Restaurantdata tracked more than 500 net-new restaurant openings and projects nationwide during the latest reporting period. This report highlights pre-opening restaurant chains operating between 10 and 20 locations that are actively expanding across U.S. markets.
10-20 Unit Restaurant Growth Statistics
- 3 regional restaurant operators announced pre-opening locations
- 45 combined operating locations across featured companies
- Average portfolio size of 15 units
- 67% feature full-bar service
- 67% are utilizing former restaurant locations
- Kansas, Minnesota, and Florida represented
- Full-service dining concepts account for most expansion activity
The operators featured below represent approximately one-fifth of the pre-opening activity identified during the week among restaurant companies operating between 10 and 20 locations.
American Fire Expands Kansas City Restaurant Portfolio With Fairway Opening
FAIRWAY, KS — American Fire is continuing its growth strategy with a new location planned for 2820 W 53rd Street in Fairway, Kansas. The restaurant will occupy the former Houlihan’s building and is expected to open in Spring 2027.
The concept is part of restaurateur Whitney Vinzant’s portfolio, which includes Louie’s Wine Dive, BRGR Kitchen + Bar, The Brew Top Pub & Patio, and other concepts totaling 16 locations.
The Fairway site is located near Zen Donkey Wellness Cafe and Juicery in a former restaurant building, giving the operator an existing restaurant footprint in a commercial corridor.
Bills Bait Shop Opens 13th Location in Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Bills Bait Shop is preparing to open a new location at 3101 E 42nd Street in Minneapolis. The opening is scheduled for June 2026.
The restaurant will occupy the former Chicago’s Taste Authority space near Angry Catfish Bicycle. Owner Jami Olson also operates Centro, Hippo Pockets, Everywhen Burger Bar, Vivir, and Bina’s, bringing the overall portfolio to 13 locations.
The project adds another neighborhood-focused concept to Olson’s Twin Cities restaurant group.
Big Whiskey’s Continues Southeast Expansion With Florida Opening
CORAL SPRINGS, FL — Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar is planning a new restaurant at 3374 N University Drive in Coral Springs, Florida.
The location will be situated within Cornerstone Plaza and is expected to open in September 2026. The restaurant is planned at approximately 6,000 square feet with seating for roughly 200 guests.
Big Whiskey’s operates 22 locations nationally and continues to expand its full-service bar-and-grill footprint.
Regional Restaurant Expansion Trends
Experienced Operators Are Driving Growth
All featured companies already operate multi-unit restaurant portfolios, showing continued expansion among established regional operators.
Former Restaurant Sites Remain Important
American Fire and Bills Bait Shop are both moving into former restaurant spaces, a common strategy for operators looking to reduce buildout complexity and speed up openings.
Full-Service Concepts Are Still Expanding
Two of the three featured operators are full-service concepts with bar-focused positioning.
10-20 Unit Chains Remain a Key Growth Segment
Restaurant operators in the 10-20 unit range often have enough infrastructure to expand, while still offering early visibility into emerging regional growth trends.
About Restaurantdata
Restaurantdata tracks restaurant openings, ownership changes, development activity, franchise growth, and operator expansion signals across the U.S. foodservice industry.
Want access to the complete list of this week’s restaurant openings, ownership changes, emerging chains, and expansion projects? Visit Restaurantdata.com for verified restaurant intelligence, decision-maker contacts, and nationwide foodservice growth data.