | 4 | 9 | 80% | MA, NJ, NY, DC |
| 3 | Bearclaw Coffee | Coffee | Quick Serve | 9 | 7 | 16 | 78% | MI |
| 4 | Fish City Grill | Seafood | Family/Casual | 7 | 4 | 11 | 57% | AR, OK, TX |
| 5 | Spicy Pickle Sub Shop | Sandwich | Fast Casual | 12 | 5 | 17 | 42% | CA, CO, OR, SD, TX |
| 6 | Bajio Grill | Mexican | Family/Casual | 24 | 10 | 34 | 42% | AZ, ID, IN, NV, OR, TX, UT |
| 7 | Rumbi Island Grill | American | Fast Casual | 13 | 5 | 18 | 38% | AZ, CO, UT |
| 8 | Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli | American | Fast Casual | 22 | 6 | 28 | 27% | AZ, CO, IL |
| 9 | DoubleDave’s Pizza Works | Pizza | Quick Serve | 41 | 7 | 48 | 17% | TX |
| 10 | JRECK Subs | Sandwich | Quick Serve | 38 | 6 | 44 | 16% | NY |
How the Data Was Collected
Unit counts were based on the most recent four-month research period, concluded December 20, 2006. Chains qualified by having at least three units, fewer than 50 units, growth of at least four units, and reliable information available on unit counts and activity.
What the 2007 List Shows
This report shows how early-stage restaurant growth appeared before many of these concepts became widely known, slowed, consolidated, or changed direction.
Several names on this list later developed differently than their early unit growth suggested. That is part of the value of preserving the original report: it captures expansion activity as it was visible during that specific period, not with the benefit of hindsight.
More Restaurant Growth Reports
For current restaurant company records, contacts, locations, and ownership linkages, visit Restaurantdata.com. For current and upcoming restaurant opening activity, visit Restaurantpipeline.com.