Newcomers to the Top 100

Several of the newcomers to this year's Top 100 Independents ranking share common elements. Three, for example, offer internationally inspired fare—two of which are specifically Asian-focused. Many have more than one level, maintaining the large-footprint trend shared by many of the Top 100 spots. But all eight made the list because of their sales. Whether they didn't meet that minimum the previous year, weren't open or asked to be considered this time around, their operations made the cut this time around.

Location: New York City

Top 100 Rank: 12

Annual Sales: $23,680,917

Fun Fact: This latest concept from Tao Group, in partnership with Chef Chris Santos, is a two-level lounge and restaurant focused on global street foods and graffiti-filled decor. 

Restaurant profile | Top 100 ranking

Location: Washington, D.C.

Top 100 Rank: 37

Annual Sales: $17,243,193

Fun Fact: Founding Farmers is owned, as a co-op, by more than 47,000 family farmers, including this initial unit, located three blocks from the White House.

Restaurant profile | Top 100 ranking

Location: Miami

Top 100 Rank: 51

Annual Sales: $16,377,232

Fun Fact: The three-level concept, complete with three bars, offers what it calls "outdoor floating birds nest seating," for a treehouse vibe.

Restaurant profile | Top 100 ranking

Location: New York City

Top 100 Rank: 52

Annual Sales: $16,200,000*

Fun Fact: The restaurant, helmed by Chef Mario Batali, offers two different dining experiences - small plates in the tapas bar and a more formal Italian menu in the main dining room.

*RB estimate

Restaurant profile | Top 100 ranking

Location: Orlando, Fla.

Top 100 Rank: 61

Total Sales: $15,640,000

Fun Fact: Located in Disney Springs, the Morimoto pan-Asian restaurant offers a treat for parents, too, with a happy hour Monday through Thursday with bites starting at $8.

Restaurant profile | Top 100 ranking

Location: New York City

Top 100 Rank: 65

Total Sales: $15,350,000

Fun Fact: The spot isn’t just popular for a quick lunch or business meeting; it's on board with the off-premise trend, offering online ordering and delivery.

Restaurant profile | Top 100 ranking

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Top 100 Rank: 81

Annual Sales: $14,200,000*

Fun Fact: The waterfront restaurant is located in the landmark Lauderdale Marina. Diners can sit dockside for a more casual experience while they watch boats come and go, or they can dine in the more formal upstairs setting.

*RB estimate

Restaurant profile | Top 100 ranking

Location: Tysons, Va.

Top 100 Rank: 92

Total Sales: $13,425,130

Fun Fact: This location was designed to replicate a Virginia farmhouse, with certain areas meant to feel like a bar, sun tea room, pantry and bedroom. 

Restaurant profile | Top 100 ranking