That last half-dozen years have been among the most challenging for the restaurant business with staffing issues and rising food costs. However, there are many food chains in Missouri that have experienced explosive growth. There are 10 whose presence is now growing faster than any others in the state.
I decided to explore the food places in Missouri that are currently experiencing big growth. Based on new locations opening this year and the percentage of growth experienced, here are the 10 fastest-growing in Missouri at this moment:
1 – Cracker Barrel – +15.2% growth rate – 17 new locations opening this year
Strong Missouri performance; no major new-store announcement found, but the company continues investing in its existing footprint.
2 – Zaxby’s +14.2% growth rate – many new locations opening this year
Biggest confirmed Missouri expansion: a 7-store development agreement covering St. Louis and Columbia.
3 – Nothing Bundt Cakes +13.9% growth rate – 18 new locations opening this year
Continues aggressive national franchise development; Missouri remains an important market.
4 – Braum’s +13.3% growth rate – 12+ new locations opening this year
Continuing systemwide expansion, although its biggest 2026 openings so far are outside Missouri.
5 – Golden Corral +12.1% growth rate – 9 new locations opening this year
National franchise expansion continues, but Missouri’s footprint appears relatively stable.
6 – Shake Shack – +11.8% growth rate – 9 new locations opening this year
New St. Louis location planned: River City Casino area, with construction planned for 2026.
7 – Jersey Mike’s +10.9% growth rate – 35–37 new locations opening this year
Two Missouri locations are currently listed as in development: Fort Leonard Wood and Maplewood.
8 – Red Lobster +10.6% growth rate – 13 new locations opening this year
Growth is primarily consumer-spending performance rather than a Missouri expansion story; no major new Missouri development identified.
9 – Whataburger +9.1% growth rate – 19 new locations opening this year
Still one of Missouri’s more aggressive burger expansions, with a long-term Kansas City/Missouri development pipeline thanks in part to the support of Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.
10 – Charleys Cheesesteaks – +9.1% growth rate – At least 1 new location opening this year
Growing nationally through franchise development; Missouri footprint remains relatively small.
5 Times Guy Fieri Filmed Triple D Nation in Missouri
Gallery Credit: Google Maps Street View
Dining and Cooking