Get to Know America’s Growing Breakfast Chains

If you're a breakfast fan, like I am, then you might want to get to know some of America's growing breakfast chains. It's an interesting time in the food chain world, as some restaurant chains are thriving and expanding while others are shrinking. You probably haven't heard of too many of these spots yet, but you will, because they are expanding like crazy. I'm always happy to get a new breakfast spot in town, so I say, bring it on.

Before we get to growing breakfast chains, it's worth looking at some breakfast chains that are shrinking, according to experts. Sadly, Cracker Barrel is on target to close four locations this year, according to Forbes.com. The southern-country-themed restaurant chain will close its doors at two locations in California, as well as one in Oregon and one in South Carolina. Another popular breakfast spot that's closing locations this year is Denny's. For me, that was always the place to go in college after being out for the night. Last year, Denny's closed 57 locations. This year, Denny’s predicts 10 to 20 net unit closures in 2024, according to Restaurant Dive. Denny's seems like such a staple of American breakfast food, that I really hate to see it close.

Now, onto America's growing breakfast chains. According to the experts at EatThis.com, one of the fastest-growing breakfast chains in America right now is a place called First Watch. I've definitely never heard of it. According to the outlet, First Watch first opened in 1983 and currently has more than 530 restaurants in 29 states. Chief financial officer Mel Hope recently announced that the chain will open between 51 and 57 new restaurants in 2024. Of those new restaurants, 43 to 47 will be company-owned, and nine to 11 locations will be franchise operations. What's extra cool is that First Watch plans to enter some markets for the this time this year: Las Vegas and New England.

Another one of America's growing breakfast chains is Another Broken Egg Cafe. I've heard of this spot, because it has such a great name, so I had to remember it. Another Broken Egg Cafe plans to open 13 new restaurants in the coming years, which will help it expand into Florida, Kansas, North Carolina and Texas. Most recently, Another Broken Egg Cafe announced that it will open three locations in Loudoun County, Virginia, as well as some surrounding counties in the northern part of the state. Find more of America's quickly growing breakfast chains via EatThis.com.

The once-challenging quest for vegan options at fast-food restaurants has gotten a lot easier in recent years. Gone are the days of painstakingly customizing orders to suit specific dietary needs. Or worse, just having French fries and lettuce. Fast-food chains have taken significant strides in recent years, expanding their menus to offer an array of plant-based choices.

Plenty of fast-food chains have recognized the shifting dietary preferences of their customers and have embraced the challenge of providing satisfying vegan options. The evolution of vegan choices at these establishments has been impressive. From the golden arches of well-known burger joints to the cozy corners of popular sandwich shops, the vegan revolution has made its mark.

Vegans no longer have to rely solely on customizing existing meals to meet their dietary requirements. Instead, they can revel in the sheer variety that now graces the menus of fast-food chains. These establishments now proudly feature vegan burgers that sizzle and satisfy, dairy-free milkshakes, and even plant-based twists on classic comfort foods.

With an increasing number of people embracing plant-based lifestyles and seeking sustainable dining choices, the fast-food industry has risen to the occasion. These establishments understand that providing diverse options isn't just about following a trend but about fostering inclusivity and catering to many people with specific tastes and needs. So, the next time you're in a hurry and hunger strikes, rest assured that the vegan options at fast-food restaurants are not only abundant but also thoughtfully crafted to satisfy your cravings and nourish your values.

Whether you’re on a diet, dairy-free, vegetarian, or simply vegan there are fast-food places for you to grab a quick bite. Check out these fast-food vegan restaurant menu items. If you're a very strict vegan, you might consider checking with the establishment regarding any potential cross-contamination with meat products when placing your order.

According to Taco Bell, most of their products are vegan. They say to order any item "fresco style", which replaces mayo-based sauces, cheeses, and reduced-fat sour cream with freshly prepared diced tomatoes. Then, substitute the protein with black beans, refried beans, or potato bites. In June, the chain announced that they’re testing a new Vegan Crunchwrap which is meatless and dairy-free. If all goes well, you can soon see that on menus too.

For a restaurant known for its coffee, you may be surprised by the vegan options. Dunkin offers more than 20 vegan menu items, according to their site. Dunkin' features avocado toast and a selection of non-dairy milk alternatives such as oat, almond, and coconut milk to accompany your coffee. In addition to avocado toast, vegans can enjoy other choices like avocado and roasted tomato toast, a bacon avocado tomato sandwich minus the bacon, various bagels including plain, cinnamon raisin, everything, and sesame without cream cheese, an English muffin, and hash browns.

For those seeking plant-based options, Chipotle has consistently offered a reliable meal comprising rice, beans, fajita veggies, salsa, and guacamole. The year 2013 saw a transformative addition to Chipotle's menu with the introduction of vegan sofritas. This was a game-changing choice; it features flavorful spicy braised tofu. As confirmed by the restaurant chain, their sofritas option has been given the seal of approval for both vegans and vegetarians alike.

Burger King offers the Impossible Burger patty, which is widely available across their fast-food outlets nationwide. The Impossible Whopper, just like the classic version, features an Impossible patty crafted from plant-based ingredients. Both Burger King and Impossible Foods representatives informed INSIDER that, upon request, the Impossible Whopper can be prepared separately to ensure it is not cooked on the same surface used for meat products. Additionally, Burger King has begun testing Impossible chicken nuggets.