By Jay Wilson, Daily Meal
The restaurant industry moves quickly. It can feel like every time you blink, there’s some new hotshot joint that’s suddenly everywhere, offering a brand new spin on classic dishes or bringing something fresh to the table. Because of the volatility of the restaurant scene and the potential for franchising to skyrocket a concept to new heights seemingly overnight, some restaurant chains struggle while others come in and sweep up the competition. In 2026, there are a fair few businesses that are poised to become your new favorite.
Although some of these chains might be familiar to people already, 2026 looks like the year that they’re going to hit the big leagues. Outfits like Sweetgreen, CAVA, and Paris Baguette will see their fortunes ascend to new heights, thanks to plans for rapid expansion and well-balanced books. Other restaurants, like Houston TX Hot Chicken and Via 313, are new kids on the block that may well become major players, due to an appetite for their unique take on universally loved foods and a sense of vigor and innovation in their branding. Let’s check out the restaurant chains you’re about to see everywhere.
THE LIST
Houston TX Hot Chicken
Restaurant chains dream of having the story that Houston TX Hot Chicken has. This chain was founded in 2020, and its first branch was opened the following year. In the space of half a decade, it’s accrued dozens of locations. Then, in 2024, it saw its sales increase by a monumental 105%, and its units grow by 80% (per Restaurant Business). It’s a rare success story of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restaurant landscape during the time, which saw many eateries failing to cope with the tumultuous headwinds presented to them. Houston TX Hot Chicken puts its success down to the ambience and experience that it offers customers, beyond the delicious chicken itself.
Going into 2026, its growth looks unstoppable. Houston TX Hot Chicken has 15 to 20 restaurants on deck to open during the year, and it then plans to acquire 50 to 60 units per year beyond that. It’s also expressed that it’s received interest from overseas partners, hinting at possible international collaboration and expansion. Although it faces stiff competition from Dave’s Hot Chicken, its management seems confident that it can hold its own — and honestly, we think they can, too.
Via 313
Full-service pizza joints don’t feel like particularly fertile ground for restaurant chains if they want to grow quickly, right? Well, tell that to Via 313. The Austin-born concept has defied convention to become a brand that’s on the cusp of success. Via 313 specializes in Detroit-style pizza, and what started as a single trailer has turned into a chain with 25 units across multiple states. 2025 also saw the brand get an enormous win, securing $32.5 million in investment that would double its footprint in three years (per Pizza Today). Not bad for a restaurant that only opened its first permanent location in 2015.
Heading into 2026, the future looks very bright for Via 313. The chain is set to gain four to five new units in 2026, an increase of around 20% of its current size, and even more going forward. By the end of 2027, it could have 40 restaurants across multiple states, and with its eyes set on new markets, it seems as though it’s gonna be a name on everyone’s lips.
Din Tai Fung
CAVA
Paris Baguette
Layne’s Chicken Fingers
Sweetgreen
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
Big Chicken
