The Chain Store Guide has been supplying foodservice intelligence since 1934. Today the Chain Store Guide is one of the leading data sources for in-depth information on retailers, restaurants, and foodservice operations. As a result, when the Chain Store Guide releases a new report on the food service industry, people tend to take note. The Guide just released its annual report on the top 50 Fastest-Growing Chain Restaurant Operators that features up-and-coming restaurant chains that have excelled at five-year unit growth.

This year congratulations are in order for three small pizza chains that made the list of restaurants with business concepts that weathered the weak economy through savvy franchising. As the report stated “Suppliers and service providers looking for new opportunities would be well served to focus on the vibrant group of companies on this list.”

Heading up the list of pizzerias doing it right is Sarpino's Pizzeria International Inc., of Victoria B.C., at number 23 on the list. Sarpino's boasted 200 percent growth with 93 separate store locations. Next up was the Garlic Jim's Franchise Corp. out of Everett, Washington coming in at number 35 with 163 percent growth and 50 stores. Bringing up the rear and barely making it on the list at position number 50 is Topper's Pizza of Whitewater, Wisconsin showing 125 percent growth and 27 locations.

In order to qualify for the Chain Store Guide's annual report, chain restaurant operators must generate at least $1 million in annual foodservice sales, and operate two or more store units.